What is “Committed” support?
How do partners send their support?
How long am I expected to continue a commitment of support?
What happens if there is a shortfall in committed support?
What expenses or services are covered under committed support?
What should I expect from the family I support?
Extreme Response International is a non-profit humanitarian aid organization with no central funding. Therefore, each family is responsible to raise their own support from churches, family, businesses, organizations, and friends. When commitments equal the support level set by Extreme Response (based on cost of living and project needs), the family receives final clearance for departure. Such commitments, though not a legal contract, are almost always fulfilled. In lieu of a continual shortfall a family may have to return home to raise additional commitments.
Like many people pay their bills, our support is received monthly, quarterly, semi-annually or annually, via check, credit cards, electronic funds transfer, money order, and even cash. Gifts and commitments can be made online. Also, gifts can be made by mail. More information is available about making donations via electronic transfers. It is Extreme Response’s policy to send a receipt for every gift received. For example, monthly givers will receive 12 receipts over the period of a year.
It varies. Support commitments from both churches and individuals have continued for the entire career of some families–as long as 30 or 40 years. We understand that changes in church or family situations may force some commitments to be dropped or changed. Invest time in prayer to determine if you are being called as a financial supporter, not all are called in this way.
The short answer is, “Work effectiveness is compromised.” One unique feature of our support is that it includes funds for the work in the field on which each family serves as well as funds to support the family. Thus, a shortfall in support affects both. A significant shortfall makes it difficult to continue loving and living in the field, and a trip to the States or an extension of home assignment may be necessary to find additional support. If support does not come in for us, we cannot continue work in the field.
Monthly support includes all of the items that your budget at home might cover-and then some. For example, food, clothing, shelter, transportation, salary, social security, utilities, applicable income taxes, health and life insurance and retirement. Committed support also includes overseas cost of living adjustments, travel, children’s education, transportation, project funds, etc.
In a word – “partnership”. As a partner in spreading love you should expect enough information, communication and relationship to assure you that your financial, time and prayer support are producing the kind of results that you pray for and expect. This usually includes prayer letters, e-mail, personal letters, notes, phone calls, visits and reports of project results. Also know that we are inclined to pray for your needs, hopes, dreams and plans as they become aware to us.