UCC PIN’s first-ever matching grant appeal inspired 23 individual donors to contribute $2,705 for PIN’s work and witness. Their generosity leveraged an additional $2,705 from the anonymous supporters who pledged up to $5,000 in matching funds.  In total, the appeal, which officially ended with the start of General Synod, raised $5,410. That’s fabulous. Many thanks to all who contributed.

This appeal represents a step forward in UCC PIN’s fund development. Until now, our fundraising has relied exclusively on (1) the commitment of PIN Steering Committee members to make a significant annual financial contribution, and (2) a modest year-end appeal. As UCC PIN increases our work with initiatives like the Solidarity Circles and expands our outreach, seeking to engage congregations and conferences in the Apartheid-Free Congregations campaign, we understand we have to be more strategic and systematic about our fundraising. That understanding inspired and propelled our spring appeal.

Raising $5,000 in two months in order to leverage the full amount of the matching grant was, admittedly, very ambitious; we knew that. Thankfully, the remaining $2,295 from the $5,000 matching grant is still on the table. The anonymous supporters have graciously agreed to continue to match donations that come in over the next months up to that amount. So, while the appeal is over, the challenge is still on. 

Israel’s current extremist government and its intensification of the on-going Nakba creates both an urgency and imperative. Thank you so much for donating to support PIN's vision, witness, and work.