Katie’s Fund exceeds goal, continues growth

by Women of the ELCA

Katie’s Fund exceeds goal, continues growth

In December 2012, Women of the ELCA set a historic goal to grow its endowment, Katie’s Fund, to $1 million by the start of the Ninth Triennial Gathering, which was held July 24-27 in Charlotte, N.C. Katie’s Fund was established in 1997 as an endowment for the churchwide women’s organization. Each year, the interest is available to support ministries of leadership development, global connections and living theology.

At the triennial gathering, Emma Crossen, director for stewardship and development, stood before the crowd of more than 2,300 women to announce that Katie’s Fund had exceeded the goal, reaching $1,051,112.

The announcement came during the Saturday morning plenary session, when over 2,300 women and girls gathered at the Charlotte Convention Center for music, Bible study and inspiring keynote speakers. The assembly applauded and cheered at the announcement about Katie’s Fund. As the applause quieted, Crossen reminded the crowd that “$1 million was never the finish line.” She invited the assembly to consider the future growth of Katie’s Fund.

“In 3 years,” she said, referring to the next triennial gathering, “you will gather again in Minneapolis, still dreaming new ways to develop leaders, build global connections and live your theology boldly, to change the world. It will take resources to carry out this ministry. What if $1 million is just the beginning?”

The next morning, the assembly supported this idea at the closing worship service. One quarter of the morning’s offering was dedicated to Katie’s Fund. The total offering collected was $41,649.06.