The purpose of the Benevolence Fund is to provide financial aid to an individual who is in need on an urgent basis. The Benevolence Fund may not be applicable for cases which need long-term financial support. The church has the right to adjust or to disapprove an applicant’s request and may consider providing assistance other than monetary help. Applicants are not granted financial assistance based on relationships between church leaders or being a significant church contributor. The church does not discriminate between applicants based upon race, color, sex, national origin, age, geographic territory, or disability. The preferred method of providing assistance is to pay for the applicant’s need directly to the business provider. Assistance may also be provided in the form of goods or services. The type of aid that is appropriate depends on the individual’s needs and available resources.