Open Life Benevolence Fund: A Source of Temporary Help
The Open Life Benevolence Fund exists to offer holistic support—financial, emotional, physical, and spiritual—to individuals and families in our community facing emergency hardship. This includes, but is not limited to, sudden crises such as natural disasters, illness, accident, death, or violent crime.
Disbursement & Priority
Decisions regarding the fund's disbursement are made by the Benevolence Fund Review Team and the Lead Pastoral Team. Priority is given first to church members and regular attendees, and then to other members of the community or agencies responding to urgent needs.
A Source of Last Resort
This fund is intended to be a one-time, temporary help during a crisis. It must be a source of last resort—you must first explore all other avenues of help, including family, friends, personal savings, or investments.
Payment Method
To ensure funds are applied directly to the crisis, payments are not made directly to individuals. Instead, funds are paid on your behalf to the landlord or other entity demanding payment.
Eligible Needs
The fund's purpose is to meet basic, essential needs during a crisis. Generally, these include:
- Lodging (e.g., rent, temporary shelter)
- Food
- Clothing
- Medical treatment
- Transportation (specifically, for employment)
- Funeral expenses
- Initial evaluation and limited professional counseling appointments
Ineligible Needs (Exclusions)
The Benevolence Fund cannot cover:
- Debt Repayment: Paying off credit card debt, legal fees, or financial penalties relating to late payments or irresponsible actions. (Note: Exceptions for credit card debt may be considered if the card was used in a documented emergency, such as hospitalization or death.)
- Profit/Investment: School expenses, business ventures, investments, or anything that brings financial profit to the individual or family.
- Housing for unmarried couples
- Fines/Legal Issues: Needs of individuals wanted by the law or for paying fines as a result of breaking the law.
- Education: Private school fees or tuition.
Who May Apply
The application must be completed by and for your own household. You cannot apply as a nomination for another individual or family. However, you are welcome to make a referral by copying the application link (HERE) and sending it directly to the individual you believe is a good candidate for the fund.
Submission Requirements
*Please be prepared to complete the application in its entirety and have all necessary documents on hand for upload. The system will not accept incomplete submissions.
Decision Notification
Once a determination has been made, you will receive notice of our decision and further instructions, if required, typically within three business days.
Support the work of the benevolence fund
If you want to give back or have the gift of generosity and want to support this fund, you can donate at the link below.
Want to know the heart behind the fund? Read the Blog HERE
Want to know the heart behind the fund? Read the Blog HERE