“Bear one another’s burdens and thus fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2)
Family Heritage Church seeks to minister to both the spiritual and the physical needs of
Church members. The Agape Fund contains a limited budget for providing financial help to members in need. The following guidelines have been established for the use of the Agape
Fund.
A. Apage Fund Purpose
AGAPE is a Greek word for love. It signifies self-sacrificing love. It is a reflection of the love Jesus has shown to us, and as believers, we should show to others.
The purpose of the fund allows the church body to:
Glorify God by serving Him and his people, and
Allow the church family to help other overcome unique financial circumstances so they can become self-sufficient.
With the goal of self-sufficiency in mind, while FHC desires to assist with immediate needs, we want to ensure steps are taken by the applicant towards sustainable independence.
The fund enables the church to provide financial aid to church individuals or families who are in need on an urgent basis and where there are no other viable financial options. Assistance may include but is not limited to the necessities of life such as rent, mortgage, utilities, food, medical bills, etc. We do not help with childcare, long-term or chronic medical, credit card, taxes or legal expenses
B. Eligibility Criterion
Agape funds are designed to serve members of the church body or people that are “regular attendees”. The term "regular attendees", as pertaining to this policy, is defined as those who have attended at least 50% of the Church services for the previous three (3) months.
The Agape Fund is not intended to provide for those in need who are outside the church.
C. Confidentiality
Personal and financial information obtained by the deacons or the church officers will be used to assist the family in the way deemed best by the deacons and church officers. As such disclosure of certain information may be necessary in order to provide the necessary assistance requested. By completion of the attached form, you acknowledge our right to disclose information as we deem necessary.
D. Application Process
A “Need Assessment Form” must be completed for any amount above $99 (either requested at one time or accrued within a one month period). Applicants may obtain this form at the church office during normal business hours or by downloading it from http://familyheritagechurch.com. The church officers will review the application and choose a course of action within one week. The church officers may request additional information, and in such cases the applicant may be asked to come in for an interview prior to a final decision. The church officers may choose an amount different from the amount requested by the applicant.

E. Actual Payee If Approved
Should the application be approved, the church will prepare a check payable to the third party agency to which the applicant owes funds ; (e.g., mortgage company, utility provider, etc.). Failure to bring required documents could delay the process.
Where food or other tangible goods are need, the church will provide gift cards to the appropriate vendor.
F. Availability of Agape Funds
The church budgets a fixed amount per year for the Agape Fund. Applications are considered on a
First-come-first-serve basis and to the extent that funds are available. The Church is under no obligation to spend these funds in their totality every year. Furthermore, if these funds are exhausted for the year, the Church may or may not choose to provide additional funds regardless of how valid or urgent a need may be.
I acknowledge that I have read and understand the above information in relation to the Agape
Fund. Further, by accepting these funds, I make a commitment to attending and completing a financial planning course offered by the Church. I understand that failure to complete a course may jeopardize my ability to receive future assistance.
APPLICANT(S)
Signature Date Print Name
Print Name Signature Date

Family Heritage Church
NEEDS ASSESSMENT FORM
PERSONAL INFORMATION
Today ’s date
Name(s)
Address
City
County
Home phone
State
E-mail address
Cell phone
Zip Code
Married
Spouse Name
Separated Divorced Widow/er Single
How long have you lived in the Coachella Valley?
Do you have family living in the Coachella Valley?
How long have you lived at your current address?
How did you hear about Family Heritage Church?
Have you or anyone else in your household/family been assisted by FHC?
If yes, when was the assistance provided?
What church do you regularly attend?
When did you last attend?
Is there anyone at FHC who knows your situation? If yes, who?
Please initial that we may contact them – this is a required field:
NEED INFORMATION
What specific need are you requesting assistance with?
What is the crisis that has caused you to ask for assistance?
Is this a reoccurring need?
If assisted by FHC, how will you fill this need the next time?
Have you been assisted by any other church/agency/organization?
If yes, provide name, dates of assistance and assistance received.
(Use back of page if necessary.)
Please list all churches/agencies/organizations you have contacted for assistance to help with this need.
Please specify the provider, contact person, and phone number for each. (Use back of page if necessary.)
Date which you request the need be filled?
Company Name
Address
City
Contact person
Contact phone
Account #
State
E-mail address
Work phone
Amount Due $
Zip Code
Requested $

Source of Income Amount Type of Expense Amount
Wage 1 (name)
Wage 2 (name)
Social Security
Disability
Vetera n’s Disability
Retirement
Food Stamps
Family
Friends
Unemployment
Workers Comp
Child Support
Other Agencies
Any Other Income
Checking Acct. Balance
Savings Acct. Balance
Housing
Electric
Gas
Water
Phone/ Long Dist.
Cable
Cell Phone
*Car Payment 1
*Car Payment 2
Gasoline
Auto Insurance
Home Insurance
Health Insurance
Groceries
School Lunches
Medical
Child Care
Child Support
Loans (explain purpose)
Credit Cards
Club Memberships
(Gym, tanning, etc.)
Others (explain purpose)
*What model and year of cars are you driving?
*Is the car yours?
*Balance owed on cars?
Total Income Total Expenses
If you are assisted by Family Heritage Church please consider a financial contribution when you are economically capable. This ensures that others can be helped when their need arises.
I hereby authorize the release of information to and by Family Heritage Baptist Church (FHC) to receive the assistance I am requesting. I further certify the information I have stated is true and correct and that all income is reported. I give permission for FHC to discuss my case with other agencies, businesses, churches, attorneys, individuals, and any others deemed necessary to verify application information and/or identify additional sources of assistance.
I have read, understood, and agree to the policies above regarding the Release of Information.
APPLICANT(S)
Date Print Name
Print Name
Signature
Signature
DEACONS APPROVAL – TWO REQUIRED
Signature Print Name
Print Name Signature
Date
Date
Date
Past Due
Amount