Are you getting mailings from far more charities than you believe you want to support? Do you have mailing labels for the next 10 or 20 years? Do you receive “free gifts” from charities you’ve never supported? Well, that doesn’t describe UMCOR. The United Methodist Committee on Relief spends less than 1% of its income on fundraising, and only 6% of its money on administrative expenses. They aren’t spending their donations on “free gifts,” unnecessary mailings or TV advertising. They are there on the forefront: fighting hunger, eliminating poverty, working on sustainable agriculture, providing emergency relief in the United States and other countries, providing education and helping people learn better ways of farming. The money that UMCOR receives goes to the programs that benefit others, not to an advertising agency.
On March 11th United Methodists through-out the world will be participating in UMCOR Sunday. The “first monies” that United Methodists donate will be designated for administrative costs. On this Sunday, United Methodists will raise the money to pay for overhead expenses (and that’s just 6% according to charity navigator). The additional money collected will be spent on the diverse programs of UMCOR. By raising the money to prepay all the administrative costs, UMCOR will be able to promise that 100% of all future donations this year will go to the specific program. This means that this summer when the floods, tornadoes and fires drive people out of their homes, all the contributions given to UMCOR for emergency relief will go directly to the people affected.
So, what amount is suggested? That’s up to you. Five to twenty five dollars per family/giving unit would be extremely helpful. If coming up with actual cash this month is difficult for you, look in your March 11th bulletin. We will have a way for you to contribute which won’t require you to write a check this month.