ICJS 2008-09 Opening Doors Annual Fund Campaign is a HUGE Success!
Thanks to the generosity of so many, we exceeded our $270,000 goal. In a year of economic turmoil and uncertainty, when many non-profits experienced a decline in giving, our donors — old friends and new — affirmed their commitment to the crucial work of disarming religious hatred. You supported educational programs for Jewish and Christian clergy, congregations, college students, scholars, and the general public that truly help each one of us to "DISCOVER our common ground and CELEBRATE our differences." We are grateful beyond measure.
Chris Leighton
ICJS Executive Director
Lee M.Hendler
Joseph Langmead
Marilyn Warshawsky
ICJS Co-Chairs
Funding
The Institute for Christian & Jewish Studies fiscal year runs from September 1 through August 31. Operations are made possible through program income (fees, book sales, and a portion of endowment earnings) and contributions (annual funding and project grants).
FY08 — September 1, 2007 - August 31, 2008
In FY08, the ICJS operated with a budget that covered income and costs of $808,902 (unaudited figure).
Budget Breakdown
Contributions
FY08 ANNUAL FUND
$261,502 — 32% of operating costs.
Annual Fund contributions are unrestricted funds and serve to support the operations, salaries, program initiatives, printing and mailing costs.
FY08 PROJECT GRANTS
$87,733 — 11% of operating costs.
Project Grants were designated for and restricted to specific ICJS program initiatives, including the following large grants:
- Understanding Islam: Religion and Conflict in the Qur’an ($4500)
As part of the mission of the ICJS, an annual program is offered to the public to provide education about Islam. This talk featured Dr. Michael Sells, Professor of Islamic Studies and Literature at the University of Chicago Divinity School. This program was put on in cooperation with the American Jewish Committee, Baltimore Chapter and the Second Presbyterian Mission Council. - Reclaiming the Center/The Scandal of Particularity ($41,400)
A joint project with the Institute for Reformed Theology, this program provided a forum for Jews and Christians to assist one another in the re-examination of central religious concepts that, when neglected, contribute to the loss of the center. Because claims of God's unique presence are often enlisted to fortify extremist positions, this project invited religious scholars, clergy leaders and theologians to a series of six colloquia to focus on claims regarding the uniqueness of the divine presence in both Judaism and Christianity. The colloquia program concluded in June of 2008. - New ICJS Educator Position ($34,000)
ICJS hired a new professional educator to transform the Reclaiming the Center work and other ICJS programs into curricular materials and web based resources that can be used across the country in congregations, seminaries, college campuses and interfaith settings.
Endowment and Program Income
FY08 ENDOWMENT
$435,940 — 54% of operating costs.
Each year the endowment may contribute up to 4.5% of its market value to our operating fund.
FY08 PROGRAM FEES AND BOOK SALES
$18,941 — 2.3% of operating costs.
FY07 — September 1, 2006 - August 31, 2007
In FY07, the ICJS operated with a budget that covered income and costs of $760,122 (unaudited figure).
Contributions
FY07 Annual Fund
$236,337 — 31% of operating costs.
Annual Fund contributions are unrestricted funds. This total includes $30,433 in 20th anniversary grants, which were included in the annual fund totals.
FY07 Project Grants
$78,500 — 10% of operating costs.
Project Grants were designated for and restricted to specific ICJS program initiatives, including:
- WYPR/"Encounters" ($20,000)
This year the ICJS sponsored a series of radio segments entitled "Encounters." Produced and hosted by ICJS Executive Director Chris Leighton, the program presented topics and interviews around religious issues in today's society. This program was underwritten in part by a grant from the Osprey Foundation. - Reclaiming the Center/The Scandal of Particularity ($55,400)
A joint project with the Institute for Reformed Theology, this program provides a forum for Jews and Christians to assist one another in the re-examination of central religious concepts that, when neglected, contribute to the loss of the center. Because claims of God's unique presence are often enlisted to fortify extremist positions, this project focuses on claims regarding the uniqueness of the divine presence in both Judaism and Christianity. The program consists of six sessions and will run through June of 2008. - What Jews and Christians Need to Know About Islam ($1,000)
A four-part lecture series in which ICJS hosted four noted speakers on Islam.
Endowment and Program Income
FY07 Endowment
$365,716 — 48% of operating costs.
Each year the endowment may contribute up to 4.5% of its market value to our operating fund.
FY07 Program Fees and Book Sales
$21,327 — 2.8% of operating costs.
The Institute for Christian & Jewish Studies, Inc. is a non-profit, tax-exempt educational organization under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Our audited financial statements are available for public inspection through our offices at 956 Dulaney Valley Road, Baltimore, Maryland 21204. Project grant reports and evaluations, publications, and additional information on annual fund and capital campaigns can be obtained for the cost of copying and postage. Please contact the development office at 410-494-7161.
