By Maggie Noland, Chair, The Finance and Archives Committee
It is midway through the year 2025, which is most difficult to believe. At this point, we, as well as other nonprofits, take stock as to where our funds are in relation to years past.
Just as trees add a ring for each year of life, charitable giving waxes and wanes with the times. For example, during times of war and scarcity, giving decreases and then increases in the years after. During the COVID-19 pandemic, giving slowed and has rebounded since. During the uncertainties of today, giving has once again fallen.
One thing is definite, however, and that is that UTO will weather the storm and continue to award wonderful projects at home and abroad with life-changing grants.
We all have so many blessings and encourage continued donations in thanksgiving for these blessings. We urge prompt submission for all Ingathering funds, as they collect interest. Did you know that our interest is usually enough to fund at least one $50,000 grant? If you are holding onto any UTO Ingathering funds, please do send them in so they can gain interest.
Beginning in June, we’ve started including an envelope addressed with the bank information to help you get your funds sent in. Please be sure to make your check out to UTO so it gets accounted for properly. Just a reminder that you can include with your check a list of names and addresses for thank-you notes if you would like. If there are other ways we can help make returning your Ingathering easier, please let us know.
As always, the United Thank Offering Board remains so grateful for every one of you and the work that you do!