Sparrow’s Nest Egg Program was created to relieve team members of unexpected financial hardship during times of need by distributing tax-exempt grants. By contributing to the fund, you’ll support Sparrow’s values of Putting People First, Making an Impact, and Being a Team Player. All contributions are tax-deductible and will be matched by Sparrow.

Please review the questions below. If you respond yes to all of the following criteria, we encourage you to proceed with the application process.

Can I answer yes to the following six questions below?

1. I am a:

· Full-time employee
· Employed by Sparrow for a year minimum

2. Has the event occurred within 60 days of your application?

3. Will this be your first grant from this fund within the past 12 months?

4. To be considered for a grant, one of the below qualifying events has to have occurred. The hardship must then relate to the event for which you are applying. Has one of the events listed below occurred?

· QUALIFIED DISASTER: These events include state or federally-declared disasters, disasters resulting from common carrier accidents, and disasters that result from a terroristic or military action.

· DEATH OF EMPLOYEE OR THEIR IMMEDIATE FAMILY MEMBER: This includes the death of the employee, spouse, or eligible dependent(s). The loss of income or the cost of funeral expenses or medical bills must significantly impact the family’s resources. The Fund may also be able to pay expenses to bring a child whose parents have died to live with a new family, typically a relative.

· SERIOUS ILLNESS or INJURY, or NON-ROUTINE/EXCEPTIONAL MEDICAL EXPENSE: The Fund is not a substitute for medical insurance; employees do not automatically qualify for a grant when they, or their dependents, are diagnosed with or suffer a life-threatening or serious illness or injury. A resulting financial need must place significant pressure on the family’s financial resources. Doctor confirmation and/or medical documentation will be required.

· DOMESTIC ABUSE: This is a situation that causes the employee and other victims to leave an unsafe residence.

· IMPACTS TO PRIMARY RESIDENCE: This includes but is not limited to fire, flood, etc causing major home damage that could not be prevented and significantly impacts the family’s resources. Police, fire, or other official incident report may be required.

· VICTIM OF A VIOLENT CRIME: This includes a serious crime against the employee (robbery, arson, assault, or other reportable crime) that significantly impacts the family’s resources.

· NATURAL DISASTERS: A situation such as a wildfire, flood, tornado, hurricane, severe storm, or earthquake that has damaged or destroyed the employee’s primary residence. The Fund cannot pay to repair other property or replace non-essential items, e.g., electronics, etc. Photographs and/or insurance reports may be required.

· MILITARY DEPLOYMENT: In the time of a natural disaster or national emergency, the employee, spouse, or domestic partner is unexpectedly or unavoidably called to active duty from the military reserves or National Guard.

5. Is the hardship you are facing because of the above event listed below?

> Food, Clothing, and Housing: immediate needs only applicable up to 30 days after the Event
> Mortgage or Rent assistance for primary residence: generally for a period beyond 30 days
> Reasonable repairs to damaged property
> Essential appliances and furnishings
> Essential utility expenses
> Security deposits for new housing if unable to inhabit an existing home
> Reasonable evacuation expenses
> Reasonable funeral, travel, and burial expenses
> Car repairs other than routine maintenance or repairs that could not have been reasonably avoided
> Cost of Car rental or public transportation for up to 30 days
> Medical expenses not covered by insurance, including prescription medication
> Psychological counseling deemed by a physician to be necessary following an event and more than what is covered by insurance
> Expenses resulting from flight from domestic violence, such as temporary housing
> Unable to work due to the event
> Unexpected child care up to 60 days

6. Is the grant amount you are requesting between $500 and $2,500?