Dear Manna Matters readers,
We don’t normally send out an appeal at Advent, but circumstances make it necessary.
Generally, we have resisted participating in the competition of sorrows that is the world of not-for-profit fundraising, making only one appeal in February each year. Some years we have had surplus, and others we have gone short, but the surpluses have generally covered the shortage. Swings and roundabouts.
But this year we have run out of money.
Jacob and I have moved to reduced wages, which will remain the case unless or until Manna Gum has a significant change in income.
As most of you know, Manna Gum seeks to live within the economy of God: frugally, justly and through the generous sharing of abundance within the community of faith. Our desire to maintain an independent voice means we have never sought institutional funding, and we refuse to monetise ‘our product’. To many this might seem stupidly perverse, but by the grace of God, it has worked beyond our wildest expectations. This is only the second time in sixteen years we haven’t been able to pay wages, a fact for which we are immensely thankful.
But now we are faced with a structural shortfall of about $1,200 per month, and there is no money left in the bank.
How has this come about? The covid pandemic provided us with an unlooked for financial windfall that left us with an elevated bank account. This provided us with the opportunity to grow the work of Manna Gum, employing a new position and updating and improving our online presence. Our hope was that, as we spent down the bank balance, we would be able to grow our income to pay for the expanded work.
Well our income has grown since then, but with rising costs, it has not been enough to cover costs.
To be clear, we have not experienced a reduction in monthly support. In fact, this continues to grow slowly, but steadily. However, this steady income only covers about 58% of our costs. For the rest we depend upon ad hoc donations which have always fluctuated unpredictably.
Our goal is to increase the number of regular monthly tpporters to cover 80% of our expenses.
This requires an extra 25 supporters to give $50 per month, or an additional 50 supporters to give $25 per month.
Can you help us?
We have always understood that Manna Gum supporters are people who share a sense of vocation in renewing the Christian message as something that is truly good news for the world. This Advent, as we reflect once more on ‘the dawn from on high which has broken upon us’ (Lk 1:78), we ask you to consider if you too might accompany us on this journey.
We cannot pretend that Manna Gum is any more worthy or needy than the many good causes out there requiring help. All we can do is ask, and let the Spirit of God do the rest.
Yours in Christ,
Jonathan Cornford (Advent 2025)
IN SHORT ...
We have run out of money.
Jonathan and Jacob are on reduced wages.
We have a structural shortfall of about $1,200 per month.
Our goal is to increase regular monthly to supporters to cover 80% of our expenses.
This requires an extra 25 supporters to give $50 per month, or an additional 50 supporters to give $25 per month.
Ad-hoc donations are also always welcome!
Give via PayPal
Set up an Electronic Funds Transfer
BSB: 633 000
A/c No. 134 179 514
A/c Name: Manna Gum Initiatives Inc.
(Please send us an email to let us know.)