Who Is Eligible
All Seattle Pacific University alumni in any of the following categories who are experiencing financial hardship due to medical issues are eligible to apply for an assistance grant from The Shepherd’s Fund of up to $10,000 each, or $20,000 total:
- Retired pastors and spouses of any denominational affiliation
- Surviving spouses of retired pastors
- Pastors with disabilities who are unable to perform ministerial duties, but are not yet of retirement age
- Retired pastors and spouses who are legal guardians of adult children with a disability
- Retired pastors who are legal guardians for their grandchildren who have a disability or medical condition, regardless of age
Eligible alumni may reapply in subsequent years, especially if they have a chronic ongoing medical condition.
What Is Covered
The Shepherd’s Fund covers medical-related costs, including, but not limited to:
- Doctor and hospital bills
- Home health care
- Assisted living expenses
- Prescription medications
- Dental work
- Vision care
- Hearing aids
- Medical equipment and supplies
- Wheelchairs, power chairs, and other mobility aides
- Wheelchair ramps, grab bars, and other medically necessary safety equipment in the home
- Life-Alert pendants
How to Apply
Eligible alumni may apply online at The Shepherd's Fund. The Shepherd’s Fund will review applications, typically within two weeks. The fund will forward approved applications to their partner, Helping Hands, for further screening. After the information is verified and approved, grant funds will be disbursed in a timely manner. Most often, payments are made directly to a hospital, doctor, or other vendor.
Questions
For general questions about this fund, email SPU Alumni Director Amanda Stubbert. If you have specific questions about the application or whether you qualify, email The Shepherd's Fund.
While SPU wants to support alumni by publicizing the availability of a resource that may be beneficial to them, please note that The Shepherd’s Fund is a separate organization from SPU and SPU is not involved in administering or sponsoring its activities or programs. Each person should review The Shepherd’s Fund programs themselves to see whether they could be helpful in their personal situation.