The Millennium Development Goals - How you and your parish can help
Over the next few weeks, we will be creating a list of different options available to assist you and your parish with specific suggestions of projects that the diocese has been supporting. There will be the national organizations you may contribute money, and the many projects in our Companion Dioceses of Central Ecuador and Rio de Janeiro, as well as the Diocese of Central Tanganyika in Africa.Here are some agencies that you may make donations that strongly support the work of the MDGsClick here for a list organizations that supports the MDG goals
( from the e4gr.org website)Tips on Where to give your money
(from the Episcopalians for Global Reconciliation website www.e4gr.org )
It's probably the most common question most agncies get ... and it's one where an easy answer is really a big disservice.
Done right, deciding where to give your 0.7% can be an opportunity for education, a way to build relationships, a time for prayer ... and a lot of fun. Over the next few months, EGR will be developing suggested metrics (measurable elements) to guide the discernment process of where to give.
John Coonrod, vice president of The Hunger Project and the Rev. Kevin Bean, shared with us what metrics their church (St. Bart's in NYC) is planning to adopt as they look at giving away their 0.7%.
- At least 75% of the budget must go to a program implementing the MDGs.
- The cost of raising money must be less than 35% of money raised (so you aren't investing in an organization whose main function is perpetuating itself).
- It must be an IRS-registered nonprofit 501c3.
- The annual report must speak about its programmatic impact on one or more MDGs.
- A recent audit of the organization must be available.
- It must have liquid working assets between six months and three years of annual budget.and, finally ...
- There must be existing or opportunities for direct "people-involvement" with the organization, ie, not to just have it be about money, but to have clear pathways for direct personal interaction between the congregation and the organization.
This is not Gospel ... it's how One congregation is approaching the question. You can use it as a starting point. Look at it critically. Pray about it.
For example, #6 is security against giving money to something that might fold 3 months down the line ... but it also limits you from funding an exciting startup.
Guidelines are important, but make sure you leave room for the Spirit to move ... even (especially?) in ways that might make you nervous!
Americans and Their Giving
It's well known that Americans lead the world in philanthropy. But those making $20,000 or less give away more, as a share of their income, than do higher income groups
How much should you give?
Americans contribute 2.2% of their after-tax income to charity. Some do it for tax deductions, others just because it makes them feel good.
A global study reveals an overwhelming wealth gap, with the world's three richest people having more money than the poorest 48 nations combined.
The most interesting snippet may be this one:
Those making $20,000 or less a year give away more, as a share of their income, than do higher income groups.
Giving is best done when it helps build a relationship. Be informed, stay connected, listen, learn and adjust. When you find a group you like, stay with them for the long term.
The choice is yours.
Click here for a list organizations that supports the MDG goals
(from the e4gr.org website)Click here for a list of projects that the diocese already support and would appreciate your involvementComing Soon - Check back
