After almost 3 years, the North Alabama Chapter, has come up with a process for applying for Care Abounds in Communities funds. This money is either to be used as matching funds (gained through a fund-raiser) or as a hands-on activity, both to help an individual or group in the community - Congregational help comes through Care in Congregations funds, available through each church's Thrivent group.

The Process:

1. Identify your beneficiary (including mailing address) and determine the need (monetary, supplies, food, assistance)
2. Come up with your activity and determine how to best advertise to your church/community
3. Fill out the Request funding form     (PDF, 70K)    |    (Word,58K) 
   
4. If possible, try to make the next chapter meeting. The chapter leaders prefer to ask questions about proposed activities in person. If you are unable to attend, or the need is an emergency, please contact one of the chapter leaders with your activity's information, and we'll try to approve it as quickly as possible by email.
5. Our Communications Director, Joanne Hildreth, will let you know whether the chapter leaders have approved your activity, and for how much
6. Advertise, advertise, advertise
7. Hold your activity
8. After your activity takes place, gather all of your receipts and checks (which should be made out to the chapter), and complete the Activity Results Form     (PDF,68K)     |   (Word,48K). Receipts (or copies of receipts) should be collected in an envelope, to be included with the following Receipts, Funds Raised and Expenses Report    (PDF, 69K)     |   (Word, 50K )
9. Send all of that information to one of the chapter's financial directors, Dan Gehring or Mark Thompson. The check to the party in need will be written from the Chapter Leaders, and will include all funds raised, as well as matching funds. If you would like to present the check, please make sure the chapter leaders know that in advance, or the funds raised will be mailed directly to the beneficiary

Guidelines:

• At least 6 Thrivent members of different families must be involved
• Volunteer hours are what makes Thrivent a great organization to be involved in, so keep track of everyone's hours This is one of the key points that the chapter leaders look at in terms of approving a project - how many hours will be spent by the Thrivent members on this project?
• Advertise (after your project has been approved) that Thrivent is co-sponsoring the event. Do NOT say, "Thrivent is providing matching funds" as an after thought. DO say, "Thrivent and Your Church's Name are hosting a bake sale to raise money and awareness for Your cause"