Benevolence Fund Guidelines:
Specific guidelines have been developed for responding to financial requests. These guidelines are designed to provide a framework for the application of Journey resources. Benevolence is never taxable because it is considered a charitable program of the church. For that reason, it must be carefully managed and the church must take steps to ensure that all benevolent gifts are made only for the basic necessities of life (food, shelter, transportation) and only to those who are needy (determined by income limitations, distressed or emergency situations, loss of job, death in the family).
- Requester must complete the online financial assistance application. A copy will be printed for Journey’s financial auditing records. In order to make a determination on assistance, the data requested will be comprehensive and personal in nature.
- If approved, for immediate needs (electric, water, medical, etc), Journey will pay the bill DIRECTLY to the utility provider. For accounting purposes, checks will not be made out to the individual.
- Copies of bills are REQUIRED and must accompany the financial assistance application.
- Financial assistance per individual/family is limited to ONCE per year, and THREE times total.
- Over and above the financial assistance levels above, financial assistance may be granted to families/individuals for professional counseling (financial, marital, or otherwise) through Journey’s Care Network.