Although we practice good stewardship by adhering to our Guidelines and limiting needs we share to what members have agreed upon, we also strongly encourage giving above and beyond what is required. This can be done through Special Prayer Needs, extra giving in proration months, the Sponsorship Program, and bequests. Because SMI is an IRS recognized 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit religious organization, any of these gifts can be tax-deductible if given directly to SMI's Member Assistance Fund.
A. Special Prayer Needs
Needs that do not meet the Guidelines may be eligible to be shared as Special Prayer Needs that members may give to in addition to their regular monthly share. SMI reserves the right to decide which needs will or will not be shared as Special Prayer Needs. Requests for needs to be submitted as Special Prayer Needs will be evaluated on such criteria as the extent of the financial burden, the availability of assistance from other sources, the degree to which the need was avoidable, and the amount of other pending requests.
Before submitting a Special Prayer Need, consider your financial resources, what reductions you have requested from providers, and what assistance is available from your family and local Christian church. Remember that the SMI membership will be giving beyond their monthly shares to lighten your burden. For questions concerning Special Prayer Needs call 1-877-764-2426 to speak to your Member Services team.
Please note: The initial unshareable amount and co-share are not eligible to be submitted as Special Prayer Needs.
B. Proration Months
In months where a proration occurs, most members who had a shareable need that month will only have the prorated amount shared, which may still leave a significant burden on some families. In such cases the monthly assignment sheet will show you the extra amount you, and the other members assigned that need, would have to send so that the member’s need would be fully met. All members are asked to prayerfully consider giving out of their surplus, beyond their minimum monthly share, to minimize the effect of the proration.
You may give extra directly to the member assigned to you, or if you want to be able to receive a federal tax deduction for your gift, send it to the office designated for the member assistance fund.
C. Sponsorship
Even though members work to keep the monthly share amounts as low as possible, there are still circumstances when an applicant or current member may not be able to pay the entire amount. Because we are committed to the central role of the family and the local Christian church in all of life, including health care, application for help through Sponsorship will require that these other avenues of assistance be explored first, so they have the first opportunity to receive the blessing of giving. For more information about how to apply for Sponsorship, please call us toll-free at 877-764-2426.
D. Bequests
When preparing your will or other estate planning, your estate can make a tax-deductible gift to assist your fellow believers with health care burdens, or designate for other ministries of SMI, like the Special Needs Adoptions fund and Disaster Relief. SMI can be identified as ...
Samaritan Ministries International
Peoria, IL
FEIN 37-1295601