Objective:

To encourage and support members of the community of Christian faith at House of Prayer Lutheran Church as they commit to helping others by giving of themselves with the best of their time, energies and abilities, and/or financial resources.


Scope:

To provide up to $5,000 annually in First Fruits matching funds, dollar for dollar, toward projects reflecting the individual commitment members within House of Prayer have made in direct response to helping others as our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, would encourage us to do. The matching funds annual limit for an individual project is $1,000, and the per household matching limit for each project is $100. The First Fruits Matching Gift Program would be in addition to other First Fruits benevolence gifts budgeted and approved by the congregation annually.


Funding:

Requests for each proposed project are to be submitted to the first Fruits Committee for consideration; a form will be provided so that similar information is received for each project request. Request forms should be submitted at least one month ahead of the event so that adequate promotion and planning can be done. No guarantees for matching funds are to be assumed until the Committee has approved the request; having matched an event in the past doesn’t guarantee matching funds in the future.

Requirements for a Qualifying Matching Gift Project:

The hope for this project is that HOP sponsors are making a personal commitment to be actively involved in the project they are submitting. Sponsors are encouraged to look for projects that address basic human needs (e.g. hunger, shelter, clothing, etc.), alleviate human suffering (e.g. starvation, disease, disaster relief, etc.), and improve the general human condition of those who lack individual self-sufficiency (e.g. minor or orphaned children, the mentally or physically handicapped, the elderly, individuals suffering from chemical or substance dependencies, etc). Priority will be given to faith based organizations and considering if this would be something God would be calling us to do; however, the First Fruits Committee will address and prayerfully consider all requests, including urgent requests (as for the 2004 Tsunami or 2005 Hurricanes).


All projects and any specific fundraising efforts must be approved by the First Fruits Committee, subject to review and approval by the Church Council.

The First Fruits Committee recommends that every project presented for consideration of matching funds has at least one HOP sponsor for the project. The Committee will assist the HOP sponsor, who in turn will be responsible for championing and promoting the project, including the actual fundraising efforts. The sponsor will be required to complete all forms required by the First Fruits Committee and agrees to follow the guidelines set up by the Committee.

Sponsors are encouraged to promote the project through weekly announcements, monthly newsletters, and educational presentations to the congregation between and after worship services. . The First Fruits Matching Program has been set up with the intent that the congregation will be actively involved; therefore, educating the congregation on the cause the money is being raised for and providing opportunities for hands-on service with the organization, when possible, are important components.

Funds can be raised through the solicitation of direct gifts of HOP members to HOP using specially designated envelopes or through other HOP sponsored fundraising efforts (e.g. rummage sales, bake sales, plant sales, car washes, fund raising meals, etc.). The type of fundraiser should be indicated in the project request and is subject to approval by the First Fruits Committee and/or the Church Council. Matching gifts will only apply to the net proceeds (revenue raised less expenses incurred) of such sponsored fundraising efforts. An estimated matching gift can also be provided for “in-kind” donations such as Christmas gifts and food donations. When possible (generally when most donors are paying by check) a list of donors should be attached to the Project Review Form.

The sponsor will be responsible for providing full disclosure of any parties that will receive financial gain as a result of the fundraiser. This disclosure should include the percentage or flat amount received per item sold and how much will be contributed to the organization funds are being raised for. (Example: “charitable organization will receive 40% of the selling price of the product, HOP member selling product will receive 10%, and supplier company will receive 50%).

Projects can start at any time of the year, but must have pre-approved funding for the current calendar year. Projects that will cover multiple calendar years should be noted on the request form, so that funding can be reviewed and be properly allocated.



Printable Forms:
First Fruits Matching Fund Request Form
First Fruits Matching Fund Program Project Review Form