The purpose of the Benevolence Fund is to provide financial aid to an individual who is in need on an urgent basis. The Benevolence Fund may not be applicable for cases which need long-term financial support. REAL Church has the right to adjust or to disapprove an applicant’s request and may consider providing assistance other than monetary help.
Applicants are not granted financial assistance based on relationships between church leaders or being a significant church contributor. REAL Church does not discriminate between applicants based upon race, color, sex, national origin, age, geographic territory, or disability. REAL Church may provide short-term (emergency) assistance to ensure that an applicant has the basic necessities such as food, housing, transportation, and medical assistance (including counseling).
The preferred method of providing assistance is to pay for the applicant’s need directly to the business provider. Assistance may also be provided in the form of goods or services. The type
of aid that is appropriate depends on the individual’s needs and available resources.
BASIC REQUIREMENT
1. Need must be related to a short-term financial crisis (medical emergency, accidents, loss of job, etc.)
BENEVOLENCE PROCESS
1. Complete and submit Benevolence Request Form
2. Someone will reach out regarding the request
3. Request will be reviewed by Benevolence Team (this could take 7 business days)
4. Once reviewed, Approval, Denial, or Request for additional information or clarification of information may be required
5. If Approved, Someone will reach out to verify payment information; and review other options if payment is significantly lower than bill.
6. Applicant should always seek assistance from other sources and not rely on REAL Church for total assistance
7. Applicant should sign up for financial counseling sessions
ADDITIONAL CRITERIA
At the discretion of the Benevolence Team, you may be requested to provide the following:
1. Documentation regarding income (paystubs), personal bank statements, and other income and expenses
2. Participation in financial counseling
3. Written plan on how stay on track with finances (i.e. monthly budget)
EXCLUSIONS
1. We cannot help with bills more than 60 days in arrears, student loans, car payments, credit card debit, insurance payments, unsecured loan payments, taxes, legal
assistance, or any expense that is not an objectively verified need. We cannot approve your request if you live outside our servicing area. We cannot consider any invoice, bill or obligation that is not in the name of the person making the request.
2. Benevolence assistance is a maximum of $300 per case. An applicant can only request assistance once every 12 months.
3. We cannot process incomplete applications. Please complete the benevolence request in its entirety. If you have questions please contact finance@realchurchwaldorf.com for assistance
4. We do not provide cash assistance. Approved assistance will be processed by check, or ACH to the company we are assisting you with. In some cases payments can be made to the payment portal of the creditor, as long as it’s a direct payment (i.e. no third party
links / payment page must have the creditor’s name on it). This may require the applicant’s log in information.
5. We can not provide immediate payment. Payments are processed within 7 business days once ALL information is provided. Incorrect submission of information may delay the process.
6. Be honest. If the identity of any individual on the form can not be verified (i.e. driver’s license or state id) or if any information provided is proven to be false, no assistance will be given. And future assistance may be denied.
7. We cannot guarantee any assistance. Filing out an application does not guarantee approval. Please reach out to other agencies.
8. All applications are treated with confidentiality. Your information may be shared with the Benevolence Ministry.
OTHER AGENCIES
1. LifeStyles of Maryland, Inc. – 301/609-9900 – www.lifestylesofmd.org
2. Salvation Army – www.salvationarmyusa.org
3. Red Cross – www.redcross.org
4. Department of Social Services – 301/392-6400