Fundraising appeals fall short of 1998 goals

Both the Anglican Appeal and the Anglican Journal Appeal fell short of their fundraising goals for 1998.

Gail Holland, co-ordinator of the Anglican Appeal, said the 1998 goal was $950,000, but only about $914,000 was donated.

“It’s not our goal but it’s pretty close,” she said. “It’s not official, of course. It could change.”

Ms. Holland said she’s a bit disappointed the goal wasn’t reached but said it’s not the end of the world.

“I wish that we could have reached it and we’re certainly going to try very hard to reach our goal in 1999.”

Anglican Appeal sends money to partner churches overseas to support theological training in seminaries and also helps scholarship students come to Canada for training.

“It’s important work. You get a big bang for your dollar,” said Ms. Holland.

Anglican Appeal also helps fund administrative work for Volunteers in Mission and supports dioceses in the Council of the North.

The Anglican Journal Appeal was looking for $100,000 in 1998 but also came up short, raising $85,000.

Larry Gee, business manager for the Journal, said even though the goal wasn’t reached, it’s $8,000 more than last year.

He said the shortfall may force the Journal to “cut back on the size of some issues.”

It’s possible advertising revenue may be able to make up for the shortfall, but Mr. Gee said advertising has “been on a downward trend.”

The Journal began its appeal five years ago to help replace reduced national funding.

It splits the proceeds with diocesan newspapers, 26 of which are participating this year.

“We’ve returned $70,000 to participating dioceses, which is $16,000 more than last year,” said Mr. Gee.

Staff at the Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund don’t have results yet on how their 1998 appeal went.

Results will be available in mid-February.