The Benevolent Fund is designed to help Mennonite Brethren churches address critical financial needs of individuals within their congregations. It is intended to provide general support for a church benevolent fund. When a local MB congregation identifies a qualifying need and applies for a matching grant, the Benevolent Fund will cover up to 50% with a maximum contribution of $2,000 per church per calendar year.
Examples of situations in which a church may request assistance on behalf of a member or attendee:
- Challenging medical expenses
- Emergency home repairs
- Funeral expenses
- Grief counseling
- Marriage counseling
- Transportation for employment
- Unexpected legal expenses
- Adoption
- Food and basic necessities
- Utility expenses
- Other approved purposes
USMB churches may request grants for individuals in their church from the Benevolent Fund. Individuals receiving grants must be either a church member or regular attendee of that local church.
As a matching grant program, the local church is directly involved in meeting the financial need and submitting an application for the matching grant.
A single mother is facing a critical financial crisis and is at risk of losing essential utilities. She currently owes $800 in overdue bills and needs an additional $200 to cover next month’s basic expenses. Without immediate assistance, her family could face power or water shutoffs. The church seeks to intervene quickly to help her regain stability by providing $1,000 in emergency support. The church may either disburse the full $1,000 immediately and then request a $500 grant through the MB Foundation Benevolent Fund, or wait to distribute the funds until the grant is received—depending on urgency and available resources.
A church may request up to a maximum of $2,000 per church per calendar year. The minimum grant request is $250. Grant requests should be in keeping with the identified need. Funds are available each year until the Fund is depleted. MB Foundation has complete discretion as to whether or not any grant request is filled.
PROGRAM GUIDELINES
- The church identifies a specific need within its congregation that may qualify for a matching grant.
- Each application must address a single, clearly defined need for one individual or family.
- The church fills out the Benevolent Grant Application form, providing all required details.
- The completed application is submitted to MB Foundation for review.
- Upon approval, MB Foundation will issue the grant check and send it to the church office.