Benevolence Ministry - Mount Vernon Baptist Church

Mount Vernon Baptist Church Benevolence Ministry Policy & Guidelines

Updated October 2025

Purpose

The Benevolence Ministry was established under the Missions Partnership Committee in order to provide limited, short-term financial assistance to those who are in crisis; particularly in the case of essential needs (i.e. food, electricity, rent and water). A crisis is considered a short-term struggle that needs to be managed immediately as opposed to an ongoing yearly struggle. Assistance can be provided to MVBC members as well as individuals in the community. In addition to the financial grant, the ministry is designed to come alongside the person in need and offer other avenues of assistance (i.e. simple home repair, car repair, prayer support, recovery/addiction support, etc.) through volunteers within the church. Great care will be given to assist individuals in connecting with community, charitable, and social service organizations that can give additional support as well. The desire is to walk with the person in the development of healthier financial management; not just to provide a one-time quick fix. Gifts from the Benevolence fund are intended to be a one-time assistance. In unusual circumstances, it may be decided to help more than once, but as a rule the requestor should expect that any additional request will not be considered for at least 12 months.

Guidelines

The approval of an application and the disbursements of funds are subject to the discretion of the Associate Pastor for Missions and Administrative Assistant for Missions. However, the following guidelines are given to lay a foundation for the distribution of funds:

- All requests for assistance must be made using a Benevolence Request Form, available on the church website under Needs Assistance – Benevolence Ministry. This form can be submitted online or emailed to benevolence@mountvernon.church
  - Fill out Benevolence Request Form Online
  - Download Benevolence Request Form and email to benevolence@mountvernon.church
- Preference is given first to individuals who are church members, regular attendees of MVBC and members of the community living with a 15-mile radius of the church. All others will be evaluated against available funds.
- Under no circumstance is a gift from the Benevolence Fund to be considered a loan. No gift may be repaid, either in part or in full, in money, or in labor. If the recipient desires to give to the church at a later time, this individual is to be encouraged to give directly to the Benevolence Fund of the church.
- No cash will be given to individuals, rather a bill will be paid directly to vendors (i.e. Dominion Virginia Power, rent agencies, etc.)
- Grants of $150 for bill payment will be made at each community request with a maximum of $500 annually. Annual limits are defined within the fiscal year. Members or regular attenders at Mount Vernon may be assisted up to $1,500 annually. Any expenditures outside these amounts will be approved by the Associate Pastor for Missions.
- Gift cards for necessities will be distributed in $25 increments with an annual allowance of $200.
- Generally, the process from intake/request to mailing of payment is a week. However, all requests will work through the church’s financial operation procedures. Individuals are made aware of this at the time of their intake meeting.
- The Associate Pastor for Missions and/or Administrator of the Benevolence Ministry may deny help to anyone who, in their estimation, will have or shows negative or irresponsible behavior reinforced by receiving financial assistance.

Benevolence Need Categories

The stated purpose of the Benevolence Fund is to meet people’s basic needs. This section lists some of the most basic needs, or circumstances, under which financial assistance may be disbursed due to loss of significant income from: (a) loss of employment, (b) death, (c) divorce/separation, (d) illness.

- Mortgages/Rents
- Utilities (lights, gas, water) – cell phone, pagers, cable TV are not eligible expenses
- Food – gift card, Food Pantry
- Gas cards for transportation to or from place of employment or in some cases another state where individual lives.

Although not all inclusive, below is a list of some needs that are NOT eligible for assistance:

- School expenses (i.e. tuition or fees), business investments, or anything that brings financial profit to the individual or household applying.
- Pay-off credit cards – Exceptions can be made when an individual has had to use a credit card in a crisis or emergency (e.g., hospitalization, death, etc)
- Needs of individuals who are wanted by the law or paying fines because of breaking the law.
- Legal fees
- Penalties related to late payments or irresponsible actions
- Private school fees or tuition
- Hotel stays

Essentials Principles/Policies

Here are some important principles that are essential for you to understand. These policies are not intended to burden you- but to simply be a responsible way for us to discern the needs and use God’s money wisely.

1. We will treat you with dignity and respect.
2. We will not provide assistance to anyone who is disrespectful or show negative or irresponsible behavior.
3. The normal use of the Benevolence Fund is for unusual, sudden, or severe needs. While distributions may be offered over an extended period, this ministry is not intended to provide financial sustenance to the applicant.
4. We will never give cash.
5. We do not say “yes” without prayerful evaluation that includes asking you to fill out an application and giving us permission to verify the information you have stated.
6. We will help with paying mortgages/rent, utilities, gift cards for food and gas. We don’t pay bills we deem unnecessary (i.e. home phone or cell phone, cable, etc).
7. We will ask that you take primary responsibility for taking steps to remedy your situation.
8. Individuals able to work but not demonstrating appropriate effort to secure gainful employment will not qualify for financial assistance.

Benevolence Procedure & Process

1. The applicant must read Benevolence Guidelines completely.
2. The applicant must complete a Benevolence Request Form (online or download)
3. The applicant must meet with the Benevolence Administrator in person by setting up an appointment during regular office hours.
4. Walk ins will be required to complete the Benevolence Request Form (online or download) and set up a meeting prior to any assistance.
5. Those requesting help must be willing to give the Benevolence Administrator permission to follow up on any information provided on the Benevolence Request Form (online or download) . Additional contact may be required to complete the application process. Details of the application will only be discussed with the parties directly involved.
6. The Benevolence Administrator and/or Associate Pastor for Missions may request to speak directly to the vendor/business/service provider for verification of applicant’s request.
7. The applicant will be contacted by the Benevolence Administrator with the final decision. Please allow 2-3 business days from time of application before inquiring about the status of an application.
8. If approved, a check will be distributed to the vendor/business/service provider for which the applicant owes funds. Under no circumstances will a check be given directly to the applicant.
9. The Benevolence Request Form (online or download) and associated paperwork are kept on file for up to 7 years. To maintain privacy, all information, including identity, will be kept appropriately confidential.