Dear Friend,

I am writing to share some serious news with you. The Religious Institute is currently experiencing a financial emergency, and we need your help.

We started the year already behind schedule on fundraising, and a few weeks ago, one of our major funding partners put a temporary hold on any further commitments. This has meant that the Religious Institute needs to raise $100,000 immediately or otherwise face laying off staff, significantly reducing our work, and even closing our doors.

Here’s the good news. Our board and staff have mobilized and managed to raise $47,000 from friends and supporters. But the money we’ve raised so far will only allow us to keep our doors open through the end of July. We need your help to raise the other $53,000.

You are part of the Religious Institute’s growing network of more than 11,000 religious leaders and people of faith. You have taken action through our amicus briefs, open letters, and petitions. You have observed our national weekends of prayer, shared our prayers with your congregation, and prayed with us in person. You have read our guidebooks, attended our workshops, taken our courses, and participated in our webinars.

Now we’re turning to you for your support. We need your help if we want to continue the culture-shifting, transformative work we do. Can you make a donation to help support our work at this critical time? Consider becoming a monthly donor or making a one-time contribution in support of the Religious Institute. Every donation truly does make a difference.

Thank you in advance for supporting our mission and for giving as generously as you are able. We cannot do this work without you. And, with your help, we know it is possible for the Religious to thrive and continue working tirelessly and faithfully toward our vision of a world where bodies and souls are free from oppression.

Sincerely,

Rev. Marie Alford-Harkey
President & CEO