Brighter Future Fund FAQ
What is the Brighter Future Fund?
Centerstone’s Brighter Future Fund offers emergency financial assistance to part-time and full-time Centerstone employees who are experiencing the unexpected and temporary impacts caused by a natural disaster.
How does it work?
Centerstone employees can apply for financial assistance by submitting an application detailing the nature of their emergency as a result of a natural disaster. Requests can be made for expenses not covered by FEMA or insurance. Grants are provided on a charitable basis meaning staff won’t need to worry about repayment while focusing on what matters most. Applications are reviewed by an internal Brighter Future Fund committee, and all information is handled with the highest level of confidentiality.
Who is eligible for assistance?
All regular part-time and full-time Centerstone employees (employed for at least 6 months) are eligible to apply for assistance. Colleagues are eligible to receive assistance once in a 12-month fiscal year period (from July 1 – June 30). Other eligibility parameters include:
- One award per year, per household
- The event causing the hardship must have occurred in the last 3 months, and since the employee’s hire date
- If residence impact, it must have occurred to the employee’s primary residence (boats, second homes, and personally-owned rental properties are not eligible)
How do I apply for assistance?
To apply for assistance, employees must complete the online application form. Supporting documentation is required, such as receipts of expenses incurred (food/meals out of pocket, purchase of items such as a generator, building materials, temporary housing/hotel expenses, etc.).
What situations will Brighter Future Fund assist with?
Unexpected and temporary impacts caused by a natural disaster, as defined in 42 U.S. Code §8622.
Will the Brighter Future Fund assist in illness or injury situations that occur due to the natural disaster?
Yes, if provided documentation can show that the injury or illness was caused by the natural disaster.
If the natural disaster kept me from working, what are my options?
- Please speak with your supervisor first about your options.
- Short-term disability may be an option for you. Email your questions to: HR & Payroll Help Desk.
Who will see my application?
Only the Brighter Future Fund Committee sees applications; they are kept confidential. Your application does not affect your employment—it’s a grant provided by Centerstone.
After I submit my application, when will I hear if my grant is approved?
The Committee aims to respond within two weeks after receiving your application and documents. You’ll be notified via Centerstone email if approved or denied.
Family or friends helped assist me immediately; can the Brighter Future Fund help me pay them back?
No, the Fund provides assistance directly to you via direct deposit, not to other individuals.
How often can I receive assistance from the Brighter Future Fund?
Staff may receive assistance one time per household, per 12-month fiscal year (July to June).
Is the assistance provided as a loan?
No, all assistance is a one-time, non-repayable gift to help employees experiencing a hardship due to a natural disaster.
Will the Brighter Future Fund review or change its granting criteria outside of natural disasters?
The Fund currently supports only natural disaster impacts. Future expansions will be communicated to all staff.
What are examples of expenses that do not qualify for the Fund?
- Regular utility, rent, or other recurring bills.
- Costs for boats, second homes, or rental properties; impact must be to your primary residence.
- See external resources for other non-disaster assistance.
Is financial assistance from the Fund taxable?
- No, if your primary residence area is declared a disaster area by officials.
- Yes, if your area is not declared; Centerstone applies appropriate taxes.
How is the Brighter Future Fund supported?
The Fund is supported by donations to Centerstone’s Foundation from employees, leadership, and community contributors. All funds raised go directly to assistance.
Can I donate to the Fund?
Yes! Anyone, including current or former employees, can make a tax-deductible donation online, via payroll deduction, or by mail to Centerstone’s Foundation at PO Box 197608, Nashville, TN 37219.
Can I restrict or earmark my donations to the Fund?
No, donations are pooled so all employees in need have access to the same support.
Can I apply on behalf of another employee?
No, applications must be submitted by the employee in need. However, you can encourage colleagues to apply.
Who can I contact for more information?
For more information, contact BrighterFutureFund@centerstone.org.
What other support exists for staff?
Centerstone’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is available 24/7/365 for staff and household members. Eligible for eight sessions per issue. Call 888-881-5462 or visit supportlinc.com.
Other resources:- American Red Cross – utility and heating bill help, safety classes, disaster aid.
- Catholic Charities – crisis financial help, medical bill assistance.
- Assistance League – school clothes, books, and student support.
- Operation Homefront – emergency grants and counseling for military families.
- Operation Round Up – energy assistance from utilities.
- The Salvation Army – bill assistance, clothing, food, counseling.
- National Urban League – services for low-income and working poor.
- YMCA of the USA – family services, job seeker support.
- YWCA USA – resources for women, children, single parents.
