Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Highgate Charitable Foundation and Highgate Associate Relief Fund?
Highgate Charitable Foundation’s mission is to support philanthropic organizations and communities worldwide that address issues related to poverty, education, and health care. The Highgate Associate Relief Fund is an extension of this registered non-profit entity—a charitable endowment established to raise and distribute funds to colleagues in times of crisis.
Why was the Highgate Associate Relief Fund created?
The Highgate Associate Relief Fund was created to support our hotel and corporate associates.
Who is funding the Highgate Associate Relief Fund?
The Highgate Charitable Foundation has received $500,000 + from the Highgate organization in direct support of the Highgate Associate Relief Fund. Generous funds have also been contributed by senior leaders and hotel ownership groups. The Highgate Associate Relief Fund is also funded through voluntary donations from our own associates, vendors, business partners, partner organizations, and our loyal guests.
Who, within Highgate, does this program benefit?
It benefits any regular full-time Highgate associate with at least 90 days of service who has been adversely affected by a declared disaster. The associate must be in good employment standing (no recent disciplinary action and not on a performance improvement plan). Contractors, interns, or temporary workers are not eligible to apply for assistance.
What kind of events qualify me to receive financial assistance from the Highgate Associate Relief Fund?
Natural disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes or earthquakes, acts of terrorism, catastrophic events such as pandemics or other major events that have resulted in the declaration of a disaster that caused significant damage, either physically or financially, to the hotel employing the associate, to the associate’s property or that disrupted the associate’s employment, are events that can qualify an associate to receive relief.
How does someone apply for assistance from the Highgate Associate Relief Fund ?
Eligible associates must complete and submit the following application outlining their needs. If you are seeking assistance, click the "Apply" button below.
Complete your application in detail, or ask your manager, General Manager or corporate leader to assist you to complete it. Once complete, sign the application. Leaders can help you submit it on-line if you wish. Follow the instructions for submitting the request so that it can be evaluated by the Highgate Associate Relief Fund Selection Committee.
If I submit a request and it is approved, how long do I have to wait to receive the money?
Our commitment is to process a request within two weeks of receiving an application, but circumstances may delay the distribution of funds.
If my request is approved, how will I receive payment?
Grants from the Highgate Associate Relief Fund will be issued by separate check and sent to you by our Accounting Department. It will not be added to your paycheck or paid by direct deposit.
How often can I apply for assistance?
An associate can apply for assistance once per year, per qualifying disaster, or catastrophic event.
If I am denied assistance, how long is the wait period before I can apply again?
Generally, you must wait 180 days to apply for assistance a second time. Please note that a response will be provided regarding the reason for denial of a request, so unless the circumstances surrounding your request have changed, repeat requests will not be considered.
If I am approved, how much financial aid will be provided to me?
The assistance application requires the applicant to indicate how much financial support is needed. The Selection Committee will review each application and determine if a portion or full amount is awarded to the applicant.
Grant amounts vary based on the nature of the event and related expenses, as well as the extent of the applicant's financial need. For the qualifying events listed above, eligible expenses may include the following and are determined based on the applicant's circumstances at the time of the application.
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Housing (repairs, mortgage/rent)
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Contents (furniture, essential appliances, clothing, and other personal items)
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Basic essential utilities (electricity, gas, water; excludes non-essential utilities like cable TV)
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Transportation (payments, repairs, replacement)
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Medical, funeral, burial, and related travel expenses
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Evacuation expenses (hotel/lodging, food, clothing, transportation)
Basic Needs (ex: food, childcare) -- $500 grant maximum
Critical Needs (ex: housing, utilities, medical/funeral expenses) -- $750 grant maximum
If I receive assistance funds, are they taxed?
No. Monies received from the Highgate Associate Relief Fund are tax free.
If I receive assistance, do I need to report it on my tax return?
No. Monies received are not subject to tax and, consequently, are not reported on your tax return.
Who can contribute to the Highgate Associate Relief Fund?
Anyone may contribute to the fund, including other Highgate associates, guests, and the general public. We are also soliciting outside donations from our vendors and business partners.
If I choose to donate to the Highgate Associate Relief Fund, where does my money go?
100% of all donations go to support Highgate associates with basic life needs or obligations they are unable to meet because of disrupted employment. This effort will focus on supporting colleagues with the most pressing financial needs—from rent and utility payments to groceries and medical assistance.
Can I direct my contribution to help only the people from my hotel or region?
No, donations cannot be specifically targeted. No matter who you have in mind when you decide to give, know your contribution will make a tremendous difference.
How do I donate?
By CREDIT or DEBIT CARD, click the button below.
PAYROLL DEDUCTION
Complete and sign the Charity by Design Workplace Giving form. Submit to corporateHR@highgate.com.
CHECK
Donations via check should be made payable to ‘Highgate Charitable Foundation, Inc.’ with ‘Highgate Associate Relief Fund’ noted on the ‘Memo’ line of the check, and mailed to:
Highgate Hotels
Highgate Charitable Foundation- Highgate Associate Relief Fund
545 E. John Carpenter Fwy., #1400
Irving, TX 75062
W-9 Tax Form
As a Highgate employee, if I donate through payroll deduction, will my donation show up on my W2?
Yes, if you donate through payroll deduction, it will be recorded on the W2 you receive from the company.
How do I get a donation receipt?
If you made a donation of $250 or more in a single transaction, you will receive a letter from the Foundation. For online donations, after your donation is submitted online, our web platform will generate a donation receipt for your records. If you sent a check for less than $250, you can request a receipt at corporateHR@highgate.com.
Can I claim my donation on my annual tax return?
Depending on your circumstances, some or all of your contribution may be tax deductible. Please consult your tax advisor to determine how much of your contribution may be deductible.
Who determines how the funds are utilized?
The directors of the Foundation have appointed a Selection Committee to review Relief applications and award grants based on established objective criteria. The Selection Committee is a diverse group that includes hotel and company managers as well as associates.
Can I request PTO Payout in lieu of a Donation?
At this time, we are not allowing PTO, Vacation, or Sick hours to be donated to an individual/the Foundation or paid out in lieu of a monetary donation.
Can I get reimbursed for my donation?
No, all donations are voluntary at the discretion of the individual donor and cannot be refunded.
What if I need my donation returned to me?
We kindly ask donors to be judicious when deciding to contribute because a donation cannot be refunded once it has been processed.
Can our hotel host a fundraiser and donate the funds to the Highgate Associate Relief Fund?
Yes, we encourage all hotels and corporate locations to host virtual fundraisers to support this great cause.