ELKHART, Ind. (Mennonite Mission Network) — Despite a relatively flat year in contributions, reductions in spending, an increase in program revenue and strong estate and bequest gifts left Mennonite Mission Network in solid financial shape at the end of fiscal year 2007.
Mennonite Mission Network reported $10.23 million in total income during the 2007 fiscal year that ended January 31 – slightly less than 2006 income of $10.44 million. Annual fund contributions totaled $6.23 million – 4.8 percent under 2006 contributions.
Peter Graber, senior executive for advancement, said the strongest growth in general giving to the annual fund continues to be from the congregations and individuals who also give to specific ministry partnerships, including international relationships, domestic arrangements and ministry support teams for specific workers or ministries. In 2007, the 30 percent of congregations who gave both to partnerships and the annual fund in 2007 made up nearly three-quarters of all partnership giving and half of the annual fund giving totals.
About 60 percent of Mission Network’s budget comes from contributions from congregations (45 percent) and individuals (15 percent). 3,174 households and 518 congregations – including 495 from Mennonite Church USA – contributed in fiscal year 2007, a decrease of 635 households and an increase of two congregations from the previous year. Total giving to all funds from congregations decreased by 4 percent while household giving remained even in spite of the lower number of households who gave.
Estate gifts and bequests totaled $1.91 million for the year, nearly identical to the previous fiscal year. Program revenue, which includes money raised through grants, work and other methods not connected to contributions, increased to $1.62 million – a 4.5 percent increase over 2006.
