The following frequently asked questions may be helpful in completing the SOAR! grant application. If you have any addition questions please do not hesitate to contact Deborah Vornbrock at dvornbrock@soar-usa.org or by phone at 202-529-7627.

Who is elegible?

The needs of aging religious are a crisis in our nation today. Support Our Aging Religious, Inc. (SOAR!) is prepared to provide assistance on a temporary basis. Religious orders with retired, aged and infirm members at the community, diocesan or regional level may apply for funds to assist with an immediate retirement need.

What are the priority areas for funding?

• Emergency needs.
• Therapeutic and medical equipment.
• Adequate and safe housing for retirement.

Examples: bathroom renovations, elevator and mobility, safety, nurse call/alert systems, hospital beds/infirmary renovation, window/roof replacement, kitchen renovation, special needs (speech/vision, water supply, heating).

What are some examples of unacceptable areas for funding?

SOAR! is unable to provide ongoing living expenses of retired religious in assisted living or skilled nursing facilities.

• Major contributions to retirement funds.
• Construction of new buildings.
• Operational expenses.
• Cosmetic improvements that do not directly relate to the physical well-being of the retired.
• Proposals which request partial funding for large projects if additional funds have not been obtained.

What is the average amount of a grant award?

SOAR! makes grants between $1,000 and $25,000. The average grant award in 2008 was $13,525.

Will SOAR! fund our congregation’s capital campaign?

No, SOAR! does not support capital campaigns, however, aspects of a capital project may warrant funding when it provides for an immediate need.

What does SOAR! look for when determining whether or not to fund a grant?

The Board looks for need, inadequate community resources to address that critical need, and the long term impact of the grant award.

Should congregations whose applications were declined reapply?

The Board of Directors of SOAR! welcomes applications from religious congregations that need assistance to provide critically needed items to care for their retired and infirm members. SOAR! will give priority to congregations whose unfunded past service liability is great. The Board cannot guarantee project funding.

When should a congregation apply for an Emergency Grant?

Emergency Grants are awarded to congregations when there is an extremely urgent need that affects the safety and well being of retired members of a religious community. Some examples of past emergency grants include: a fire alarm system mandated by the state fire marshal in order for the retirement facility to remain open and a new air conditioning system to protect the health of elderly members of a congregation from heat related illnesses.

Glossary of Terms

Operating Funds – Funds available to support the regular, day-to-day expenses of the community
Retirement Age – 70 and above is the assumed retirement age and when members receive benefits

Retirement Fund – Reserved sum of money designated to provide support for its retired members (Does not include funds received from NRRO)

Restricted Fund – Funds set aside for specific purposes other than retirement expenses and therefore not available to meet such expenses

Unfunded Liability – Represents the difference in the amount which a congregation needs for the cost of care and its retirement assets

Unrestricted Fund – Funds set aside to support the works of the congregation