Important news regarding the KAIROS Anti-Poverty Fund

December 22, 2008

In the light of our current and ongoing financial crisis, KAIROS has taken some measures immediately and will make further decisions in the coming months. 

With deep regret, the Board decided that as one of its measures, KAIROS will not continue funding the KAIROS Anti-poverty Grants Program.  KAIROS recognizes that these grants are important. In addition to the projects funded, the decision-making process itself is valuable in the way it empowers low-income people to address needs at a local or regional level.

The Board of KAIROS met Dec 10^th and 11^th and discussed the projected, serious budget deficits for all years 2008 -2012. This is a result of declining revenue from some Member churches and organizations-- themselves strapped for funds--- in a context of rent that has more than doubled since we had to leave Deer Park Church in September, increases to staffing and program costs – and, most recently, a global market meltdown that decimated our interest revenue, probably for the next few years at least. 

In January, the Board will take further steps leading to the deeper cuts and long-term revenue generation needed to balance the budgets for 2009 - 2012. The next cuts will be decided at the board’s April 15 and 16^th  2009 meeting, and these decisions will also be very difficult. 

The Board is saddened about the need for cuts and recognizes the substantial achievements of PLURA and, more recently, KAPF grants.  Funds unspent to date may be invoiced and spent in 2009, but must be documented as before. The KAIROS Anti-Poverty network meeting scheduled at the time of the National Gathering will go on as planned. 

Jill-Carr Harris, Program Coordinator for the Canadian Social Development Program (jcarrharris[at]kairoscanada[dot]org or 1-877-403-8933 ext 237) will be present to you in the coming months to help you, in any way she can, as you consider how to deal with this situation.  I will be here as well to talk answer questions you may have (ext 244).  

KAIROS deeply appreciates the work of the Anti Poverty Grants committees across the country.

Sincerely

Mary Corkery

Executive Director