The Anglican Journal‘s 2008 fundraising appeal raised $561,347, the third highest amount since the paper sought donations from its readers in 1994.
The amount is slightly less than the $565, 929 raised in 2007, but is still encouraging, “considering these tough economic times,” said Larry Gee, the newspaper’s business manager.
Mr. Gee noted, however, that with a reduction in the grant that it receives from General Synod, the Journal needs the support of its readers more than ever.
The Journal, which has a circulation of 180,000, is partly funded by a grant from the General Synod.
As a result of the $150,000 reduction in General Synod’s grant for 2009, the Journal has had to reduce the newspaper to a 12-page base “because we can’t afford to produce it,” said Mr. Gee. He said the 2008 results show that Canadian Anglicans continue to support the Journal and the diocesan newspapers.
Some dioceses actually saw an increase in donations from 2007, said Mr. Gee. He cited the diocese of Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island, where donations increased by 25 per cent.
Proceeds of the appeal, after expenses, are shared with 21 of the 22 diocesan newspapers across Canada. (Anglican Life, which covers the three Newfoundland dioceses, has had its own appeal since 1995.) A total of $225,786 will be distributed to the diocesan newspapers, while the Journal will receive a share of $233,406.