The AEPi Benevolent Brother Fund provides emergency assistance to Alpha Epsilon Pi members, and their families, who are experiencing economic distress, emergency medical needs, or the loss of a loved one. The Benevolent Brother fund was established for Brothers to assist in providing relief to their fellow Brothers.
Examples of Benevolent Brother Fund grants include assistance with essential items such as utility payments, medical bills, short-term housing costs, food/food supplies, transportation problems, childcare, or funeral expenses. Typically, checks are written to directly to the vendor (landlord, utility company, pharmacy or mechanic) on behalf of the individual in need. In situations like disaster relief, when the timing of financial support is more urgent, funds may be disbursed directly to an individual.
Applicants are required to complete a certified application form that explains the need, description of hardship, and funding amount requested. In certain circumstances, supporting documentation such as bills, invoices, and receipts may be requested.
Yes. In its publication “Disaster Relief: Providing Assistance Through Charitable Organizations,” the IRS, following the 9/11 tragedy, clarified and broadened the kinds of needs for which cash assistance may be given, “provided an objective evaluation has been made of the victims ability to meet these needs.” U.S. tax law indicates that public charities must have a legitimate system for verifying the financial “neediness” of applicants and that the funds are spent on immediate needs, which include medical emergencies, assistance with rent, and transportation. “Need can be address with cash assistance, or other need may be met through services such as counseling, training and job placement services, which are charitable without regard to financial need. The type of aid that is appropriate to relief distress in a particular case depends on the nature of the individual’s need and resources.”
Each application will be reviewed by Alpha Epsilon Pi Foundation staff and the Grant Committee of the Foundation Board of Directors. Once applications are verified, the Committee will determine the grant to be distributed. Grants will be made in the form of lump sum distributions, or as determined by The Alpha Epsilon Pi Foundation based on the needs of the particular recipient. Grant recipients may be required to provide additional documentation that the funds were used in a manner consistent with the terms of the grant. All data is kept confidential and secure.