“Boomer,” Raven said, “I have another thought I would like to run by you for your thoughts regarding the final interview process before granting of money over a certain amount.
"Oh? What is it?"
“Guidelines for grants.”
“That’s a good idea. What do you have in mind?”
“We have to be sure we’re in alignment with God’s will for giving money. You talked with me before about mom and dad saying to be givers according to God’s word. We are responsible for our actions with God’s money. We’re trying to be benevolent and focusing on how to know who is worthy to receive help. Most will be, but there will be a few that slip by our team and we are the final say so. We are the judges of the vineyard. Which means, not all who come will be honest and deserving.”
“True. We’ve have talked like this before.”
“I’m thinking candidates upon their final round of questions, should be asked an impromptu question that allows us to get inside their heads and find out where are their priorities, intentions, secrets, or innocence. We’ll purposefully find them off guard and they’ll not be practiced, or expecting this last question which might go something like: What are you willing to sacrifice for this grant?”
He lifted his eyebrows. “You better keep explaining that one to me.”
“We’ll figure the exact question out, but let’s say the person asking for money wants it for business reasons. Our research experts discover that the candidate owns a big house, expensive cars, maybe even a boat and other non-money generating objects. My question is, why isn’t the boat sold, and why aren’t they driving less expensive cars while trying to live within their means? Or, what if one of them is having an affair?”
Boomer burst out laughing. Raven had to join in.
“I know it’s not a great example, and it’s none of our business either, but they might think we found out and they might say they’ll give it up, or they’ll stop living above their means. We might help save a marriage, make someone think about being less materialistic, who knows what. I know I’m over the top right now, but you get the gist of what I’m saying, right?”
“I do. All kidding aside.”
“I’m in the middle of setting up the guidelines for payments through a third-party accounting firm too. If it is discovered the money is being used for another purpose than stated, the rest of the money will be pulled from them and the remainder of their grant cancelled as per the agreement they will sign prior to receiving funds as the purchase orders are placed. They can keep what they lied to God about and be in His judgement.”
Pausing. “I also think lesser requests should not be scrutinized as rigidly.”
Raven sat silent for a few moments. Boomer didn’t want to interrupt her thinking.
She lifted her chin and said, “Without going into depth and detail on any of these, I’ll touch on the highlights, so you’ll see where I’m coming from.”
“Okay.”
The first and most important to me, is us. I feel our plight in life was one of great personal sacrifice when we lost our parents as teenagers. We both know the sacrifices we had to make to survive.
Next, Look at Tamara. Being lost as a child and lonely, she chose education to better herself. She sacrificed satisfying her parents addiction for an education that is now being used for us in the Foundation.
James Tabor sacrificed extra money and vacations so he could better himself through education. As it turns out, his sacrifice has made him your righthand man and business partner who will be earning hundreds of thousands of dollars very soon.”
“What else could we have all sacrificed if we were in the applicant’s position then? What happens to people like us?” Boomer asked.
“Nothing! That’s just it.” Raven said. “I want to challenge them, and I don’t mind pushing the envelope to test their integrity. It’s not a do or die question, but one that is enveloping and designed to convince them and us of their sincerity.”
“Okay.” Boomer said with careful thought. “The truth then. We’re giving away money for heaven’s sake! How hard should it be to abide by the Foundation’s guidelines? The fact remains, they’re the winners, either way by being honest through the entire process, providing they make it that far.”
“Thank you! I’m happy you see my point.” Raven said smiling. “I actually feel all grants without explanations become dry bones.”
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