Lunch Lady Angel Grants

Mission:  Provide flexible monies to improve the health and well-being of USD 113 families with limited resources who have immediate needs not met by traditional funding resources within the community.

How do we help?  Needs will be met by providing direct payment for car repairs, utility payments, etc. 

Hand Up Grant (HUG) A needs-based, one-time financial assistance grant (one-time renewal to be determined) providing assistance to an applicant in need of assistance.

As we know, hidden needs exist all around us – whether it be to pay for having a car fixed so a young woman can get to her job, or to provide dentures for an elderly woman, or to pay for the first class toward a degree at a technical college.

GSCF offers other funds that exist to help or assist people in need.  So it is important that the HUG committee direct the applicant to Neighbor-2-Neighbor, Sabetha Food Pantry, Sabetha Emergency Medical Assistance or the Kid’s Kloset funds if those would better fit the need of the applicant. 

Examples of possible HUGS (Hand up Grants)

1. Air Conditioning Repair

A 32-year-old single mother receives no child support for her two 9-year-old children. She has a job making $9.35 an hour and receives $300 in food stamps. Her take-home pay is about $1,000 a month. With a tax refund last year, she bought a very used mobile home, but the air conditioning has not been working. A Lunch Lady HUG was awarded to help pay for repairs on the air conditioning unit.

2. Car Repairs Made

Lunch Lady Angels helped a low-income senior who is in need of some car repairs that were an unexpected expense. She could not pay for the repairs on her budget. She is currently looking for employment and is working with the Older Kansans Employment Program and her church love fund.

3. Dental Assistance

A single 26-year-old mother of a 3-month-old girl is receiving food stamps and a disability check. With diapers and baby food, her budget is tight. She is ready to go back to work but needed some dental fillings done to relieve mouth pain she has been suffering with. A Hand Up Grant (Hug) helped this young mother in a time of need and as a result of continued interest and support from the Lunch Lady Angels, she was able to not only return to work, but obtained her CNA certification and is now employed by a local nursing home. And she is now a member of the Lunch Lady Angels.

Policy Guidelines

I. Purpose

III. Amount of Grant

A quote for the amount of the grant must be presented at the Initial Screening with the Agency. The total grant awarded is based on the availability of funds from the endowment and applicant’s individual needs and ability to benefit from the grant.

IV. Use of Grant

When a grant is awarded, any and all payments go directly to the vendor. The money is intended as a grant-in-aid for:

• Tuition or educational related expenses
• Costs car repairs that are essential for transportation for family needs or travel for training or educational purposes
• Health care costs that are not covered by insurance
• Costs related to work training, vocational training or education needed or desired for employment in a specific field.
• Home repairs
• Other TBD by committee

V. Interview (not required for every award)

When an applicant qualifies, the Hand Up Grant (HUG) committee (2 members selected from among the Lunch Lady Angel members plus 2 members of the GSCF Board) will review the application and decide whether to award the grant and for what amount.

In the interviews, all applicants should be asked the same or similar questions according to predetermined questions agreed on by the HUG committee.

VI. Presentation of Grant

The HUG committee chair will notify the applicant in writing whether she has received a grant or not – and for how much and to direct GSCF to award the grant directly to the business, school or medical facility.

VII. The “Hand Up Grant Committee” for the applicant will keep in touch with the recipient as much as possible. Suggestions include:

• Calling or emailing the recipient to learn how the HUG has helped.
• If appropriate, attend a graduation or certificate earning ceremony
• If agreed upon, the HUG may be listed in a publication or newsletter as a way the Lunch Lady Angels HUGs assist people. 
• Directing the recipient to other agencies that might provide other forms of assistance.
• Meeting for coffee to learn more about the family or individual

--- all the above will be done with privacy in mind----

Wenger Marel Charitable Grant

Wenger Marel Charitable Grant Program will support sustainable development and community investment in the following areas: 1) Reading and STEM Education, 2) Food, Nutrition and Water and 3) Community Support.   This statement on their website emphasizes their philosophy: “Through partnership, Marel aims to empower external organizations, our customers and employees to support the communities in which we operate.”