Christian Foundation Grants

Recently, United Way announced that it may have to cut up to 40% of its grants due to a $15 million drop in donations. As United Way prepares to makes cuts to many of the charities it supports, churches are discussing how they can fill the gap.

 

In Charlotte, NC, churches and ministries are discussing ways to alleviate the effects of United Way’s cuts. Some churches, including the Myers Park United Methodist Church, have begun making larger donations to charities. Mecklenburg Ministries is co-sponsoring a “community conversation” to raise awareness and discuss possible ways to aid nonprofits. While no church-led community efforts have begun yet, it could begin after the cuts are announced on June 23.

 

Rev. David Chadwick of Forest Hill Church, said, “Once we know exactly who is going to be negatively impacted…the faith community will be able to say: ‘Here are some things we’d really like to continue.’”

 

However, churches are also struggling as their own offering plates grow lighter. Rev. James Howell of Myers Park United Methodist Church said, “If all churches could step up, that would ameliorate most of [the United Way reductions]. But churches are cutting, too.”

 

Maria Hanlin, head of Mecklenburg Ministries, said the current recession could also become an opportunity “for greater collaboration and partnership [among religious communities].” Already, several ideas for assisting charities have been suggested. Rabbi Murray Ezring of Temple Israel suggested that each house of worship help at least one nonprofit in trouble. Individual churches are offering cash, volunteers, expertise, and office space to charities.

 

It may take some difficult choices, creative changes, and hard work, but now is the time for churches to step up.