Benevolence Fund
If you’re interested in our Benevolence Fund, we recognize that it’s because you or someone you know is in need of help. Every inquiry is unique, and they all involve some kind of crisis. We’re sorry you or someone you care about is in a difficult situation.
We have guidelines in place for what kinds of needs we can try to help with, and criteria for who is eligible to receive funds. These criteria are in place because we believe that in the vast majority of cases, the root causes of financial hardship are best addressed through relationships. We want to partner with people who are connected with our church and who are working on holistic growth, not offer a quick fix for an immediate need. We don’t have the unlimited resources it would take to meet all the needs we’re asked to help with.
Our guidelines and the application process are included below, along with a list of other organizations you might contact for assistance with a variety of needs.
What is a Benevolence Need?
- A temporary, unexpected situation that can be resolved with one-time financial assistance.
- An essential need. For example: housing, utilities, transportation, food, basic clothing or urgent medical issues.
Who is Eligible to Receive Benevolence Funds?
Funds are only available to regular attendees of Woodland Hills who have been actively involved* for at least six months. Involvement must be verified by a WH ministry leader. Assistance is only considered if there are no other funding options, for example: savings, investments, sale of non-essential personal possessions, assistance from family members, other organizations, etc.
*Examples of being actively involved:
- Covenant Partnership
- Participating in classes or support groups
- Involvement in a WH program or ministry (including volunteering)
- Received lay counseling
- Kids attending our Children’s or Youth ministries
- Previous financial contributions
The Process
- Applicants should complete the Benevolence Application Form completely and submit all documents and verification information. The form can be found here.
- A member of our staff will contact the applicant to discuss their request.
- The evaluation process for a request usually takes 7-10 days.
- If a request is approved, funds will not be distributed directly to the applicant. Checks are mailed to the party needing payment on behalf of the applicant.
Other Sources of Help
The Corner Shelf
Whether or not your request for benevolence funds is approved, you’re welcome to visit our food shelf. Anyone is invited to get food on Wednesday or Thursday mornings, even if they don’t attend our church. More info
Today’s Harvest
This free food market provides fresh produce, meat, dairy, and bakery items. One of their locations is in our building, and is open Monday through Saturday. More info
Keystone Community Services
Keystone connects people in crisis situations to financial assistance for housing, utilities and other basic needs. During daytime hours, call 651-917-3883 and you will get a call back within two business days. If you need help during evening or weekend hours, please call The United Way at 211 (see below). More info
Saint Andrews
This church in Mahtomedi has a variety of resources, and in some situations can assist with money. More info
The United Way
A wide variety of assistance is available. Call 211
- Child Care
- Domestic Violence
- Employment
- Financial Assistance
- Food
- Health Care
- Housing
- Legal Services
- Mental Health
988 Lifeline
Connect to a trained and caring counselor to get support for whatever you’re dealing with. This can be for yourself or if you’re worried about a loved one. Call, text or chat: 988. More info
