What is the United Churchs Emergency Response Fund?
The United Church of Canada’s Emergency Response Fund (ERF) is used to help alleviate the effects of humanitarian crises caused by nature, humans, or a combination of both. Usually these responses are short- or intermediate-term in nature. However, the ERF is also used in support of longer-term rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts. Each year the ERF is replenished with funds from the unified Mission and Service Fund (currently $130,000/year). In addition, the ERF is replenished with a percentage of “supragift” monies received. (Supragifts are donations made by United Church members or others that are above and beyond the Mission and Service Fund. They cannot be counted as Mission and Service Fund credits but are eligible for tax receipts.) Eighty-five (85) percent of supragifts received and intended for disaster relief are deposited in the fund and allocated as designated by the donor, while fifteen (15) percent of the same supragift donations are retained and used to maintain the
