ARDF Approves Nearly Half Million in Grants
For Immediate Release
Contacts: Dr. Kerk Burbank 610-647-1943
Cynthia Brust 202-412-8721
13 projects in nine countries tackle everything from AIDS to evangelism
Just two months after being launched, the Anglican Relief and Development Fund (ARDF), announced its first slate of projects on December 4.
In all, the organization is committing nearly a half million dollars to 13 projects in nine global south countries. “Nine of those projects will be funded immediately,” said Dr. Kerk Burbank, Executive Director of ARDF. “With the help of ARDF donors, the remaining four are scheduled for funding during the early months of 2005 as additional contributions are made to the fund.”
The nine projects include an HIV/AIDS project in Kenya and another in South Africa; an Anglican hospital in a rapidly growing part of Cairo, Egypt; three agricultural projects in Burundi, Rwanda, and Uganda; expansion of an education program among the Dalit (or “untouchables”) in India; a micro loan project in the slums of Manila, Philippines; and an education project in the African nation of Eritrea.
“These projects are just the first in what we hope are a long, long line of initiatives that will bring both physical and spiritual health to people all over the world,” said Burbank. “I am excited, humbled and gratified by the prayers and financial support of so many that is making this first round of funding possible,” he added.
“Our goal is not simply to be benefactors of those in the global south, but to partner with them in confronting the challenges they face,” said the Very Rev. Peter C. Moore, chairman of ARDF’s board. “We couldn’t do that unless they were fully involved in the decision-making process.”
Each project was initially researched in depth by Geneva Global, the ARDF’s research and donor partner. Geneva Global, a leader in the emerging field of performance philanthropy, draws on its extensive network of over 400 staff and volunteers to identify the most promising projects, check the local reputations of the project carriers, assess risks, and make funding recommendations to the ARDF.
Final decisions are made by the ARDF’s Board of Trustees. The Chairman of the Board is The Very Rev. Peter C. Moore, President emeritus of Trinity Episcopal School for Ministry. Archbishop Peter Akinola of Nigeria is patron of the fund. Other Trustees include Archbishop Henry Orombi of Uganda; Archbishop Drexel Gomez of the West Indies; Archbishop Yong Ping Chung of Southeast Asia; Archbishop David Gitari of Kenya (retired); Mrs. Laura Allen of Dallas, TX; Dr. Paul Marshall of Washington D.C.; Dr. Bill Blackburn of Vero Beach, FL; Rev. Praveen Bunyan of Newport Beach, CA; and Rev. Gregory Brewer of Paoli, PA. Rev. Simon Barnes, Senior Vice-President of Geneva Global and Dr. Kerk Burbank also serve as Trustees. Bishop Robert Duncan of the Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh is president of the ARDF and an ex-officio board member.
With over $420,000 already donated or committed, the ARDF is beginning a push to expand the ranks of its supporters. Those affiliated with the Anglican Communion Network should expect to receive more information on the work of ARDF and how they can join in it soon. Others who would like information on the work of ARDF are welcome to contact the organization directly at Anglican Relief and Development Fund, 1550 Liberty Ridge Drive, Suite 330, Wayne, PA 19087. Tel: 610-647-1943. Checks should be made payable to the Network of Anglican Communion Dioceses and Parishes with a memo line note specifying ARDF. Tax-deductible gifts for the work of the ARDF may be sent to ARDF, 905 Oliver Building, 535 Smithfield St. Pittsburgh, PA 15222.
The Anglican Relief and Development Fund was formed as a ministry of the Network of Anglican Communion Dioceses and Parishes in September, 2004.
Posted at 12:00 am 12.16.2004 | Permalink