Contributors Respond Generously to the Church Relief Fund

MB Foundation is pleased with the response in giving to the COVID-19 Church Relief Fund. MB Foundation and USMB combined efforts to encourage generosity on May 5, a national day of giving. There were 45 donors who responded that day. With matched dollars the amount added to the fund in one day was $32,426. The average gift size was $409.47 and the largest gift was $5,000. All of the original $60,000 in matching pledge funds were realized and matched.

“It is powerful to see how churches and individuals have come together to help others through this distressing time.” said Jon C. Wiebe, President and CEO of MB Foundation. “We are privileged to link arms with our MB family in giving.”

A large contribution occurred on May 6, when MB Foundation made a $350,000 gift to the fund. With additional gifts received in the days following, the total available in the Church Relief Fund stands at $490,593.

The COVID19 Church Relief Fund was created to help churches maintain financial stability, prevent major staff transitions, and continue to preach the word of God and provide pastoral care. Already, 39 churches have received grants from this fund administered by district ministers and the USMB executive director. One church responding to needs of their congregants said, “Thank you for being a good example of the body of Christ. Families were hungry and unable to pay their rent. May God bless those who donated.”

Churches can apply for relief funds by contacting their district office. Any resources not used for COVID relief will go towards future church planting.