Volunteer Travel Fund Request Form
Preamble:
“All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his or her possessions was his or her own, but they shared everything they had.” Acts 4:32
God has provided Cooperative Baptist Fellowship with many gifts and resources so that we might have the joy of ministry in this world together. It is quite a gift for us as individuals, churches, states and regions to be able to bring our various “pieces” to offer to the whole so that kingdom work can be accomplished. The Volunteer Travel Fund provides an opportunity for those with financial resources to come alongside others with resources of time, skills, ideas, wisdom, energy and more to say together, “Here are gifts to be put at God’s feet to be distributed to anyone as he or she has need.”
When we act in such generosity and cooperation, our Governing Board, Nominating Committee, Missions and Ministries Councils are strengthened by a richness of diversity, talent, and perspective that enables us to become for our world a people who offer our best together for the sake of Christ.
Background:
CBF policy and practice are that anyone serving on the governing board, nominating committee, missions council and ministries council (“Members”) pay for all travel expenses associated with attending and participating in meetings and events of CBF; or meetings/events where they officially represent CBF (“Meetings”).
CBF values participation of all persons among our constituency in our meetings. Therefore it encourages a diverse representation among the Members of gender, age, socio-economic status and race. To further enhance Members’ geographical distribution; it is also the policy of CBF to provide limited reimbursement of travel expenses to Members for attending meetings if there are no alternative sources available to the Member.
The Volunteer Travel Fund (VTF) was established as a joint venture between CBF State and Regional Organizations and CBF Global. The purpose of the VTF is to be one vehicle in which limited reimbursement can be accessed by Members.
Process:
Members must self-identify and apply for Volunteer Travel Fund assistance for each year of service. Applicants should provide estimated costs for the current service year.
Requests are reviewed within two weeks of submission. Assistance is subject to available funds. Submitting an application does not guarantee approval or full coverage of requested expenses.
Applicants will be notified of approved assistance before travel arrangements are made. Once approved, CBF will arrange and pay for airfare and hotel accommodations directly through its designated travel agent. Applicants should not purchase flights or book hotels independently with the expectation of reimbursement.
Other travel-related expenses remain subject to the existing VTF approval and reimbursement process. Applicants should include estimated mileage, car rental, public or local transportation, rideshare and taxi/tip expenses, as applicable.
New requests may be considered following a change in circumstances, including health, employment, family changes or the impact of a natural disaster. Members filling vacated terms may also apply.
Applicants may submit their request through the website or download and complete the application form.