How NearFaith Care works
Here's the request flow in plain language — the limits, what's covered, and the ground rules that keep this dignified and honest. This is live today as a small, verified pilot: every request goes through every step below, and no help is ever guaranteed.
The request flow
- 1
Sign in with your email
A simple account, made the first time you sign in — no lengthy application up front.
- 2
Choose your church
Pick the church you actually attend from NearFaith's directory.
- 3
Church rep confirms the need is real
A verified rep at that church confirms they know you and that the need is genuine — the same trust that already exists between a member and their church, just formalized.
- 4
Review
The request is checked against the list of what Care can help with.
- 5
A private video conversation — the final step
Before we make a connection, a member of our team meets the applicant on a short video call (usually 15–20 minutes). It's a conversation, not a test: private, never recorded without written consent, and never shared outside the review team.
- 6
A decision — at the program's discretion
Every request is decided at the program's discretion; meeting every step makes a request eligible, never entitled.
- 7
Your church helps
NearFaith connects you with your church. NearFaith does not collect, hold or pay out money; any help comes from the church itself.
Limits
Care is for smaller needs. These limits keep requests focused and fair.
Standard requests
Smaller needs (up to $500)
Active requests
One at a time
Connections
Up to 2 per 12 months
These limits are enforced in the request system and published in the Eligibility Policy.
Want to help?
NearFaith doesn't collect or hold gifts for other people. If you'd like to help a neighbor in need, the best way is to give directly through a local church's own giving page. Give directly to a local church.
What's not covered
NearFaith Care is built for genuine, smaller needs — not everything qualifies.
Dignity & privacy
- Never public begging — no one's story is put on display to solicit help.
- Identity is never exposed on any public page.
- Church membership status is never published.
Not a loan
NearFaith Care is not a lending program. NearFaith does not lend or pay money; no interest, no repayment schedule, no debt created.
For church reps
Verification asks a church rep for two things, and two things only:
- 1.Confirm you actually know the person and their connection to your church.
- 2.Confirm the need itself looks legitimate — nothing more.
A church rep is never asked to guarantee repayment, put up money, or take on any financial risk. Verification is a confirmation, not a co-sign.
My church wants to participate
Tell us who you are and we'll reach out when church verification opens for the pilot.
Where things actually stand
- Requests are open; NearFaith connects people with local churches.
- The Care Fund is not accepting contributions, and NearFaith does not pay out money.
- NearFaith is a for-profit company; payments to it are never tax-deductible.