goodwill fund

Goodwill Fund

When life takes an unexpected turn through death, illness, or another personal catastrophic event, financial hardship and serious financial jeopardy can follow close on its heels. When such events befall a member family in Highland Lakes, that family can anonymously turn to the Goodwill Fund to request assistance with the payment of their dues and assessments for one year, helping to maintain their membership in good standing.

about the goodwill fund

Payment of annual Club dues is the responsibility of every property owner in Highland Lakes. Club dues and assessments are established each year by the Voting Board. The amount of the yearly dues is based on the Club’s anticipated operating expenses to maintain our lakes, roads, beaches, activities, provide other amenities that are offered to its membership throughout the year, fund special projects, and fund reserve accounts that are maintained so that the Club can responsibly respond to unexpected emergencies as needed.
 
Established in 2005, the Goodwill Fund holds money in reserve that is raised through membership donations and benefit events organized throughout the year to help qualified member families who are unable to pay their dues. Each year, families that apply and are deemed to meet the guidelines for assistance through this fund are helped thanks to the generosity of so many of their neighbors. 
elderly hands

Apply for Assistance

 

Eligibility Requirements and Application Guidelines:
Financial hardship alone does not qualify a member to be considered for assistance. Regrettably, there are many families who have suffered job losses and/or layoffs that place serious financial burdens on the family. While the situation is difficult, an “economic” event alone does not make one eligible for a Goodwill Fund award.

If, however, you are a member in good standing and have lost a significant amount of your family income due to a family member's death or serious illness and you cannot pay your annual Club dues, CONTACT the Club office in writing, c/o the Goodwill Fund. Have a friend or neighbor in Highland Lakes who you believe may qualify? Reach out to them and encourage them to file an application. The deadline for applications is July 31st each year. Your request will be confidentially considered by a designated member of the Goodwill Fund and presented anonymously to other committee members.

Goodwill Fund committee members evaluate every request with respect to the established criteria and forward their recommendation to the Voting Board which makes the final decision in a meeting that is closed to the public. Once a decision is made, the committee coordinator notifies the applicant.

If you believe you have experienced a qualifying personal event and that your ability to maintain your membership in good standing has been compromised, you may qualify for assistance from the Goodwill Fund. CONTACT the Club office requesting to be contacted by the Goodwill Fund.  The Goodwill Fund application can be found in the Owners' Portal or by contacting the Club office.  The application deadline for the Goodwill Fund is July 31 each year. All inquiries and all applications are kept strictly confidential.