Can a non profit organization (church) write a check to an individual to help with a financial hardship, and if so, does that money become taxable income to the recipient requiring a 1099 to be issued?

I don't believe so, it would be considered a gift. However, how much are we talking about? Our church does not give any money directly. We will assist with bills, but any checks are written directly to, say, a utility. We also issue food credit receipts and have a food pantry.

It would be consdered a gift, assuming no goods or servics were provided by the individual to the church. I sincerely hope that the church leadership has estabished a written policy thart guides the conditions under which they may make such grants, to avoid the appearance of favoritism.