Willmar Good Samaritan Fund

The Good Samaritan Fund was established in 2005 with the mission of providing one-time assistance to people for emergency needs.  Modeled after a successful fund at the Central Minnesota Community Foundation, the Good Samaritan Fund has an advisory committee that reviews potential cases and determines what, if any, assistance can be offered.   There are many situations the Fund can assist with, including rent or mortgage payments, periodic billing assistance, emergency fuel assistance, basic needs, emergency medical supplies and even vehicle repair.

Criteria for Funding
·         The applicant is a resident of Kandiyohi County

·         The request is in the social service area

·         The applicant has not received a grant from the Good Samaritan Fund within the last 24 months.

·         The need was created by an unforeseen event that resulted in an emergency situation, or a grant assists in becoming self sufficient.  These may include payment for such items as automobile repairs, insurance and license tabs, purchase of uniforms, work shoes and tools, and temporary transportation or child care costs. 

·         The grant will solve a problem that is not expected to occur again in the near future.

·          If the emergency has resulted from the applicant’s deteriorated economic situation, the grant will be approved only if financial plans have been developed with the assistance of the referring organization, or if the referring organization can verify that other corrective action has been taken.

·         Grant amounts range from $100 to $1000. Grants over $500 require approval of the WACF Board of Directors Chair.  The maximum grant may vary depending on the availability of funds.

The Good Samaritan Fund is the last resort. Eligibility for assistance from other funds and the family’s own resources are considered.

Ineligible Requests
The Good Samaritan Fund does not fund attorney fees, travel costs and other expenses related to child custody issues.

Requests are not approved for payment of bail, traffic tickets and fines or other expenses related to illegal activities. 
 

How to Use the Good Samaritan Fund – Application & Contacts
Requests to the Good Samaritan Fund on behalf of individual clients may be directed to: 

Willmar Good Samaritan Fund
Willmar Area Community Foundation
P.O. Box 1291
Willmar, MN 56201 

Click here for Willmar Good Samaritan Fund Application

Referring agencies may contact the Foundation Coordinator at njohnson@communitygiving.org  who can assist in re-directing  any questions regarding the appropriateness of a request. 

Referrals
Clients should not be referred directly to the Good Samaritan Fund. The Good Samaritan Fund relies on agency staff to gather necessary background information and ensure that Fund criteria have been met. Direct referrals may complicate matters for clients because they will be referred back to a social worker in a human service agency.