The Lake Forest Church Benevolence fund is reserved for the Ministry Partners and regular attenders of our church communities; helping them with basic needs and a hand up in their time of unexpected financial crisis.  Assistance will be approved and a plan for action put in place when the request is in accordance with our Benevolence Fund Guidelines (Part 2 below) and agreed upon by the Benevolence Team. Pastoral recommendations will be considered when approving or denying requests.  Any approved funds are granted as a gift, and repayment is not expected.  The Benevolence Team will treat all Benevolence matters with sensitivity and confidentiality.  

In an effort to care for those outside of our fellowship, we lovingly refer them to the coalition of ministries that serve our communities.  We already partner with and provide financial support to these local non-profit ministries.  

The Benevolence fund is intended as a source of last resort, to be used only after the applicant has explored all other possibilities of help from family, friends, savings, or investments.  The fund is intended to be a temporary help during a time of crisis following these guidelines:

• Benevolence Application Forms will be completed by Ministry Partners and Regular Attenders of Lake Forest Church before the Benevolence Team considers requests.  Assistance is available in filling this out if necessary. 
• Benevolence is meant to be a one-time gift used as part of a plan to help restore the applicant and his or her family to financial self-sufficiency.  Benevolence is not a loan or given in exchange for services.
• Applicant will be willing to give the Benevolence team additional information as requested as well as follow up information after benevolence is approved and dispersed.
• Approved funds will be disbursed by direct payment to the party or entity to whom payment is due.
• Applications must be completed fully, with all supporting documentation.
• The Applicant will be informed of the status of his/her request within 1-5 business days from the submission of completed application.
• The team will contact utility companies, landlords, etc. to verify need and arrange payment if approved.  

The stated purpose of the LFC Benevolence Fund is to meet the basic needs of Ministry Partners and Regular Attenders of Lake Forest Church.

This section lists some of the most basic needs, or circumstances, under which financial assistance may be dispersed from the fund:

• Utilities (electric, gas, water)
• Food
• Gas/repairs for a vehicle used for transportation to and from applicants’ place of employment
• Necessary medications/RX drugs 
• Home Mortgages & Rents (only done in special circumstances after careful consideration)

Though not all inclusive, the following is a list of needs that may not be met by the Benevolence Fund:

• School expenses (tuition or fees)
• Business investments, or anything that brings financial profit to the applicant or household
• Pay off credit cards
• Needs of individuals wanted by the law or for paying fines as a result of breaking the law
• Legal fees
• Penalties related to late payments or irresponsible actions