“Ask Mike” – Our new Q&A series addresses common questions Chicagoland Vincentians may have as they go about their work for the Society. Have a question? Email us at teresa@svdpchicago.org
September 2026
Q: Can our Conference pay for prescription drugs?
A: We have councils in various parts of the US running free pharmacies. We have Conferences and Councils throughout the country paying for prescriptions. It should not be a problem as long as the Doctor’s prescription exists.
Q: What is the rule for spouses to serve on the board at the same time?
A: In the Rule, the next to last sentence in Status 12 of Part III reads: “To safeguard the good reputation of the Conference or Council and, therefore, that the Society itself, appointees must not be relatives of the person empowered to make the appointments.” Hence, spouses can serve as officers but not at the same time in the same SVdP entity.
August 2026
Q: There seems to be some differences of opinion in our Conference as to what Hoarding means. Can you please give a simple definition?
A: Hoarding is usually discussed when Conferences have “reserves” or other accounts. Reserves, savings accounts, etc., are okay at the Conference level as long as they are very liquid. The true definition of hoarding in an SVdP Sense is making a decision to keep money in the bank instead of helping someone in need when the money is there.
This question comes into play: will the $700 or $1,000 reserve be used to help someone in need if the situation comes up or will you turn them away in order to keep the reserve intact? The answer should be: “help the individual or family.”
A second question: Are you willing to spend your funds down to zero in order to help someone in need? The answer should be: “yes.”
Q: One of the items in the annual report asks specifically for the value of food distributed. We get our food from various sources and most of it is donated. It is difficult to come up with a real value figure of what we distribute. What should we do?
A: We have always recommended to our Conferences that best guess for the value of food distributed is really all we need. This is not something that IRS normally asks a non-profit. Remember: the food we distribute is a combination of food donated to us, food we purchase from retail and wholesale outlets, food we purchase or receive from food banks, and food related gift cards we purchase or receive. Unless you analyze every food item you distribute for true value, it is going to be best guess anyway.
July 2026
Q: If our conference receives monetary donations to directly offset the cost of a community dinner, do we need to pay solidarity dues on the donation because it is basically like a pass-through?
A: Solidarity is paid based on total income less what we receive from other SVdP entities. The annual report is the basis for the solidarity calculation. There is a place for income from fundraising events and expenses from fundraising events. The solidarity on the amount of fundraising events is not likely to be significant.
Q: Our Conference had set a limit of $500 assistance to any given person or family. So, we were considering establishing a loan process to those whose need exceeds $500. Is this a valid Vincentian way of assisting our friends in need?
A: SVdP does not loan money to those in need. Our payments of utilities, rent, and other financial obligations are gifts with no conditions. We do not make loans. We are reminded by St. Vincent de Paul himself who told us that we need to imitate our Lord whose gifts were presented unconditionally. However, we do have a Micro Loan program established which is processed through a credit union. Please contact Elvia at our central office to get more information on this.
March 2026
Q: If our Conference receives monetary donations to directly offset the cost of a community dinner, do we need to pay solidarity dues on the donation because it is basically like a pass-through?
A: Solidarity is paid based on total income less what we receive from other SVdP entities. The annual report is the basis for the solidarity calculation. There is a place for income from fundraising events and expenses from fundraising events. The solidarity on the amount of fundraising events is not likely to be significant.
February 2026
Q: Do I need to attend Ozanam Orientation? I thought it was just for officers or just new members?
A: The requirement is for new members and for officers. However, it is important for existing members to attend an Ozanam Orientation every few years as a reminder of what this is all about. If you have never attended one, you should. If it has been a while since you attended one, the reminder will do you good.
Q: Can our Conference help sponsor a food give-away with a local Church? They are looking for a small donation and to “advertise” through our SVdP Conference?
A: In serving those in need, it is important to let our friends in need know of opportunities that can help them. We cannot give funds to another organization, but we can give food or other household items if what we give will be given free of any costs.
January 2026
Q: What is an appropriate amount for a Conference to have as a reserve?
A: The typical Conference needs no reserves. The only time you need a reserve is if you have fixed expenses. For example, if the Conference is asked to give the parish $200 per month for the use of a pantry or office, then the Conference should have a reserve of $1,200 (six months). Most Conferences don’t have fixed expenses. Conferences are expected to spend the funds they have in serving the poor, including bringing their balance down to zero.
Q: We are wrestling with the question of for how long or how much financial assistance can be provided to someone (in a given period such as a year, in total) or whether there is necessarily any limit at all. Generally, the idea is to provide short term assistance or emergency assistance, get someone straightened up, and hopefully back on their feet. You don’t want to become an enabler and generally can’t afford to be if you are going to have enough to assist others who need help. But you may have some people who are chronically in need and seem to have nowhere else to turn to expect the local SVdP Conference. Just wondering whether there are any formal guidelines on this question.
- Help as long as you feel the need is real,
- Help as long as you have the resources to do so,
- Help to the best of your ability to get them out of crisis mode (which may take more than money),
- Do more than pay a bill and give good advice, and
- Love them to the best of your ability.