UN Foundation

invites UMC

to apply for grant

NEW YORK – The United Methodist Church (UMC) has been invited by the United Nations Foundation to apply for up to US$5 million (S$6.8 million) to underwrite a campaign to strengthen its global health ministries.

The fund-raising, education and outreach campaign would aim to raise US$100 million over three years and would especially support the church's efforts to eradicate malaria and other diseases of poverty in Africa.

Bishop Janice Riggle Huie, President of the United Methodist Council of Bishops, received the invitation in mid-January through the United Nations Foundation, which is helping to facilitate the grant process.

Underwriting support is being provided by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

The UMC plans to submit a formal grant proposal in a process that began in May last year with a letter of inquiry. The details need to be worked out.

Ms Elizabeth Gore, Executive Director of Partnership Alliances for the UN Foundation, said: “We at the UN Foundation feel this is an extraordinary opportunity for the people of The United Methodist Church.”

The United Methodist Church has long been a key player in the fight against malaria and other diseases of poverty, having operated hospitals, clinics, schools and mission centres across Africa for more than 160 years.

In recent years, the UMC has increasingly sought ways to partner with other organisations – particularly in its global health initiatives – to leverage funding and gain greater access to networks and knowledge that can contribute to substantive global change.

Global health is one of four areas of focus identified by the UMC as part of its long-term vision. – United Methodist News Service.