Frequently Asked Questions
The following are some of the most requested questions people have about Acts 435.
- Why is it called Acts 435?
- How is Acts 435 funded?
- Why should I give to Acts 435 and not another charity?
- If I donate, how much of my money will go to the person in need?
- What happens if the full amount isn't raised by the expiry date?
- How are our donations managed to ensure that the item requested is purchased and not something else?
- How can I find more long-term assistance to help with financial difficulties?
- How does my church become a member of Acts 435?
- Do you have to be a Christian to ask for money?
- What is Acts 435 doing to protect against fraud?
- How much money can people ask for?
1) Why is it called Acts 435?
Acts 435 was inspired by the works of the early church, as described in Acts 4:35. The early disciples of the risen Christ shared their possessions, and passed money to the apostles to give to anyone who had need.
2) How is Acts 435 funded?
The organisation and administration of Acts 435 is funded by a private donor, and by Gift Aid reclaimed on applicable donations
3) Why should I give to Acts 435 and not another charity?
Because with Acts 435 100% of your donation goes directly to the people in need. You can choose who to give your money to, and all of it will go directly to that person.
4) If I donate, how much of my money will go to the person in need?
100% of what is donated via Acts 435 goes directly to those in need. If you GiftAid your donation, it helps towards the running costs of the charity.
5) What happens if the full amount isn't raised by the expiry date?
If the full amount isn't given by the expiry date, the church advocate may decide to extend the request for a further month to give chance for the remainder to come in. The applicant will always get whatever has been received though in some cases, where the request is for something specific, it won't be enough on its own to buy that item. In those cases, we advise the advocates to use it in the most appropriate way for that particular individual/family.
As it happens, 96% of requests posted are met in full by donors, and those that are not met tend to be more 'quality of life' requests or where £100 (our cap for requests) is clearly insufficient for the need - eg. flight, driving lessons, etc.
The request may need extending for a month but after 2 months, the majority of requests are given to.
6) How are our donations managed to ensure that the item requested is purchased and not something else?
We allow each church to manage the giving of the funds/ purchase of the item in accordance with their usual policies and procedures, along with guidelines from us. Church advocates know each applicant and whether they can trust them with the cash to use for the required item, or whether it is best to purchase it on their behalf. We encourage church advocates to accompany the applicant and purchase the item together to ensure both that the funds are used correctly and that there is some pastoral care for the individual/family in need.
7) How can I find more long-term assistance to help with financial difficulties?
We can’t offer long term help, or huge amounts of money, but we hope we can help with emergencies. These organisations may be able to offer more help with longer-term solutions:
- www.capuk.org (Christians Against Poverty)
- www.creditaction.org.uk (Credit Action)
- www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk (The Money Advice Service)
8) How does my church become a member of Acts 435?
We need more churches to become involved with Acts 435, and help people in need in your community. If you’d like to know more about getting involved, please email admin@acts435.org.uk.
9) Do you have to be a Christian to ask for money?
No, you don’t. Acts 435 is run through churches (or participating charities through the Head Office if a particular place does not yet have a participating church). Individual applicants must be known to the church or participating charity or to an organisation the church has partnered with in order to make a request. This means that we can vouch for the people asking for money and minimise fraud.
10) What is Acts 435 doing to protect against fraud?
Individual applicants applying for help must live or work in the local church's wider community and be known to the church or participating charity or to an organisation the church has partnered with to reach more people in need. Acts 435 requires that they produce proof of their identity, and our advocates will be trained to vet forms of ID.
11) How much money can people ask for?
People can apply for help up to three times each calendar year, asking for up to £100 at any one time subject to a maximum of £300 per individual, per year.