The Presbytery of Lanark-Renfrew has established an emergency fund to provide aid to eligible ministries who are experiencing financial difficulties, in the form of an interest-free loan (depending on the circumstances, the loan can be forgiven). This funding is not applicable for cases in which long-term financial support is needed.

Emergency funding will only be provided when ministries have applied for support through government assistance programs and have implemented a stewardship strategy:

  • Any loan from government or the broader church requires both local and region approval. Most regions have implemented or are implementing an expedited approval process in support of congregations and other eligible ministries.
  • Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy applications are a local matter. However, it is strongly recommended that the treasurer not act alone but ensure the board is onside.
  • CRA guidelines were amended in June, and some congregations ARE eligible for the Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA)

PARAMETERS FOR FUNDING THROUGH PRESBYTERY EMERGENCY FUND:

The maximum amount available through the Presbytery Emergency Fund cannot exceed $5K. Any amounts exceeding this threshold must be addressed to the Presbyterian Church in Canada. As outlined above, emergency funding will only be provided when ministries have applied for support through Government Assistance Programs.

Emergency funding can only be granted for core expenses. These include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Key Leader/Clergy Salaries & Benefits
  • Programmatic, Administrative & Facilities Management Salaries
  • Utilities
  • Costs associated with exploring new ways of delivering Ministry; including technology upgrades

Emergency funding will not be granted for the following:

  • Capital Projects
  • Pre-existing Property Disrepair
  • Pre-existing Debt
  • Business Ventures or Investments

In order to submit a request for financial assistance, the Session of the Church
involved must:

  • Provide an assessment of your current financial situation and mitigating strategies you have taken prior to submitting a Request for Emergency Funding:
  • Assess your monthly revenue from all sources.
  • Make a list of all your long-term assets, trust funds, bequests, and investments.
  • Can you move more members to regular on-line giving to keep up the cash flow?
  • Can your investments/trust funds cover your costs short-term?
  • Can you secure a line of credit from your bank to cover your monthly costs? Interest rates are at record lows. Such a measure would represent a short-term investment in long-term sustainability.

Emergency Funding Review Committee membership will include:

  • The Moderator of Presbytery;
  • Presbytery Treasurer;
  • A member from the M&P Committee.

The Committee has the power to issue loans and report to Presbytery.

LOAN APPLICATION PROCEDURES:

  1. A completed Emergency Funding Request Form must be submitted by the ministry.
    (Downloadable Application form is below, fill out and submit to the clerk of Presbytery)
  2. Once your request form is submitted, you will be put in contact with a member of Emergency Funding Review Committee. With this person you will:
    • discuss your current fundraising strategies and explore the different giving platforms available for congregations and ministries.
    • review the various government support programs available and identify the ones most appropriate for your context.
  3. Upon completing steps a and b, your application will be reviewed by the Emergency Funding Review Committee.
  4. The terms of the grant / repayment of the interest-free loan will be outlined in the approval letter. Normally, loan payments would begin no later than one year from the date the loan is issued.

Application Form

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