Sometimes people contact the HOPE Network wanting to contribute to the benevolence fund and you certainly can do that; although we encourage you to make your contributions to the general fund so that resources can be used in the entire ministry work that is Temple Baptist Church.
Still there are special contributions and memorials that are designated to the HOPE Network or even more specifically to the benevolence fund. In this event, these funds are held to be used in the areas of greatest need as circumstances arise in individual lives.
Sometimes we receive contributions to the HOPE Network or to the benevolence fund that are earmarked on the check or envelope to a specific person. In this event we regard this as a “suggested designation” as all of the funds in the benevolence area of the HOPE Network are considered to be reserved for the area of greatest and most pressing need, in the best judgment of the HOPE Network.
Our Official Benevolence Fund Policy
The HOPE Network of Temple Baptist Church, in the exercise of its religious and charitable purposes, has established a benevolence fund to assist persons in financial need. The church welcomes contributions to the fund. Donors are free to suggest beneficiaries of the fund or of their contributions to the fund. However, such suggestions shall be deemed advisory rather than mandatory in nature. The administration of the fund, including all disbursements, is subject to the exclusive control and discretion of the HOPE Network. The HOPE Network may consider suggested designations, but in no event is it bound in any way to honor them, since they are accepted only on the condition that they are merely nonbonding suggestions or recommendations. As a result, donor will not be permitted to recover a designated contribution on the ground that the church failed to honor the donor’s designation.
Donors wishing to make contributions to the benevolence fund subject to these conditions may be able to deduct their contributions if they itemize their deductions on their federal income tax return. The church cannot guarantee this result, and recommends that donors who want assurance that their contributions are deductible seek the advice of a tax attorney or CPA. Checks should be made payable to Temple Baptist Church, with a notation that the funds are to be placed in the benevolence fund.
Financial Counseling
Sometimes unanticipated circumstances can cause financial hardships in our lives. We know that life can be complicated and circumstances can be difficult. Temple does have some - albeit limited - resources to help bridge the financial gaps that may occur in our lives in times of crisis. If you are in need of financial assistance we ask that you agree to meet with one of our financial counselors. They will work with you to assess your income and expenses and help you to establish a long-term financial plan to cash flow your household through this difficult time.
Any financial assistance that Temple or the HOPE Network can grant will come only at the recommendation of your financial counselor to help you to successfully establish your long-term financial plan. We do not distribute funds without prayerful and meticulous consideration of your long-term financial success through one of our financial counselors.
If you would like to talk to one of our financial counselors, click the "Request Financial Help" link to the left of this page.
