The Kappa Alpha Psi Foundation Benevolence fund is utilized to support individuals and the local community who are in need during difficult times. The fund is not a loan but a grant when all other sources of financial need are exhausted. The Kappa Alpha Psi Foundation Benevolence Fund is funded by donations from members or donors who can claim tax deductions for their contributions.
Purpose of the Benevolence Fund
The Benevolence Fund is a fund made available to members of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity and Silhouettes who are struggling financially due to unforeseen circumstances, by application to the Kappa Alpha Psi Foundation. Its receipts consist primarily of contributions from members of the Fraternity and friends, and its expenses consist of funds disbursed for its intended purposes at the direction of the Foundation Executive Committee and/or the Benevolence Fund Committee.
This fund is intended as a source of finance at a time of hardship and is used to help members who are facing serious financial challenges. Some of the issues may include: health issues, accidents, final expenses, or other similar factors.
To make a donation to the Kappa Alpha Psi Foundation Benevolence Fund, please click here. Contributions to the Benevolence Fund may not be earmarked or otherwise designated for a particular purpose or individual. The Foundation leadership may choose, at its discretion, to decline certain contributions that are designated or earmarked.
Benevolence Need Categories
The stated purpose of the Benevolence Fund is to meet emergency needs. This section lists some of the most basic circumstances, under which financial assistance may be disbursed from the Fund:
- Mortgages & Rents
- Utilities (lights, gas, water) – cell phones*, pagers & cable TV are not eligible expenses (*Phones may be considered on a case-by-case basis)
- Food
- Medical treatment (including prescription drugs medically necessary for the treatment of an illness or injury)
- Assistance with funeral expenses may be considered for members, the spouses & children of members, and for individuals for whom the member was a “caretaker.”.
Although not all-inclusive, below is a list of some needs that may not be met by the Benevolence Fund:
- School expenses (i.e. tuition or fees), business investments, or anything that brings financial profit to the individual or household applying
- Pay-off of credit cards – Exceptions can be made when an individual has had to use a credit card in a crisis or emergency (e.g., hospitalization, death, etc.)
- Needs of individuals who are wanted by the law or for paying fines as a result of breaking the law
- Legal fees
- Penalties related to late payments or irresponsible actions
- Private school fees or tuition
- Business ventures or investments
Process of Applying for Assistance
A Fraternity member or household seeking assistance from the Benevolence Fund should take the following steps:
- Obtain a “Benevolence Request Application” by clicking here. The application must be completed fully, with all supporting documentation attached, and returned to the Foundation office (Incomplete applications will not be processed).
- The application will be reviewed by the Benevolence Fund Committee. The Committee may contact the applicant for additional information or to schedule a meeting. The Committee may also contact utility companies, previous employers, landlords, etc. to verify the need.
- The applicant will be informed of the status of his/her application no later than fifteen (15) business days from the Committee’s receipt of the completed application.
If the Committee determines that the applicant is eligible for assistance, it will make the applicant aware of the amount and how the funds will be disbursed.
Disbursement of the Funds
All disbursements from the Benevolence Fund shall be made directly to the party or entity to whom payment is due (No funds will be given directly to the Fraternity member or household requesting the assistance). All Benevolence financial disbursements are dependent upon the funding balance at the time of the requested need. Fund expenditures require the approval of the Executive Committee of the foundation.
For more information, please contact the Foundation Benevolence Committee at benevolence@thekappafoundation.org.