Benevolence Policy
Benevolence Request Form (must be submitted in-person at the church)
Street Sheet (Extended Resources in the SF Valley and Beyond)
St. James Presbyterian Church (SJPC), in service and commitment to our Lord, believes in spreading the Good News of salvation through Jesus Christ by celebrating God’s presence, educating God’s people, communicating God’s love and demonstrating God’s Care. In the course of this mission, we seek to assist those in need through charitable benevolence.
In an effort to offer assistance to people in need, the Mission, Outreach, and Witness Ministry (MOW) Committee has adopted a policy to include these procedures to be carried out with humility, discreetness, and love.
I. Benevolence Policy Points
1. All requests for assistance shall be forwarded to the Missions, Outreach and Witness Ministry Committee (MOW) for evaluation and assessment in consultation with the Pastor.
2. All assistance is at the discretion of MOW.
3. Priority will be given to active members of the church and regular participants in the church’s community.
4. Visitors who seek assistance, who have legitimate needs, can also be helped, with priority given to those who live in the community.
5. Due to limited funds, MOW will assist those who have been assessed to have legitimate needs.
6. MOW will offer assistance to individuals and families.
7. MOW will keep a record of funds available and all requests for assistance. No assistance will be given without completing an application form.
8. If existing funds are not sufficient, the committee can choose to contact Session and other SJPC Ministries with a special request for additional funds or resources.
9. The church office, on behalf of MOW, will maintain aid kits and information sheets on other non-profit organizations to be given to those with needs.
10. MOW may, at its discretion, follow up with all those who have received assistance.
11. MOW may choose to set aside a portion of their annual budget to be used for benevolent purposes. At the end of the fiscal year, all funds not spent can be delegated toward other causes as selected by the MOW committee.
12. The Pastor shall keep gift cards (gas, fast food, groceries) totaling no more than $200 for assistance in an emergency/immediate situation.
II. Forms of Assistance
1. Assistance can be given from one or more of the following categories:
a. Food
b. Clothing
c. Medical needs
d. Shelter and utilities
e. Transportation (bus)
f. Gift cards, (when applicable for gas, groceries, fast-food)
g. Cash (only if other means are not sufficient)
2. Assistance will not be given for/to:
b. Personal loans
c. Legal fees
d. Uncooperative or demanding individuals
e. Unsubstantiated or unjustified requests (so deemed by MOW and/or the Pastor)
3. MOW can and will also refer those seeking assistance to Hope the Mission (especially in regards to families), North Valley Caring Services. MOW can also refer individuals or families to other non-profit organizations for assistance (Street Sheet).
4. Those individuals requesting repeated assistance will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis by MOW.
5. If the request is large or complicated, then MOW may designate one member of the committee to review the request and bring his/her assessment to the committee for further action.
III. Process for Assistance
1. Those seeking assistance must be over 18 years of age and complete an application, which will be forwarded to MOW.
2. The information on the application consists of:
a. Name
b. Address
c. Phone number, if available
d. Valid ID (driver’s license or other)
e. Type of assistance requested
f. Church information, if member
g. Due date for assistance
h. Employer, if possible
i. Emergency contact. if possible
3. Process for Non-Immediate Assistance
a. All applicants must complete an application for assistance.
b. The application will be forwarded to the MOW committee and the Pastor for evaluation and assistance distribution.
4. Process for Immediate/Emergency Assistance (Walk-in Assistance)
a. All applicants must complete an application form.
b. The Pastor has discretion for immediate/emergency/walk-in assistance, and will only give assistance during working/in-office hours.
c. If the assistance is non-monetary or valued under $50, the Pastor is granted discretion on giving assistance in keeping with the benevolence policy.
d. Assistance may be given in the form of gift cards, bus passes, and vouchers, but not cash. The Pastor may also refer the person to other appropriate organizations.
e. If the request is valued over $50, then the Pastor must consult 2 members of the MOW committee by phone for approval to grant assistance.