Highgate Associate Relief Fund
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As an extension of the Highgate Charitable Foundation, the Highgate Associate Relief Fund was established to support colleagues facing unexpected challenges in times of global or regional disaster and personal hardship. Every contribution, when combined with the donations of others, can provide a much needed grant to help a fellow associate in need.
At this time, eligible full-time associates affected by natural disasters may apply for charitable grants that help address critical needs. Qualifying associates are active Highgate employees whose employment was recently disrupted by natural disasters.
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A Selection Committee of Highgate personnel has been entrusted to make consistent and non-discriminatory decisions based on objective criteria established by the Foundation’s directors.
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The Highgate Associate Relief Fund provides financial assistance to eligible associates who experience verified financial hardship resulting from a declared natural disaster, an unforeseen and extraordinary personal emergency, or the loss of life. This allocation of funds will be directed toward supporting associates who demonstrate the most immediate and significant financial need.​
Eligibility | Approval Requirements
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The determination to award financial assistance under the Highgate Associate Relief Fund (“the Fund”) shall be made solely at the discretion of the Highgate Associate Relief Fund Selection Committee (“the Committee”). All decisions of the Committee are final.
Eligibility Criteria - To be considered eligible for assistance, an associate must meet all of the following criteria:
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Be employed by Highgate in a regular, full-time capacity (part-time status is not eligible);
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Have completed a minimum of ninety (90) days of continuous employment with Highgate; and
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Ineligible Applications - Applications will be deemed ineligible if the associate falls within any of the following categories:
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Part-time employment status;
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Currently on an approved leave of absence under FMLA or receiving short-term disability benefits;
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Serving as an intern, contractor, agency worker, or temporary associate.
Loss of Eligibility for Assistance - An associate may be rendered ineligible for assistance at any time under any of the following circumstances:
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The individual is determined to have been hired on a temporary basis or through a third-party contract;
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Any information submitted in support of the application is found to be false, misleading, or intentionally omitted;
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The associate’s circumstances materially change such that the need for assistance no longer meets the established criteria or assistance is no longer warranted; or
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The associate’s employment with Highgate ends for any reason prior to the distribution of funds.
Exceptions - Any exception to the eligibility or loss-of-eligibility criteria outlined above must be reviewed and approved in writing by the Executive Panel. All assistance remains subject to the sole discretion of Highgate and the Committee.
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Requesting Financial Aid
Requests for financial assistance must be initiated directly by the Associate seeking support and communicated with the knowledge of the property’s General Manager, Human Resources representative, above-property leadership, or applicable Corporate Department Head. Associates seeking assistance should click the “Apply” button below to submit their request.
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The completed form must be submitted online to the Selection Committee. You are responsible for completing the application; however, your supervisor, Human Resources representative, or the property General Manager may assist you with submitting the application online if needed.
Please note that all requests for assistance are subject to the Selection Committee’s sole discretion and approval.
Submission of an application does not guarantee eligibility or approval for relief. Determinations will be made based on, among other factors, the severity of need, the number of requests received, and the availability of funds.
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The Selection Committee will issue a formal written determination for every request. All applications will be treated as confidential, and personal identifying information—including the Associate’s name—will not be shared with the Committee members involved in the decision-making process.
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Application Review
All applications will be reviewed and responded to, with the goal of providing payment to approved applicants within approximately (2) two weeks. A committee member will respond with the following:
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Request for additional information (if needed)
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Approval or decline of request
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Issuance of payment (if approved)
Receiving Payment
Approved requests will be routed for payment through the Accounts Payable department. No payments will be issued to the Associate’s regular pay cycle or wired to their direct deposit account on file.
Tax Implications
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For Recipients: Monies received from this fund are tax free and are not included in income or subject to withholding or payroll taxes.
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For Donors: Donations made to the Highgate Associate Relief Fund and Highgate Charitable Foundation are contributions to a public charity that is an exempt organization pursuant to section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1984, as amended. Contributions may be deductible for U.S. taxpayers. Please consult your tax advisor to determine how much of your contribution may be deductible. Donation receipts will be issued to those who contribute $250 or more in a single contribution.
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Interpretation of the Plan
The Highgate Charitable Foundation and the Highgate Associate Relief Fund reserve the right to amend, suspend, or terminate this program, in whole or in part, at any time and for any reason, at their sole discretion.
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