When life hits hard, you don’t have to face it alone
Our benevolence fund offers short-term financial help for those in our community who are walking through unexpected hardship.
We’ve been there.
Life can change fast. A job disappears. A medical bill arrives. A car breaks down on the day you need it most. Even strong, capable people can suddenly find themselves in a place of real stress.
If you’re in a moment like that, we want you to know this: you’re not alone and there is a next step!
Our benevolence fund exists to provide practical relief during short-term financial hardship. It is designed for genuine, unexpected needs that fall outside someone’s ability to solve on their own. It is not ongoing support, but it is real help in the moment when help matters most.
“But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and truth.”
Everything we do is rooted in Scripture and handled with integrity, confidentiality, and care. We follow IRS requirements to make sure these gifts stay focused on people who are truly in need.
Who we can help?
We consider requests from people who:
are experiencing unexpected hardship such as job loss, medical emergencies, or similar events
can demonstrate genuine financial need
have already explored reasonable options like insurance or family assistance
are regular attendees or members of Goodly for at least three months
meet IRS definitions for charitable assistance
What we can help with.
We are able to assist with documented, short-term needs that affect health, safety, or basic living. These include:
essential utilities such as electricity, gas, or water
rent or mortgage for temporary relief
medical bills or prescription costs
essential car repairs
emergency food or basic necessities
temporary childcare during crisis
What we cannot fund.
Some needs fall outside the purpose of our benevolence funds. We are not able to help with:
ongoing or long-term living expenses
credit card debt, loans, or debt consolidation
legal fees or fines
elective medical procedures
lifestyle expenses or non-essential purchases
private school tuition
business investments
requests that primarily benefit non-members
If your request falls outside these guidelines, we will gladly connect you with trusted resources and agencies in our city that specialize in long-term support.
How the process works
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1. Apply
Complete the online request form and upload documentation. This includes income information, the cost of the emergency, and any paperwork tied to the situation.
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2. Connect
A benevolence committee member will call you within 48 hours to learn more about your situation and to support you pastorally.
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3. Review
Your request is reviewed within five days. In true emergencies a pastor can authorize a small amount of immediate assistance so that no one waits through a crisis.
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4. Payment
If approved, payments go directly to vendors such as landlords or utility companies. Gift cards may be used for groceries or gas. Cash is only used in rare situations.
FAQ
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It is a short-term financial assistance ministry for people in our church who are facing unexpected hardship. It is designed for emergencies and documented needs that someone cannot meet on their own.
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Anyone who regularly attends Goodly and has done so for at least three months. Requests must show genuine, temporary financial hardship and fit the guidelines outlined by our policies and IRS charitable standards.
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Needs related to health, safety, or basic living expenses. This includes things like utilities, rent, emergency medical costs, essential car repairs, and emergency food.
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We cannot assist with credit card debt, loans, ongoing or long-term living expenses, legal fees, elective medical procedures, tuition, or lifestyle purchases. If a request falls outside these guidelines, we will help direct you to community resources.
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Within forty eight hours a committee member will reach out by phone. Most requests are reviewed within five days. If the need is truly urgent, pastoral emergency assistance may be available.
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Yes. This helps us understand the need, verify the request, and follow IRS requirements. Examples include bills, notices, medical statements, pay stubs, or documentation of job loss.
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Yes. Only the people involved in reviewing the request will see your information. Nothing is shared publicly.
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Whenever possible, we pay vendors directly. For example, we would pay a utility company or landlord rather than issuing cash. Gift cards may be used for groceries or gas when needed.
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Yes. Families can receive up to four thousand dollars per year. Single requests can receive up to two thousand dollars. Pastoral emergency assistance can go up to seven hundred and fifty dollars.
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Benevolence provides short-term assistance for temporary hardship. If your need is long-term, we can connect you to local Nashville agencies that provide ongoing support.
Need help?
If you are unsure whether your situation qualifies, please reach out. We would love to walk with you.