Episcopal Relief & Development Launches $500,000 Holiday Matching Gift Challenge

Episcopal Relief & Development Press ReleaseNovember 9, 2016

Through the end of December, Episcopalians and friends are invited to participate in Episcopal Relief & Development’s 2016 Holiday Matching Gift Challenge. With generous support from a group of exceptionally committed donors, gifts to any listed fund during this time will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to $500,000. The match amount benefits the Global Needs Fund, sending help where it is most needed to fight poverty, hunger, disease and disasters worldwide.

“As I look back at the good we were permitted to do over the past year with the resources entrusted to us by our compassionate, caring community of supporters, I’m filled with gratitude,” said Rob Radtke, President of Episcopal Relief & Development. “The Holiday Matching Gift Challenge presents a huge boost during a critical time, enabling this organization to continue its excellent work in collaboration with local partners in nearly 40 countries worldwide.”

Donations to any Episcopal Relief & Development fund made online, over the phone or via mail before year-end – including through Gifts for Life, the organization’s alternative giving catalog – are eligible for matching. Matching is automatically enabled when supporters make a gift. For new and existing monthly donors, any scheduled contributions during the challenge will also be matched.

“It is always so heartening to receive calls and emails from people across the country who want to make sure that their contribution will count for matching,” said Xerxes Eclipse, Episcopal Relief & Development’s Director of Donor Services. “People love giving to a cause that promotes sustainable development and empowers communities around the world to live fuller, healthier lives. What’s really exciting is the chance to double their gift through the holiday challenge!”

Between now and December 31, all contributions will be matched. Click here to donate online, or call 1.855.312.HEAL (4325). Gifts can also be mailed to Episcopal Relief & Development, PO Box 7058, Merrifield, VA 22116-7058.

For over 75 years, Episcopal Relief & Development has served as a compassionate response to human suffering in the world. The agency works with more than 3 million people in nearly 40 countries worldwide to overcome poverty, hunger and disease through multi-sector programs, using the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a framework. An independent 501(c)(3) organization, it works closely with Anglican Communion and ecumenical partners to help communities create long-term development strategies and rebuild after disasters.