AppalachianCommunityMission

Benevolence Fund Policies

     Appalachian Community Mission has a benevolence fund in which money has been set aside to help people in need. The idea is to help people in need for an amount not exceeding $500.00, except under special circumstances. The vast majority of gifts will be worth less than $100.00. There will not be questions asked about the details with the first request; however, there are several requirements that must be met by recipients:
 
First Time Requests
     The person must have been referred by a church or charitable organization, unless someone associated with ACM makes the referral based on prior knowledge.
     Gifts may be given in the form of grocery cards, gas cards, or gift certificates. ACM will not give cash or check gifts as a policy except under special circumstances, which must be approved by a majority vote of the board.
     The recipient is encouraged to return the money given to the ACM benevolence fund as God blesses. However, if the money is not returned, ACM will make no efforts to recover the funds. The decision will ultimately be between the recipient of the funds and God. There will be no strings attached!

Second Time Requests
     The person making a second request for help must state verbally in writing the reason for the need. This request must be given to one of the members of the board of directors.
     ACM may network with other agencies to assist the recipient in acquiring more funds, job placement, or counseling services. If there are ongoing financial difficulties, the recipient may be asked to meet with an ACM board member or local pastor for counseling before the request is granted.
     After the second request has been granted, ACM will ask the recipient to return the money given to ACM benevolence fund as God blesses. As with the first request, if the money is not returned, ACM will make no efforts to recover the funds.