The Story of the Barnabas Almsgiving Fund

The idea for the Barnabas Almsgiving Fund arose when some people from Ann Arbor, Michigan, went on short-term mission trips to other countries. They encountered fellow Christians with unmet basic necessities of life such as food, water, shelter, medical care, and education. They were able to meet some of these needs from their own resources. In the process, they discovered that it is difficult for charitable organizations in the United States to give financial aid to individuals in need, due to IRS rules.

About that time, they became acquainted with the charitable work in India of another Ann Arborite. For more than 30 years this brother in Christ has given of his own Social Security checks and solicited the help of others to send many thousands of dollars to care for orphans and to meet urgent medical, housing, and education expenses of destitute Christians—all without the benefit of tax-deductible giving.

The group decided to seek a means of helping others that would encourage more Christians to get involved in helping to meet the basic needs of individuals both abroad and in the USA. If possible, donations would be tax deductible.

Eventually, the group consulted Nuala Holowicki, a local attorney specializing in not-for-profit corporations. Nuala explained how tax-deductible gifts could be given to needy individuals within the framework of IRS rules and restrictions. An anonymous donor provided the legal and application fees necessary, and others came alongside to serve on the first Board of Directors. Thus the Barnabas Almsgiving Fund was incorporated in the State of Michigan and received 501(c)(3) status as a charitable organization from the IRS in 2012.

Board of Directors

Peter Williamson, President & Co-founder
Lucy Scholand, Board Member

Special Thanks

Peter Collins, Co-founder

Many thanks to the others who have generously served on the Board of Directors since its beginning, and to the following professionals for their expertise:

Nuala Holowicki, J.D.
Rick Hendricks, CPA
Jean Whiting, Webmaster