Benevolence

Open Life Benevolence Fund: A Source of Temporary Help

The Open Life Benevolence Fund exists to offer holistic support—financial, emotional, physical, and spiritual—to individuals and families in our community facing emergency hardship. This includes, but is not limited to, sudden crises such as natural disasters, illness, accident, death, or violent crime.

Disbursement & Priority

Decisions regarding the fund's disbursement are made by the Benevolence Fund Review Team and the Lead Pastoral Team. Priority is given first to church members and regular attendees, and then to other members of the community or agencies responding to urgent needs.

A Source of Last Resort

This fund is intended to be a one-time, temporary help during a crisis. It must be a source of last resort—you must first explore all other avenues of help, including family, friends, personal savings, or investments.

Payment Method

To ensure funds are applied directly to the crisis, payments are made directly to vendors or service providers (e.g., utility company, healthcare provider, landlord).
We do not provide cash assistance.

Eligible Needs

The fund's purpose is to meet basic, essential needs during a crisis. Generally, these include:
  • Lodging (e.g., rent, temporary shelter)
  • Food
  • Clothing
  • Medical treatment
  • Transportation (specifically, for employment)
  • Funeral expenses
  • Initial evaluation and limited professional counseling appointments

Ineligible Needs (Exclusions)

The Benevolence Fund cannot cover:
  • Debt Repayment: Paying off credit card debt, legal fees, or financial penalties relating to late payments or irresponsible actions. (Note: Exceptions for credit card debt may be considered if the card was used in a documented emergency, such as hospitalization or death.)
  • Profit/Investment: School expenses, business ventures, investments, or anything that brings financial profit to the individual or family.
  • Housing for unmarried couples
  • Fines/Legal Issues: Needs of individuals wanted by the law or for paying fines as a result of breaking the law.
  • Education: Private school fees or tuition.

Before You Apply

Who May Apply

The application must be completed by and for your own household.
  • You cannot apply as a nomination for another individual or family. However, you are welcome to make a referral by copying the application link (HERE) and sending it directly to the individual you believe is a good candidate for the fund.
  • Please Note: At this time, we are only receiving benevolence requests for those that live in the communities of Bonney Lake, Sumner, or Buckley.

Submission Requirements

You will need to upload clear copies of the following:
  • Photo ID (front and back of a government-issued ID such as driver’s license, state ID, or passport)
  • Proof of Income (last 30 days of pay stubs, benefits letter, or unemployment documentation)
  • Proof of Need (invoice, bill, statement, or documentation showing what assistance is for)
  • Hardship Documentation (eviction notice, medical bill, advocate letter, or other evidence of emergency need)
  • Other Support Attempts (emails, case numbers from agencies, church referrals)

*Please be prepared to complete the application in its entirety and have all necessary documents on hand for upload. The system will not accept incomplete submissions.

Decision Notification

Once submitted, your request will be reviewed within 3 business days.
  • We will notify you of the Benevolence Team's Determination and any next steps or further documentation that is required.
  • If approved, assistance will be disbursed within 30 days (approval expires after that period).
  • Verification: Open Life may confirm any and all details through public records and/or direct contact.

Apply For Benevolence

Support the work of the benevolence fund

If you want to give back or have the gift of generosity and want to support this fund, you can donate at the link below.

Want to know the heart behind the fund? Read the Blog HERE
support the Benevolence fund here