Q. What is the HOPE Fund?
A. The HOPE Fund is a conferencewide endeavor to raise $1 million by 2008 to bring hope to three seemingly hopeless situations. The funds raised will support our partnership with Zimbabwe, lend support to the Global AIDS Fund, and rebuild churches that were destroyed in Mississippi by Hurricane Katrina.

Q. Is participation in the HOPE Fund mandatory?
A. The HOPE Fund is a conferencewide commitment. We are depending on the participation of the entire conference to make The HOPE Find a success.

Q. What materials are available about the HOPE Fund?
A. On the Baltimore-Washington Conference Web site (www.bwcumc.org) you can find extensive information on the HOPE Fund. Printable materials available include pledge cards and brochures, as well as general information related to the fund and its objectives. In addition, there is a HOPE Fund video available on DVD for use with small groups and congregations to explain the HOPE Fund. DVDs are available at your Charge Conference or by contacting the United Methodist Foundation of the Baltimore-Washington Conference.

Q. I did not receive a pledge card. When should I have my pledge card back to the Conference Center?
A. Pledge cards were sent to all churches immediately following annual conference. New cards are available and should be returned to the Conference Center as soon as possible so we can accurately tabulate our progress towards our goal.

Q. When are pledged funds due?
A. We are always in the process of collecting monies for the HOPE Fund. Checks should be made payable to "Conference Treasurer," and the memo line should read HOPE Fund.

Q. Can we designate which portion of the fund to which our contribution goes?
A. You can state a preference as to which portion of the fund you would like to support, but the HOPE Fund has a very broad mission. All funds that are contributed will be used to bring hope to suffering people both at home and abroad.

Q. What level should we select?
A. Be aggressive. The Bishop’s Circle of $30 per worshiper over three years is $10 per year or a one time gift of $30. Even as a single gift, $30 equals less than a $1 a week.

Q. Can we pay off our pledge early?
A. We encourage churches to pay off their pledge as they see appropriate. We will be accepting and accounting for gifts on a rolling basis.

Q. How much has been raised for the HOPE Fund to date?
A. To date we have just over $600,000 in pledges. We are making great strides but we need the participation of all the churches in the conference to reach our goal. Your generous giving is very important to reaching our goal of bringing HOPE to the world.

Q. Can a representative come and speak to my congregation about the HOPE Fund?
A. The HOPE Fund is an agenda item for Charge Conferences this year. Information about the HOPE Fund will be available as well as the opportunity to ask questions. In addition, it is possible to invite guest speakers to your congregation to speak about the HOPE Fund.