As part of our mission of encountering, embodying, and extending the presence of Christ in neighborhoods and networks in the Indianapolis area, The Table maintains a Benevolence Fund to assist individuals and families who are experiencing financial hardship. The following guidance describes the process and responsibilities for discernment of requests and administration of the Benevolence Fund.
Benevolence fund process
Once a request is received, the Junior Warden will make contact with the requester to begin a conversation about the request. After these conversations, the Junior Warden shares the request with the Vestry. In most cases, the Vestry will be asked to review the request within 72 hours, which may be expedited for urgent needs.
The Vestry discerns the request in alignment with our core practices (Welcoming, Listening, Gospeling, and Going), supporting with caring inquiry, and stewarding community resources well. The Junior Warden conveys a decision to the requester when approved or not approved, and may provide supplemental resources when appropriate.
When appropriate, a committee of laypersons may support the Clergy with discernment or request follow-up. Approved financial requests will be distributed directly to third-party entities (rental companies, utilities, etc.) rather than to the requester, or through the form of non-cash gifts. All requests are confidential among the Vestry, Clergy, and the layperson Benevolence Committee when requested by the Clergy.
