The Anglican Foundation of Canada – Is your Parish on Board?
In 1957, in what could be described as a prescient motion, the General Synod created the Anglican Foundation to support and inspire ministry within the Anglican Church in Canada.
The Foundation is a member-based organization and expects parishes, church organizations, and individuals to actively participate. Membership fees are a critical component of the total funds available for grants. In fact, at the meeting of General Synod that same year, the agreement was that every parish would contribute $50 each year in order to build up this fund for mission and ministry across the country.
The Foundation’s ability to support ministry is also funded by individual memberships, bequests, memorials, special gifts, donor-designated trusts, life insurance, gift annuities, and investment income.
Currently, the Foundation is advancing ministry in 34 dioceses and several theological colleges across our nation with financial resources. It has benefited hundreds of parishes and dioceses, including the Diocese of Rupert`s Land, over the decades. The majority of parishes and dioceses have responded by becoming members for $50 a year.
Unfortunately, parish contributions from Rupert’s Land have been woefully inadequate. For example, in 2014 membership donations from Rupert’s Land parishes and individuals totalled $750, while our parishes received $50,000 in grant funding. In 2015, our Bishop sent a letter to all parishes encouraging each to become members, but only about ten enrolled. We have a shared responsibility to our Foundation and to the other dioceses that have faithfully funded Rupert’s Land projects and programs with their memberships.
Most parishes seek funding from the Anglican Foundation do so for project-based needs such as infrastructure, accessibility, and repairs. Funding is also available for outreach, evangelism, and innovative ministries. The Diocesan Council is considering enacting a diocesan policy which would not commend applications for funding to the Foundation unless that parish is a member.
2017 marks the 60th Anniversary of the AFC. Let us, as parishes and individuals, ensure our Foundation is around for many more years. Please enrol now so that by the time 2017 arrives we can say “we are part of the Anglican Foundation” as it celebrates its 60th year!
The Executive Director of The Anglican Foundation, Judy Rois, will be attending our Diocesan synod to inform us on the work and importance of The Anglican Foundation. For more information visit the Anglican Foundation Website at www.anglicanfoundation.org/
June James and Susan Suppes
