Shared Contribution Guidelines

Gospel Community is a ministry of City Hill Church in accordance with the rules and regulations of the law. A Shared Contribution is NOT the same as a tax-deductible donation. Rather than a lease agreement a Contribution Agreement is used.

Definitions

Shared Contribution: A contribution made by a member of a cooperative (community house inhabitant / Next Level Discipleship Program participant) to a mutual fund of an organization.

Contribution Agreement: A legally binding document that allows individuals to share the burden of liability, listing and clarifying everything the individual and the organization agree to in clear, precise, and enforceable terms for the transfer of assets.

Purpose

Transparency is a big deal, especially when it comes to stewarding finances. Every business transaction must be binding and protected (on both sides). This is why a Contribution Agreement is used. Below are some reasons why:

  • Clarity: It provides a clear list of what is being transferred, the value of the transfer, and the benefits for all parties involved.

  • Protection: It shields the parties involved from potential disputes or conflicts as it outlines specific terms and conditions.

  • Legal Compliance: It adheres to legal requirements and ensures the correct registration and reporting of the assets.

  • Reassurance: It provides a sense of security and comfort to all parties involved in the transaction.

Key Components

Parties: You, the potential inhabitant. Gospel Community, the operational ministry, and the property owner City Hill Church.

Monthly Contribution Breakdown: This section outlines the financial breakdown of what is included in a monthly shared contribution. The amounts are averaged based on an annual budget/projection. The desire is to not just “pay the bills” each month but allow for a small surplus to accumulate to:

  • Cover any unforeseen financial surprises (damage caused accidentally)

  • Bless others by providing a free temporary place to stay during times of crisis

  • Blessing an inhabitant temporarily who experiences an unforeseen crisis

  • Evangelism + Evangelism Training (costs for supplies/events/projects/training supplies)

  • Special One-off Projects

  • Training/Equipping/Spiritual Growth (books, videos, guest speakers, etc.)

  • Community House Supplies and Maintenance

  • Blessing other ministry partners with gifts, etc.

Utilities & Fees: Water+Sewer/Garbage+Recycling/Electricity+Gas/Internet/Security/Property Maintenance (lawn care+snow)
Shared Living Supplies: Communal Household Supplies for Everyday Living such as - Toilet Paper/Laundry Detergent/Dryer Sheets/Hand Soap/Dish Detergent/Cleaning Products and Supplies/First Aid and Basic Medical Supplies/Lightbulbs/Batteries/etc.
Shared Pantry: Communal Groceries and Supplies for Shared Meals/Hosting Food & Supplies/Community Events/Communion Elements/Kitchen+Baking+Cooking Supplies (Plastic Wrap, Sandwich Bags, Freezer Bags, Plastic Containers, Aluminum Foil, Parchment Paper,
Trash Bags) Coffee Supplies (coffee, coffee filters, creamer, sugar, etc.), Tea, etc.

Contribution Precedent: The monthly contribution will be paid by or on the first of every month before midnight. Failure to do so will result in a fine of an additional $50. More than 3 late contributions in a year will be considered a break of contribution agreement and the inhabitant will be removed if the inhabitant has an issue with paying the monthly contribution in full on time because of an unforeseen crisis such as a loss of employment, a medical emergency, etc. The inhabitant will inform Gospel Community immediately to discuss options for assistance and put together a strategy for the inhabitant. If the inhabitant has a special circumstance such as traveling over the first of the month they are expected to notify Gospel Community ahead of time to work out the agreed-upon logistics of contribution whether paid early or an approved late payment. It is important to remember that living as an inhabitant in Gospel Community is a team effort. Not paying on time puts financial strain on the ministry of Gospel Community and also the other inhabitants.