1. The Homer Fund Values in Action

3. $145M 117K The Homer Fund AWARDED awarded to associates GRANTS
in crisis
AWARDED
117K
GRANTS
TO ASSOCIATES

4. Natural Disasters

5. Dollars Awarded in 2016

6. Homer Fund Growth Since Inception

7. Matching Grant vs Direct Grant (2010 – 2015)

8. Matching Grant Restructure
Restructure implemented to help guide sponsors when determining which grant is appropriate for the associate’s situation, if any
Pre-approval is now required PRIOR to collecting funds for matching purposes
The Fund declines requests that qualify for Direct Grants
Matching Grant collections may be done with CASH ONLY
Make checks payable to creditor where possible
Cap matching amount based on actual need
$2-for-$1 match still applies, up to actual need

9. Direct Grant Enhancements
Expanded qualifying criteria to address more unforeseen hardships
Transportation expenses to funerals of immediate family members
Parents, children and siblings ONLY
Transportation expenses must be documented
Plane/train/bus ticket for associate and spouse
Mileage stipend for automobile travel over 200 miles from home
Basic Direct Grant rules still apply
Must prove inability to pay through The Homer Fund’s Financial Worksheet

10. Trend Reversal

11. Deeper Look (Aug-Feb 2015 vs 2016)
99% INCREASE
Direct Grants
Matching Grants
36% DECREASE

12. How to Apply for Assistance
Associates must ALWAYS apply through an authorized sponsor (manager, ASDS or HR personnel ONLY)
Sponsors MUST have the link to the Grants Application Page

13. Associate’s Role in Application Process
Associates in need SHOULD take the eligibility quick-test on the home page of The Homer Fund’s website
Associates in need SHOULD let their manager, ASDS or HR personnel know of their hardship
Associates SHOULD complete and compile the supporting documentation packet prior to partnering with a sponsor
Associates SHOULD return completed documentation and copies of bills to their manager, ASDS or HR personnel

14. Sponsor’s Role in Application Process
Sponsors act as liaison between the associate in need and The Homer Fund team
Sponsors should only complete the electronic application AFTER going through the eligibility quick-test and getting the supporting documentation packet from the associate
Sponsors SHOULD provide guidance and support to the associate in need throughout the application process

15. Grant Applications Page
THDHomerFund.org/grants/applyhere.html

16. Successful Direct & Matching Grants
Fair assessment of associate’s situation
Comprehensive documentation
Thorough description of associate’s hardship
Prompt response to s from The Homer Fund

17. Direct Grant Life Cycle
Assess Need
& Collect Info
Submit
Request
Decision Issued
Request Assigned to Homer Fund Staff
Homer Fund Review

18. Direct Grant Life Cycle
Assess Need
& Collect Info
Submit
Request
Decision Issued
Request Assigned to Homer Fund Staff
Homer Fund Review

19. Direct and Matching Grant Examples
Vague Description
Best Description
Direct Grant
Associate is ill
Dave was on a medical LOA from June through December. He fell behind on his rent while on leave.
Unforeseen hardship
Although Dave has paid his rent on time, his landlord has not paid the mortgage, resulting in a foreclosure. Dave needs help moving into a new residence.
Fire in home
Dave’s home was damaged in a fire. He has insurance to cover the repairs, but needs help paying the deductible.
Matching Grant
Associate’s spouse died
Dave’s wife passed away and there was no life insurance. The Direct Grant will help with funeral expenses. Store wants to help pay for the grave marker.
Associate lost his job
Due to schedule conflicts, Dave had to resign from his job. He needs help with his rent.
Illness
Dave was hospitalized and needs funds to pay medical expenses.