[Episcopal Relief & Development press release] In honor of Episcopal Relief & Development’s 75^th Anniversary Celebration, a group of generous donors has pledged $750,000 in matching funds for the organization’s 2014 Matching Gift Challenge.

“We are excited and extremely grateful for this 75^th Anniversary match, which is our largest ever match amount,” said Joy Shigaki, the organization’s senior director of advancement. “I am inspired by the energy and commitment of our donors around the 75^th Anniversary Celebration, and hope that our supporters will take advantage of this special opportunity to see their contributions have double the impact toward healing a hurting world.”

Any donation to the organization between Oct. 30 and Dec. 31 will be matched, dollar-for-dollar, up to the total match amount.  This includes contributions through Gifts for Life, Episcopal Relief & Development’s alternative giving catalog, and monthly donations scheduled during the Challenge period.

The matching amount for all donations will go to the 75^th Anniversary Fund, which enables the organization to respond to needs where they are greatest.  The overall fundraising goal of the 75-week-long celebration is to secure $7.5 million to support programs that touch the lives of more than 3 million people in nearly 40 countries.

“This is a time for all Episcopalians to commemorate their shared legacy of compassionate care and striving for justice through the work of Episcopal Relief & Development,” said Rob Radtke, the organization’s president.  “It is with much gratitude that I invite everyone to join the celebration and consider how their gifts of time, talent and treasure can contribute toward the growth of relationships and initiatives that create thriving, connected communities.”

Gift matching is automatically activated when a contribution is made – online, via mail or by phone – to one of the organization’s listed funds. For an even bigger impact, Episcopal Relief & Development’s 75^th Anniversary Campaign toolkits provide fun and engaging resources to help congregations rally around a particular program area.

To have a gift matched, simply make a donation between now and December 30.  Click here to donate online, or call 1.855.312.HEAL (4325).  Gifts can also be mailed to Episcopal Relief & Development, PO Box 7058, Merrifield, VA 22116-7058.