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2009-04-07 issue:

Mennonite Mission Network to reduce spending

5-to 10-percent decreases in staff hours will help to lower costs by $500,000.

by Mennonite Mission Network staff

Print Article

A struggling economy offered both validation and challenge for Mennonite Mission Network in the 2008-2009 fiscal year.

The validation: Consistent support from constituents in a difficult economic climate. The challenge: The agency must reduce spending by more than $1 million over the next two years.

According to preliminary, unaudited figures, overall annual fund giving to Mennonite Mission Network in the 2008-2009 fiscal year that ended Jan. 31 was nearly level despite the weakening economy—$6.304 million in 2008-2009 compared to $6.321 million the previous year. More than 60 percent of Mission Network’s income is from annual fund contributions.

As economic difficulties grew last year, Mission Network again focused on expenses, spending more than $480,000 less than budgeted. Total annual fund spending for 2008-2009 was about $10.1 million. Other unaudited figures showed: Total congregational giving decreased 2 percent from the previous year, to $4.18 million from $4.25 million. Total individual giving increased 4 percent to $2.12 million from $2.04 million.

Individual donors gave $1 million for the "Joining together, investing in hope" campaign to build a Mennonite Church USA office building. Campaign leaders believe the campaign's third year will include commitments to enable the construction to begin spring 2010.

Rising global expenses increase ministry costs each year. To pay for its current ministries, Mission Network historically has needed 4-to 5-percent contribution increases annually, according to Peter Graber, director of development. Graber noted that while giving from congregations has not kept pace with rising expenses over the last five years, individual giving has increased steadily.

Mission Network leaders have a two-year goal of reducing annual spending to around $9 million. Already, Mission Network has announced temporary cost-saving measures, including 5- to 10-percent decreases in hours for all staff members and one-time decreases in travel, operating expenses and some staff benefits, which will lower costs by about $500,000. Leaders expect to announce permanent strategic budget changes in the next several months.

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