The Panic of 2008:

What Can We Do to Help Those in Need?

As a result of the unprecedented financial crisis of the last several months, the demand for services of ministries and other non-profits serving the under-resourced has increased while the funding for those organizations is decreasing. Of particular concern is the impact of this turmoil on the approximate 60 Christian ministries serving the City of Memphis. With annual budgets of approximately $40 million and hundreds of dedicated employees serving sacrificially, these ministries are almost totally dependent on contributions from individuals, churches and foundations.

Reports of budget shortfalls were widespread prior to September. Such concerns will worsen as year end approaches and when most ministries raise a large portion of their annual budgets. Unfortunately, ministries are and will continue to lay off employees, curtail programs and, in some cases, may cease to operate.

What can we do?

Pray
We ask that donors prayerfully continue their support of these ministries that faithfully serve our City. With the current state of the economy, there has never been a greater opportunity to make an impact on the ministries you love. As the financial need has grown, so has the opportunity for significant impact.

Volunteer
In addition to giving financially, volunteering your time and professional skills can be a great way to help ministries and non-profits accomplish their goals and continue serving.

Utilize your Donor Advised Fund
In addition to giving cash grants, Hope Christian Community Foundation has implemented a new program which will allow donors to make loans to their favorite ministries from their donor advised funds. This allows the donor to make multiple impacts with these funds. Please contact us to open a fund or learn more about this program.

Donors of the Hope Christian Community Foundation continue to make an impact by giving through their donor advised funds. Grants made from these funds for the first six months of the current fiscal year were a record $16 million. Since our inception, gifts made by our donors through the Foundation total $110 million. The Lord is truly working through Hope to impact His Kingdom in the City and around the World.