The MDG Inspiration Fund is a new partnership between Episcopal Relief and Development (ERD), Jubilee Ministries, and the Executive Council of the Episcopal Church to raise $3 million to fight malaria and other preventable diseases. Over the next two years, from 2007-2009, the Executive Council has designated $924,000 and ERD will identify additional contributions to reach a goal of $1 million for the MDG Inspiration Fund. The $1 million will be used to “inspire” individuals, congregations and dioceses to contribute $2 million with the aim of raising a total of $3 million by 2009.
How will the money be allocated?
The income generated from the MDG Inspiration Fund will be used to fight malaria, which is an objective of MDG #6, along with HIV/AIDS and other preventable diseases. Malaria is an easily treatable disease and is a high priority for many of ERD’s partners in the Anglican Communion. Although this program specifically targets MDG #6, several additional MDGs are addressed through malaria prevention, including MDG# 1, 3, 4, 5, 7 and 8.
The Fund will assign $2 million of the total $3 million to be used in support of ERD’s NetsforLifeSM program, a partnership for malaria prevention in 16 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa with a possible pilot program in Asia. ERD is an implementing partner in NetsforLifeSM. The program promotes an integrated prevention model that focuses on delivering long-lasting insecticide-treated nets, building community awareness about malaria, training people on proper use of the nets and educating communities to seek treatment while advocating for better access to drug therapies.
ERD will work in partnership with Jubilee Ministries to allocate the remaining $1 million for programs targeting global health issues including, but not limited to malaria prevention in Latin America and the Caribbean.
What are the Millennium Development Goals? How are the MDGs connected to the Episcopal Church and ERD?
At the start of the new millennium, leaders from 191 nations, including the United States, agreed on a plan to cut extreme global poverty in half by 2015. Together, they created the eight Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
At the 75th General Convention in 2006, the Episcopal Church voted to make the MDGs a mission priority over the next triennium and endorsed a partnership between the Episcopal Church and ONE: The Campaign to Make Poverty History. All of Episcopal and Relief and Development’s international programs address the MDGs.
How can you make a donation in support of the MDG Inspiration Fund?
To make a contribution to the MDG Inspiration Fund using a credit card, please visit the “Ways to Give” section or call 1-800-334-7626, ext. 5129. Checks can be mailed to: Episcopal Relief and Development, P.O. Box. 7058, Merrifield, VA 22116-7058. Please specify “MDG Inspiration Fund” in the memo line of your check.
If you would like to make a contribution to the MDG Inspiration Fund, please click "Donate Now." Your gift will support critical programs fighting malaria and other preventable diseases such as HIV/AIDS.
