What is the purpose?

The purpose of the Fund is to provide financial assistance for shelter, medical attention,clothing and other relief to Vandor Team Members and their dependents with anurgent need for temporary help due to hardship from a catastrophic event. The fund isfocused on assistance, particularly emergency family and housing needs, not coveredby other programs. The fund is administered by the Vandor Hope Fund ReviewCommittee, together with the Wayne County Foundation.

Who can apply?

To apply for a grant from the VHF, a full-time, active Team Member must have a demonstrated financial need arising from a catastrophic event or condition. In the case of a Team Member who is incapacitated, their immediate family member or designee can apply on the Team Member's behalf. Otherwise, you may not apply on behalf of another Team Member. If you think a colleague would benefit, please share the information regarding the VHF.

How do I apply?

The VHF has a formal application that will need to be completed to apply for consideration. In addition, supporting documentation proving financial hardship (invoices, estimates, medical bills, rent payments, etc.) that may be relevant should be included if available. Upon receipt, the VHF Review Committee will review and determine the amount of assistance, if granted.

What incidents and expenses qualify?

Emergency hardships are considered any of the following which cause the Team Member severe financial hardship for which there is no other source of funding:

• Expenses due to catastrophic property losses not covered by insurance. Funds needed to establish or re-establish a habitable and safe residence following a natural disaster such as a hurricane, fire, flood or tornado.
• Expenses due to a catastrophic medical emergency not covered by insurance. Funds needed to pay bills not covered by insurance.
• Events not covered above but otherwise unexpected and catastrophic, causing the Team Member severe financial hardship.

None of the above examples constitute automatic awarding of assistance from the VHF.

Losses or expenses covered by insurance will not be considered appropriate for assistance.

What are the eligibility requirements?

To apply for a grant from the Vandor Hope Fund, applicants must be a full-time, active Vandor Team Member and must have a demonstrated financial need arising from a catastrophic event that has occurred within the last 90 days while they are employed by Vandor. The VHF Review Committee reserves the right to require additional documentation when needed.

All applicants must complete the attached application. Whenever available, applicants must submit copies of medical bills, rent or mortgage payments, utility bills, insurance policies, or written estimates of repairs. In the event of a natural disaster, a fire, flood, or similar incident, an incident report should be attached.

In most cases, grants average between $250-$3,000.

What is the review process?

First, a VHF Review Committee Representative will review all requests.

Second, the Vandor Hope Fund Committee (comprised of several Team Members from various locations/departments/roles that understand the need for strict confidentiality)will review the requests that meet the guidelines of the program, along with any supporting documentation provided.

Then the Vandor Hope Fund Committee will decide on each application and determine the amount of assistance.

Once the determination is made, the requesting Team Member will receive notification of approval/denial via phone or email correspondence.

If I receive a VHF Grant, will I have to pay taxes on the money received?

Grants in the US are not considered part of your taxable income. Wayne County Foundation(WCF) is a US based 501(c) (3) tax-exempt, public, nonprofit organization with IRS approval. TheWCF administers the grants. These are grants (not loans) and do not have to be repaid.

Why should I donate to the Vandor Hope Fund ("VHF")?

The Vandor Hope Fund is a mechanism to support fellow Team Members in times of crisis. Every dollar donated will help fellow Team Members who have fallen under difficult circumstances. This is a way to care for each other and show our support. In addition, every dollar donated (up to $10,000 annually) will be matched by Vandor.

How much of my donation goes to fellow Team Members?

100% of donations will support our Team Members. Vandor covers all administrative expenses.