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Source verified September 27, 2026
The Shepherd's Fund — Retired Clergy Assistance
Medical assistance for retired clergy families
Latest source updateLast Update: October 11, 2026Latest change: The FAQs and process page now broaden eligible recipients and expenses, add 12-month reapplication guidance, and update documentation and payment instructions.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: October 11, 2026
Latest change: The FAQs and process page now broaden eligible recipients and expenses, add 12-month reapplication guidance, and update documentation and payment instructions.
The Shepherd’s Fund eligibility and process expanded
The Frequently Asked Questions page now confirms broader eligibility for retired clergy, retired ordained missionaries, their spouses, and certain surviving spouses, while also adding clarifications for disabled clergy, adult disabled children, and partner organizations. It also expands covered expenses to include medical and life-stage needs, excludes insurance premiums and expenses older than 90 days, and says approved recipients may be paid directly or reimbursed when appropriate. The application guidance now says applicants must complete a full application with supporting financial documents once every 12 months, then submit qualifying expenses monthly after approval. The process page also now describes verification of eligibility and ministry service, and the logon notice no longer shows the temporary pause on new applications that was previously posted.
Funding available
$ 25,000
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
Canada
Overview
This program provides financial assistance to retired clergy, spouses, and surviving spouses facing medical hardship. Support is intended for documented medical expenses and can total up to $25,000 in lifetime assistance.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase social or community impact
- Strengthen organizational capacity
- Ensure financial sustainability
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 25,000 $
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- Non-profit
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Canadians
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Religious Congregations and Associations
Target groups
- Seniors
- Low-income individuals / families
Revenue structures
- 100% donations / grants
Scope
- National
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
Availability timeline
2026
Periods: 1
Documents Needed
- Social Security award letter
- The first page of your most recent tax return
- Basic income and expense information
- Documentation related to the expenses you are requesting, such as invoices or receipts
- Banking information, if requested
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Retired clergy
- Spouses of retired clergy
- Surviving spouses of retired clergy
- Retired ordained pastors and missionaries, and their spouses and surviving spouses
Who is not eligible
- Adult disabled children, for a grant in their name
- Clergy on disability who are not within twelve (12) months of transitioning to full retirement
Eligible expenses
- Doctor visits and hospital care
- Rehabilitation, nursing care, and assisted living care
- Prescriptions, medical equipment, and co-pays
- Housing costs, utilities, or transportation related to medical treatment
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Health insurance premiums, including Medicare Supplements, Drug, Dental & Vision Insurance premiums
- Expenses incurred outside 90 days of submitting the invoice or proof of payment
Selection criteria
- Future priority may be given to first-time applicants
How to apply
- Create a new account and complete the online application through The Shepherd’s Fund
- A denominational or church leader may help guide you to the application if needed
Processing and Agreement
- Application is reviewed and denominational standing is confirmed
- Additional information may be requested if needed
- Funding decision and amount are determined after review
- If approved, payment is issued to the provider or as reimbursement
- Follow-up updates may be provided after payment
Additional information
- Applicants may reapply in future years if the lifetime maximum has not been reached.
- Assistance is based on documented medical expenses rather than a fixed annual amount.
- Only one account is needed per household.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the The Shepherd's Fund — Retired Clergy Assistance Program
What is the The Shepherd's Fund — Retired Clergy Assistance?
This program provides financial assistance to retired clergy, spouses, and surviving spouses facing medical hardship. Support is intended for documented medical expenses and can total up to $25,000 in lifetime assistance.
How much funding can be received?
The Shepherd's Fund — Retired Clergy Assistance Funds up to $25,000 of admissible expenses.
What is the deadline to apply?
The program is accepting continuous intake
Who is eligible for the The Shepherd's Fund — Retired Clergy Assistance program?
To be eligible for the The Shepherd's Fund — Retired Clergy Assistance program, you must:
Retired clergy or spouse
Partnered denomination or organization
Documented medical hardship
Who can I contact for more information about the The Shepherd's Fund — Retired Clergy Assistance?
You can contact The Shepherd's Fund (TSF) by email at support@theshepherdsfund.org or by phone at 844-253-9870.
Where is the The Shepherd's Fund — Retired Clergy Assistance available?
The The Shepherd's Fund — Retired Clergy Assistance program is available across Canada.
Is the The Shepherd's Fund — Retired Clergy Assistance a grant, loan, or tax credit?
The Shepherd's Fund — Retired Clergy Assistance is a Grant and Funding