Benevolent Fund
The gift of a Barnabas Summer Family Retreat
Summer Family Retreats are at the core of Barnabas’ ministry. We know, however, that for many families spending a summer week at Barnabas is not financially possible. Our Benevolent Fund was established to offer a partial or complete subsidy to families that qualify, enabling them to enjoy a week of deep refreshment and exuberant fun.
Scroll down to learn more about applying, donating or nominating, or jump to our FAQ. If you are ready, you may:
We process all applications and nominations through CampBrain. Login and scroll down to 2025 Summer Benevolent Program.
Who is it for?
The Benevolent Fund was established to enable families to attend Barnabas who wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford it. In previous years, the fund has supported families in ministry (including pastors and missionaries), refugee families recently settled in Canada, and low income families needing a vacation.
When do I need to apply?
Applications and Nominations are due in by Wednesday, January 29.
Three ways to get involved.
1. APPLY FOR YOUR FAMILY
If your family could benefit from the Benevolent Fund, please submit an online application below.
Our Benevolent Team will review your request, and will usually contact you to arrange a time to speak by phone. Regardless, we will let you know whether or not we are able to approve your application.
2. NOMINATE ANOTHER FAMILY
If a family in your community could benefit from the Benevolent Fund, please submit an online nomination below.
Our Benevolent Team will review your request, and will usually contact the family to arrange a time to speak by phone. In some circumstances, we may contact you in support of their application.
3. DONATE TO OUR BENEVOLENT FUND
Please note: due to CRA tax receipt regulations, you are not able to make a donation for a specific family to attend. You are welcome to make a general donation to our benevolent fund, and separately, to nominate a family for Benevolent consideration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Applying to the Benevolent Fund
-
There is benevolent funding for two families per week throughout the summer. Additional funding/spaces may be added after general registration opens.
-
Most applications have between 20% - 60% of their costs covered by the Benevolent Fund. (Meaning that they, or their nominating party, cover the remaining 80% - 40%.)
Under special circumstances, the Benevolent Fund may cover up to 100%.
-
The process is highly confidential. Your application and details will only be seen by our Benevolent Team. No other Barnabas staff or guests will be aware of your funding status.
-
We will conclude our general review process on February 7, 2025. You will hear from us shortly after that.
If we are able to approve your application, we will send you a discount code to use when you register for your Summer Family Retreat.
-
While we cannot guarantee that you will be able to attend a week of your choosing, we will do our best to arrange a week that suits you.
-
In order to make the process as fair as possible, families will only be eligible for a benevolent gift once every five years. However, if demand is low in a future year, exceptions may be possible.
-
While the cost of attending varies depending on factors (e.g. family size, children’s age and accommodation type), the average cost for a family of 4 is $3,050 CAD.
-
Yes - if you nominated a family for Benevolent consideration, we will let you know whether or not we are able to approve their application.
-
Yes - we will issue you a tax receipt for this and any other donations to Barnabas at the end of the tax year.
However, please note that due to CRA tax receipt regulations, you are not able to make a donation for a specific family to attend. You are welcome to make a general donation to our benevolent fund, and separately, to nominate a family for Benevolent consideration.
If you choose to directly cover the remaining portion of a nominated family’s costs, that amount is not tax receiptable.