NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Contributions to the Southern Baptist Convention's Cooperative Program are up nearly $1.4 million from last year, according to a news release from SBC Executive Committee president and CEO Morris H. Chapman.
As of March 31, 2003, the year-to-date total of $93.1 million is up 1.5 percent from $91.7 million received at this point last year.
Designated giving is down 3.2 percent at $101.7 million during the same year-to-date period compared to $105.1 million received in 2002. The $18.4 million in designated gifts received last month is $2.2 million below the $20.6 million of March 2002, a 10.5 percent decrease.
For the SBC Cooperative Program Allocation Budget, the year-to-date total of $93.1 million is 105.2 percent of the $88.5 million budgeted to support Southern Baptist ministries globally and across North America.
The SBC operates on an Oct. 1-Sept. 30 fiscal year.
The Cooperative Program supports missions and ministry efforts of state and regional conventions and includes funding from individuals, churches, state conventions and fellowships. Designated contributions include the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for International Missions, the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering for North American Missions, the Southern Baptist World Hunger Fund and other special gifts.
