Benevolence Committee

This committee was created to manage and distribute faculty donated funds to peers in times of need.  If you are aware of any faculty member in need of assistance, please reach out to a Committee Member.

Faculty Benevolence Fund
Policies & Guidelines

Article I.          Mission

The Faculty Benevolence Fund is a fund, created on behalf of the faculty at Lewis-Clark State College (LCSC), to support faculty in times of need. It is a voluntary, independent account managed by its members who donate in any amount.

The mission of the fund is:

1. To acknowledge loss and offer condolences to any member of the campus community.
2. To offer financial or material assistance.

This charitable endeavor shall be known as the “Faculty Benevolence Fund,” referred to in this document as “Fund.”

Article II.        Governance & Procedures

      A.  Composition

The Fund is managed by three to five volunteer members (“Benevolence Committee”), chosen from among those who are currently participating. It is hoped that administrative volunteers will commit to a minimum of three years. A point of contact for fund administration will be determined by the administrative members as needed. Point of contact and fund information will reside on the Faculty Association Webpage.

Members contributing to the fund who are interested in being on the committee should contact the point of contact and self-nominate to be a committee member. The point of contact will be the person to forward self-nominated Benevolence Committee members to the entire body of donors. A list of current donors can be obtained from Human Resources. The point-of contact will submit the names to the donor body using an anonymous voting program and will tally and announce results after voting.

     B.  Process

Administration of this Fund is wholly under the purview of those who currently donate to the Fund.

Administration activities by Benevolence Committee members are not to be used toward official faculty service on college committees but could be cited for community service. The reason for this is to discourage membership on the committee solely for showing “service to the division and college.”

Any faculty member may report a need to the Fund point of contact. Division Chairs and the Human Resources department are encouraged to report any emergencies and/or need to the point of contact.

The Benevolence Committee will send a note of consolation when appropriate.

For financial assistance, the point of contact or other Benevolence Committee member will attempt to contact the potential financial recipient to find out the level of assistance needed and the level of information the individual wishes shared with the Committee and/or campus community. The administrative member will gather information regarding the nature of the emergency and the type of assistance requested. The administrative member will also ascertain that assistance would be welcome. The administrative member will convene the other administrative members to rule on any action to be taken.

A majority of committee members must agree on any action taken. If no resolution can be determined, a new roster of administrators will be found from a vote of the entire body of donating members.

If no contributing member agrees to be part of the administration, the Fund will be disbanded and remaining money distributed to the Faculty Association.

Committee members will maintain anonymity of the recipients, while ensuring budgetary accountability.  The point of contact or other designated Committee member will report to LCSC financial officials as necessary.

     C.  Funding

The Fund members are responsible for their own fundraising. Funding may come from a variety of sources. These sources may include, but are not limited to, direct donations to the Benevolence Committee fund, auctions, payroll deductions, textbook donations and other creative methods to raise money to help those in need. These sources may be non-cash aid items. The Fund, through the Benevolence Committee, is free to accumulate non-cash aid for potential individuals. Aid must be donated to the Benevolence Fund (not to the individuals.)

The point of contact or designated member of the Benevolence Committee shall keep accurate accounts of all funds held and disbursed by the committee and report to the Faculty Association. The point of contact or designated member will also retain supporting documentation for disbursements from the benevolence account. Lewis-Clark State College Payroll will provide administrative assistance for payroll deduction to the Fund. The budget information will be under the Faculty Association budget and balances, withdrawals and other financial transactions from payroll deductions will be recorded as required by LCSC policies and guidance. The Faculty Association Chair will have access to Benevolence Fund information for reasons of fiscal accountability.

Article III.       Eligibility Criteria

1.         Any person of the extended campus community is eligible to receive a note of consolation at the discretion of the Benevolence Committee.

2.         Faculty, as defined by the Faculty Constitution, shall be eligible for financial assistance. Adjunct and retired faculty who fall outside the Faculty Constitution’s definition of faculty, shall, at the Committee's discretion, also be eligible for assistance.

3.         To be eligible for financial assistance the recipient should be experiencing an emergency with some financial or material need.

Article IV.       Award Criteria

The amount of initial financial assistance provided shall be at the discretion of the Benevolence Committee members, with the intent to preserve fairness to faculty and provide a mechanism to ensure funds will exist for future emergencies. Additional financial assistance is at the discretion of the Benevolence Committee. Any tax liabilities resulting from donations are solely the responsibility of the individual receiving aid.

Article V.        Non-Discrimination Policy

The Benevolence Committee and Fund does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), national origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other status protected under applicable federal, state or local law.