Christian Charitable Organization Marks $1 Billion Milestone
by Allie Martin
June 19, 2006
(AgapePress) - - An Atlanta, Georgia-based Christian foundation has reached a major financial milestone. The National Christian Foundation (NCF), which was formed in 1982 as a way for Christians to support various ministries, recently distributed -- along with its 22 affiliates nationwide -- the organization's one billionth grant dollar.Steve Chapman, vice president of marketing with the NCF, says the Christian grant-making organization distributes 30 or 40 percent of its asset base annually. "We really exist to give money away as rapidly as we can, and we are really blessed to work with individuals and families who share that belief," he explains.
The NCF's high percentage of giving goes above and beyond what the federal government requires of charity groups, Chapman notes. "The IRS has a rule for private foundations that they must give away five percent of their assets every year, and most private foundations give right about that amount," he says.
And, the foundation spokesman points out, the Christian organization has been able to increase its fund distribution in recent years. "Roughly half of the one billion dollars that we have granted out since NCF's inception in 1982 has gone out over about the last three years," he says.
So, while it took the NCF some 22 or 23 years to give away its initial $500 million, Chapman explains, it has taken "just a few years" to give away the next $500 million. "And we anticipate a year very soon here," he adds, "where we'll [begin] giving away one billion dollars every single year."
The National Christian Foundation helps donors give to causes they support while providing tools and services to meet a donor's charitable goals, Chapman notes. As the fund continues to grow, he says, ministries and givers across the United States will continue to benefit from the work of the Atlanta-based organization.
Allie Martin, a regular contributor to AgapePress, is a reporter for American Family Radio News, which can be heard online.
