Overview
Please carefully read and consider the following policies, procedures, and FAQs before making a request to IDES. The document outlines IDES policies for receiving and using funds, procedures for applying for a grant, and requirements that you will be expected to follow should you receive a grant.
Requirements for Receiving Funds
It is the policy of IDES to only consider grants that meet the following requirements:
● The person(s) making the request are members in good standing with a Christian Church or Church of Christ congregation or mission organization.
● They provide a statement of faith defining the New Testament teaching of how a person is saved.
● They provide a copy of their by-laws and articles of incorporation.
● They provide a clear strategy about how they plan to meet the need, including cost estimations and follow-up evangelistic efforts.
● They provide a current financial report that shows income broken down by churches, groups, and individuals. This document should show that the mission is supported by monthly donors and is not relying on IDES for support.
● They provide a detailed budget for the project, listing expenses covered by the organization and by the grant.
● They describe in detail the disaster or need and answer the questions required by IDES.
● They provide at least three to five full-sized, unedited photos showing the need when the application is submitted.
Restriction of Funds
It is the policy of the IDES Board of Directors that funds received shall not:
● Be given to a government, denomination, or other organization without approval of the IDES board.
● Be used for any other purpose than what was requested. (If the person requesting the funds cannot carry out the strategy proposed and approved by the IDES board, monies received must be returned to IDES.)
● Be used for another project unless requested and given approval by the IDES board.
● Be used to purchase vehicles for the general operation of the mission’s program.
● Be used to fund new construction of church buildings, schools, clinics, hospitals, etc.
● Be used to purchase land.
● Be used for overhead costs. The mission cannot take a percentage for administrative costs or overhead. All funding must be used for the project you are requesting.
● Be distributed in cash or gift card form to individuals.
● Be used to provide funds to pay workers on the mission field. This is the responsibility of the missionary or the mission organization.
● Be used to provide monthly support to any missionary or mission organization.
● Each project request is considered based upon a "hierarchy of needs." For example, certain disaster projects are of life and death immediacy whereas certain development projects may be able to wait.
Procedures
The following procedures must be followed when applying for a grant from IDES:
1. Go to the IDES portal at ides.fluxx.io. Click on the “Create an account now” button near the bottom left of the page.
2. Answer the questions on the Eligibility Quiz. Please be sure to answer the questions carefully and honestly.
3. If your responses meet IDES criteria, you will be taken to the next page where you can fill out the requested information. If your organization does not meet the criteria, the website will inform you.
4. After submitting the registration form, a staff member from IDES will be in contact with you soon.
5. If IDES approves your registration, you will receive access to our application portal. You will receive further instructions about how to use the portal once you are given access.
Accountability of Funds
It is the policy of IDES to require the following reporting elements from the recipients of funds. Failure to provide the following accounting may result in the denial of any future grants requested.
The following 5 components are required for a grant to be counted as closed:
Signed Contract
Expense Report
○ Itemized list of expenses associated with the project
○ Photos/scans of receipts
Project Summary
○ Who helped with the project, what was completed, who was served, etc.
○ How many people served, how many meals were served, how many wells were built, etc. We need specific numbers of what was accomplished.
Profiles
○ Before funds are granted, IDES will determine the number of profiles required for each project. These profiles should provide a snapshot of a family or individual and explain the physical and spiritual impact a project had on them.
Pictures and Videos
○ Provide 20-50 full-size, unedited photos/videos that show the progress of the project up to completion. Please provide photos of the people impacted by the project.
Please also keep in mind that:
● Reporting will only be accepted via the online portal. Please do not forward or send us reporting emails.
● If the project takes longer than 3 months, progress reports may be required. You will be notified of report due dates when the grant is approved and you will receive automatic reminders via email.
Frequently Asked Questions
May I phone in or email an urgent request?
No, all requests must be received in writing via our online portal. No requests received by phone or email will be processed.
May I use the requested funds to buy a vehicle?
No, you may not use funds to purchase a vehicle for the general operation of your mission. However, fund requests for bicycle and motorbike purchases will be considered when used for ministry purposes only. The IDES Board will also consider matching funds raised by the person requesting funds to help purchase an emergency vehicle, water tank truck, or emergency supply vehicle.
May I request funds to purchase land or build a new ministry building?
No, IDES will not approve requests to purchase land or construct new buildings. However, IDES will consider fund requests to replace or repair a building damaged by a man-made or natural disaster. This does not apply to ordinary building maintenance.
Can I request that the IDES check be made payable to me or a specific individual?
No, a check cannot be made payable to an individual.
Why does IDES require so many reporting elements?
IDES has no funds but what is received from churches and individuals. We must give an account to these donors and be able to account for all funds during an annual audit. It is vitally important for IDES to require reporting in return for those who request funds.
Why may I not use the requested funds to give cash gifts to help those in need?
IDES requests that you do not turn requested funds over to individuals or families but provide for their needs through goods or services by paying vendors directly. This ensures the funds requested will be used for their intended purpose.