Financial Assistance Guidelines/Resources & Application

Part I: Objective of this PAGE

  • Establish a written definition and process for the evaluation of requests for assistance from the Relevant Community Church Benevolence Fund.

  • Outline eligibility requirements and criteria for receiving assistance from the Benevolence Fund.

  • Describe the process involved in the request, approval, and disbursement of assistance/support from the Benevolence Fund.

Part II: Purpose of Benevolence Fund

The purpose of the Relevant Community Church Benevolence Fund is to provide financial assistance to an individual on RCC Volunteer Staff or team who is in need on an urgent, short-term basis. The Benevolence Fund may not be applicable for cases that require long-term financial support. Any amount of benevolence given is considered a gift and does not need to be repaid to any party associated with Relevant. Relevant has the right to adjust or decline an applicant’s request and may consider aiding with resources other than monetary support.

Part III: Benevolence Fund Parameters

The Relevant Benevolence Fund is reserved for members of Relevant Community Church. Applications received by individuals who are not members of Relevant Community Church will not be approved.

Benevolence funds can only be granted to meet primary short-term needs. These needs are defined as those necessary for physical, emotional, and spiritual survival and well-being. Below are examples only and are not meant to represent all possibilities. Each request will be evaluated individually:

Qualifying Needs:

  • Food

  • Shelter (mortgage/rent)

  • Utilities (Light, Gas, and Water)

  • Medical Treatment & Counseling

  • Emergency transportation needs

  • Emergency Situations (income limitations, loss of job, death in the family)

Disqualifying Needs

  • School Expenses (tuition or fees)

  • Credit Cards Debt

  • Fines as a result of breaking the law

  • Legal fees or penalties related to late payments or irresponsible/unlawful actions.

  • Attorney Fees

In most cases benevolence funds are only granted to an applicant one time during a 12-month period after assistance has been approved and paid. After granted funds, assistance may be provided to that same applicant in the form of other goods or services provided by Relevant or other members from Relevant. The type of aid that is appropriate depends on the individual’s needs and available resources.

Relevant will not pay assistance to an individual’s personal checking, savings, or investment accounts. Funds will be distributed to a 3rd party vendor only. Relevant reserves the right to distribute funds with any method on case-by-case basis.

A maximum of $250.00 (per incidence) is available for assistance toward approved applications. In some cases, Relevant Community Church reserves the right to approve amounts greater than $250.00.

Part IV: Process for Applying for Benevolence Fund

  1. Application must be completed in full to be considered for approval. Completed forms and attached documentation will then be reviewed by Relevant Community Church.

  2. Applications will be reviewed, and we will provide a final decision within 5-7 business days of receipt of an applicant’s form. At the discretion of Relevant Community Church, documentation regarding income, budget, bank statements, employer references, and other expenses may be requested. Some circumstances require immediate assistance. Please indicate that on your application and we will do our best to respond as quickly as possible.

  3. The applicant will be contacted by Relevant with the final decision or a request for additional information. Please allow for the 5-7 business day window to expire before inquiring about the status of an application.

  4. If approved, a check will be distributed to the vendor/business or other service provider for which the applicant owes funds. *No funds will be distributed directly to the applicant.

  5. Fill out and submit online application linked below.

Relevant Resource Partner

  • COPE - Elkhorn

    COPE (Community Outreach for People in Elkhorn) is a local organization dedicated to assisting individuals and families in need. Their mission focuses on providing support, resources, and services that empower community members to improve their quality of life.

    Services Offered

    • Food Assistance: COPE offers a food pantry stocked with non-perishable items for those facing food insecurity.

    • Financial Assistance: The organization provides limited financial aid for essential needs such as utilities, rent, and medical expenses.

    • Clothing Donations: COPE hosts a clothing bank that offers gently used clothing to those in need.

    • Holiday Programs: Special initiatives are available during the holiday season, including meal and gift distribution for families.

  • Address: 20601 Elkhorn Dr, Elkhorn, NE 68022

  • Phone: (402) 616-2330

Other Resources Available

  • Douglas County General Assistance

    • Provides assistance with basic living needs, including heating bills, rent, utilities, and clothing.

    • Address: 4102 Woolworth Avenue, Omaha, NE 68105

    • Phone: (402) 444-6215

  • Heartland Family Services (HFS)

    • Offers various programs, including Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), consultation, training, and reimbursement for family child care providers. Also has a clothing closet for uniforms and work clothes.

    • Phone: (402) 457-7760

    • Provides rent and utility bill payment assistance, a clothing closet for work attire, and financial aid through the Homeless Link Program.

    • Phone: (402) 451-6244

  • Eastern Nebraska Community Action Partnership (ENCAP)

    • Provides services such as the Commodity Supplemental Food Program for seniors, women, and children, and referrals for Weatherization, WIC program, and Head Start.

    • Address: 2406 Fowler Avenue, Omaha, NE

    • Phone: (402) 453-5656

  • Omaha Salvation Army

    • Offers social services, holiday programs, emergency financial aid, and various other assistance programs.

    • Address: 3612 Cuming Street, Omaha, NE 68131

    • Phone: (402) 898-5900

  • Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services

    • Coordinates financial assistance for utility and heating bills. A main service is LIHEAP. Other aid can provide for air conditioning, furnace replacement, and/or water heater repairs. The applicant needs to have a medical condition, meet low-income guidelines, or be a senior.

    • Address: 1215 South 42nd Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68105

    • Phone: (800) 383-4278

  • Heartland Housing Opportunity

    • Offers rapid rehousing services. This means utility and rent assistance, funds for paying security deposits, moving assistance, and general case management for families. Help is for the homeless and people facing eviction.

    • Address: 1941 South 42nd Street, Omaha, NE 68105

    • Phone: (402) 934-8810

  • Omaha Housing Authority

    • Provides rental assistance programs including Section 8 vouchers that help low-income families afford housing in the private market. They also offer public housing units.

    • Address: 540 South 27th Street, Omaha, NE 68105

    • Phone: (402) 444-6900

  • United Way of the Midlands

    • Connects individuals with various local resources, including food pantries, shelter services, and financial assistance. They operate a 2-1-1 helpline for immediate assistance.

    • Address: 1805 Harney Street, Omaha, NE 68102

    • Phone: (402) 342-8252

  • Salvation Army Omaha

    • Offers emergency financial assistance, food aid, housing programs, and utility assistance to those in crisis. They also provide support for individuals transitioning from homelessness.

    • Address: 10755 Burt Street, Omaha, NE 68114

    • Phone: (402) 342-5800

  • Legal Aid of Nebraska

    • Provides free legal services to low-income individuals, including help with housing issues, family law, and public benefits.

    • Address: 941 O Street, Suite 250, Lincoln, NE 68508

    • Phone: (402) 348-1060

  • Nebraska Family Support Network

    • Supports families in crisis through a variety of programs, including assistance with basic needs and parenting resources.

    • Address: 3502 W. 5th Avenue, Omaha, NE 68107

    • Phone: (402) 934-5795

  • Community Action Partnership of Lancaster and Saunders Counties

    • Offers services aimed at reducing poverty, including financial assistance for utilities, rent help, and other essential needs for families in crisis.

    • Address: 210 O Street, Lincoln, NE 68510

    • Phone: (402) 471-4515

  • Food Bank for the Heartland

    • Distributes food to local food pantries and provides food assistance for low-income families and individuals in Nebraska and western Iowa.

    • Address: 10525 J Street, Omaha, NE 68137

    • Phone: (402) 331-0987

Application