Planned Giving Officer - West Region

July 2026 community spotlight. This month, The Generosity Trust is excited to share about local organizations with a global footprint. These organizations have strong roots in Chattanooga and also carry out work internationally. Since January 2025, 231 fund holders have given $3,667,329 to support global missions. The Great Commission starts at home and reaches to the ends of the world, and The Generosity Trust is grateful to be your giving partner with a local heart and global reach. Nonprofit highlight- TrustBridge Global. TGT recently announced its partnership with TrustBridge Global that allows its fundholders to broaden their giving horizons globally! Is there an organization you would like to give to in another country, but you don't know how? You can use your existing donor-advised fund at The Generosity Trust to give through TrustBridge's global network. The Generosity Trust can help you by connecting your heart to your donation through its partnership. Read here for more information, or reach out for a connection to TrustBridge. Have doubts? Look what others are saying: Nonprofit highlight - Chalmers Center for economic development. The Chalmers Center is a global leader in Christian poverty alleviation, and The Generosity Trust is blessed to have them right here in its backyard! For more than 25 years, Chalmers has helped the Church rethink poverty and do something about it, bringing together big ideas and practical tools that equip Christians to engage poverty with wisdom and faithfulness. Founded in 1999 at Covenant College by Dr. Brian Fikkert, Chalmers integrates biblical theology, economic insight, and lived experience. The publication of When Helping Hurts in 2009 introduced many Christians to a more relational understanding of poverty and established Chalmers as a leading voice in the field. Chalmers has since partnered with organizations including Compassion International, Tearfund, HOPE International, Citygate Network, and Prison Fellowship, reaching more than 2.5 million people worldwide. Now Chalmers is building on that foundation for a new season of big ideas, practical tools, and meaningful conversations. This fall, they will launch a podcast bringing together voices and stories from across their community to explore a central question: Is the Church the sacred place where flourishing actually happens for people in poverty? Chalmers is also expanding its training and resources, connecting research with ministry practice, and growing a global community of practitioners learning from one another. In 2024, Chalmers relocated to downtown Chattanooga, creating new opportunities to collaborate with local churches and nonprofits. Here at home and around the world, their goal remains the same: help the Church rethink poverty and do something about it. The Generosity Trust look forward to partnering with Chalmers for an upcoming Lunch and Learn. In the meantime, check out their website to learn more. Nonprofit highlight - Amani Ya Juu. Amani Ya Juu ("Peace from Above" in Swahili) is a social enterprise creating handcrafted goods while providing sustainable employment, community, and healing for marginalized women in Kenya and Uganda. Becky Chinchen, an American missionary displaced by the war in Liberia, built a vision of working with other women who were experiencing the vulnerability of forced migration. Amani was born as four women sewed placements together, finding healing, a restored vision, and a renewed energy to rebuild their lives. Through sewing, women at Amani have been living out their creativity, sustaining livelihood for their family and building stability and peace in their community. Over the past 30 years, as women have returned to their home countries or landed in new homes, they take Amani with them, passing the peace wherever they go. In 2012, Amani Chattanooga was established as the US distribution center by Joanna Vaughn, daughter of founder Becky Chinchen, and her husband Pete. The Livingstone opened in 2023 to support the shop and further invite Chattanoogans to pass the peace locally and globally. Revenue from the shop and coffee shop funds the majority of operations, and donations enable them to strengthen their supply chain, grow sales, and ensure strong wraparound support programs that minister to women in Africa emotionally, physically, and spiritually. Are you looking for a beautiful place to meet with a friend? Try the Livingstone Coffee Shop. Looking to purchase a beautiful fair-trade gift? Check out their store in person or online. Nonprofit highlight - Love Without Reason. Love Without Reason is a local organization founded in 2007 by Santhosh and Susan Mathews, with the hopes of helping children (like their son Philip) through the life-altering surgery for cleft lip and palate. They learned that surgery did more than restore a smile - it released families from shame cast on them by their culture, just for having a child with a facial abnormality. As they worked, they learned that children around the world with clefts, especially in places like India, were more susceptible to human trafficking, making their work even more life changing. They began providing free surgeries for kids in India by partnering with local hospitals and have expanded into Zimbabwe, then Kenya, Uganda, Zambia and South Africa. This year, they expect to host 10 medical camps in 4 countries, averaging 40 surgeries per camp. But their work goes deeper - their introduction into human trafficking led them to establish Project Butterfly Center in one of Mumbai's red-light districts. They help women and trafficked children learn about their value - women who have heard that they are worthless and only good for one thing, learn who they really are. Through sewing reusable sanitary pads, they give women a source of income, also generating an opportunity for these same rescued women to take the pads back into the district as gifts. Trafficked women welcome these like a "cup of cold water in Jesus' name" - where a Bible would have shut doors, sanitary supplies opened them in different ways. Each dollar travels far: a single surgical camp - screening, surgery, anesthesia, aftercare - costs roughly $75,000 and restores sight, speech, and dignity to dozens of children in a single week. That same investment, made once, generates a story that echoes for generations in a village that may never forget the week strangers came and changed everything. Built on faithful monthly donors - a true mustard seed that has grown! Here are some other local ministries with a global reach! * Via Veritas Inc has been providing creative unconventional ways to evangelize in Italy since 2012. Today it focuses on the power of social media with its program: Equipaggiati Plus (#1 Apple podcast for Christian programming in Italy last year) featuring the 4 gospels in a year with commentary in only 8 min or less M-F. This has allowed a reach of over 600k/day between 7 radio stations and social media platforms. This program is now made available in English as Equipped Plus (also on all audible platforms). * Katie Beth Carter Memorial School in Tomás Borgé, Nicaragua was founded by Jason and Amy Carter, also founders of Live and Love Ministries, in honor of their daughter. * For over 30 years, Son Servants has offered international and domestic short-term mission trips for middle and high school youth groups along with their adult leaders. * The House of Stephanas is a humanitarian organization with direct relationships with several messianic ministries in the land of Israel, as well as other projects in Russia, Kenya, and Vietnam. *Here are some community-wide events. Please contact these organizations directly to register or volunteer. * August 4: Mission Increase's Nonprofit Training "Building a Sustainable Recurring Giving Program" * August 5: Noonday Prayer at PrayChatt * August 6-7: Global Leadership Summit (nonprofit and church scholarship request here) * Ongoing: TN Nonprofit Network Trainings * August 11: Mission Increase Fundraising Essentials Session 1: Fundraising as Ministry * August 12: Ministry Leader Luncheon with Pray Chatt * August 25: Mission Increase Session 2: Case for Support for Nonprofits * August 31: Faith-Based International Overdose Awareness Day by TN Dept of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, Faith-Based Initiative * Sept 1-3: The Canaan Group is hosting a Fundamentals of Fundraising Seminar. Click here for more information. * September 8: Mission Increase Session 3: Donor Communication Cycle * September 22: Mission Increase Session 4: System of Care for Donors * October 30: Faith Co-Op hosts Women, Work and Calling Event

Compassion International wins Silver Telly award for global partnership film series. Five-part series recognized for showcasing strategic partnerships addressing poverty, trauma, hunger and clean water access worldwide. COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - June 11, 2026 Compassion International has been named a Silver Winner in the 2026 Telly Awards for its five-part documentary series, "Compassion Partnership Films," in the Campaign - Not-for-Profit category. The Telly Awards honor excellence in video and television across all screens and recognize work from leading brands, agencies, production companies and nonprofit organizations around the world. The series highlights the power of strategic partnerships between not-for-profit organizations, amplifying their respective impact. Compassion's partnerships address some of the world's most pressing challenges, including poverty, violence, trauma, food insecurity, lack of clean water and economic instability. "This recognition is a meaningful honor because these films are ultimately about the power of partnership," said Jimmy Mellado, president and CEO of Compassion International. "Each story reflects what can happen when organizations bring their unique expertise together for the sake of children and families. We are grateful to our partners and to the global teams who helped bring these stories to life." The award-winning campaign features five partnership films: "Small Deposits, Sustainable Futures" Created in partnership with HOPE International, this film highlights how microfinance, savings groups and small business development are bringing financial and spiritual hope to communities affected by poverty in Rwanda. "Football and Fresh Life" Created in partnership with Fellowship of Christian Athletes, this film shows how sports-based partnerships are helping children in Ethiopia experience healing, community and faith after the trauma of violence and war. "Formed in Love, Filled with Joy" Created in partnership with Awana, this film demonstrates how Bible engagement programs are helping children in Zimbabwe encounter lasting hope and healing in communities impacted by conflict. "Where Hope Flows Deep" Created in partnership with Water Mission, this film tells the story of clean water access in rural Malawi and the role safe water plays in restoring health, dignity and opportunity. "Daily Bread from the Garden Bed" Created in partnership with ECHO, this film highlights how agricultural training and resources are helping reduce hunger and bring sustainable food solutions to communities in Tanzania. "It's an honor to be recognized by the Telly Awards for excellence in our category, " said Ian Johnson, a creative director for the organization. "It's especially meaningful to me and my team that the project showcasing our organizational commitment to partnerships garnered the award. We know that tackling a big problem like global poverty can only be done together." The winning project was produced by one of Compassion International's creative teams, with credits including Kenneth Robinson, manager of creative video; Will Stark, producer; Payton Metcalf, producer; and Jacob Snyder, video editor. Compassion International representatives are available for interviews to discuss the project and the role of strategic partnerships in serving children and families around the world.

Compassion International ends Tongu child health programme. June 8, 2026 Compassion International, a child development organisation, has officially concluded its Tongu Cluster Projects in the Central, South and North Tongu districts, as well as the Adaklu District of the Volta Region, at a colourful ceremony held in Sogakope. The eight-year Survival and Early Childhood Intervention Programme supported 1,211 mothers, infants and caregivers across several communities in the Tongu and Adaklu areas. The closure ceremony, held at the Solution Chapel of the Global Evangelical Church (GEC) in Sogakope under the theme, "From Survival to Thriving: Sustaining Hope for Every Child," marked the end of the Maternal and Child Intervention Programme implemented by Compassion International Ghana in the beneficiary districts. Implemented in partnership with local churches and community stakeholders, the programme sought to reduce maternal, newborn and child mortality rates while improving access to essential healthcare services during the first 1,000 days of a child's life. Speaking at the event, the Partnership Facilitator of Compassion International Ghana, Mr. Richard Baku, explained that the programme was launched in December 2017 in response to persistent maternal and child health challenges, including poverty, malnutrition and limited access to quality healthcare in the project communities. According to him, the intervention covered eight communities - Mafi Dove, Volo, New Bakpa, Mafi Gidikpoe, Mafi Kumase, Mafi Anfoe and Mafi Zongo - through an integrated community-based approach that combined healthcare delivery, nutrition support, caregiver education and child protection services. Mr. Baku noted that the programme began with 65 mothers and 55 babies but expanded significantly over the years to reach 1,211 beneficiaries, positively impacting hundreds of children and families across the four districts. Beyond healthcare, he said the initiative also focused on economic empowerment, with 226 caregivers receiving apprenticeship training and skills development support to improve household incomes. He called for continued collaboration among churches, traditional authorities, the Ghana Health Service (GHS) and local government institutions to sustain the gains achieved, strengthen male involvement in childcare and deepen community-based maternal health support systems. The Central Tongu District Director of the Ghana Health Service, Mr. Matthew Adam, underscored the need for a coordinated multi-sectoral response involving state institutions, non-governmental organisations and community stakeholders to tackle maternal and child health challenges in the beneficiary districts and beyond. He identified teenage pregnancy, malnutrition, malaria, anaemia among pregnant women, poor health-seeking behaviour and limited access to quality healthcare services as major concerns affecting healthcare delivery in the area. Mr. Adam stressed the importance of addressing what he described as the "four delays" in maternal healthcare - delays in seeking care, transportation challenges, inadequate availability of skilled health personnel and referral system bottlenecks - as critical measures for reducing maternal and neonatal deaths. The District Director of Health Services also expressed appreciation to Compassion International Ghana and its implementing partners for their contribution to improving maternal and child health outcomes in the project districts. Delivering remarks on behalf of Compassion International Ghana, the organisation's Manager of Programme Support, Madam Rashidatu Iddrisah, reaffirmed its commitment to holistic child development and stronger community health systems. She explained that the Survival and Early Childhood Intervention Programme was deliberately designed to protect mothers and children during the most vulnerable stages of life, particularly the first 1,000 days, when interventions have the greatest impact on long-term health and development. Madam Iddrisah stated that over the eight-year implementation period, the programme evolved beyond basic healthcare support to include nutrition education, caregiver empowerment, child protection and economic strengthening initiatives. She commended implementing partners, local churches and healthcare workers for their dedication, describing the achievements recorded in the Tongu Cluster as proof of what sustained partnerships can accomplish. She encouraged stakeholders to consolidate the gains made and ensure the continuity of best practices as the programme transitions into its next phase of support. In her goodwill message, the Queen Mother of Mafi Adidome, Mama Drapey III, emphasised that maternal health and healthy living remain essential for building strong families and a healthier nation. She highlighted the importance of quality prenatal care, skilled delivery services and comprehensive postnatal support within the first six weeks after childbirth to prevent complications and safeguard the wellbeing of both mother and child. She further advocated the wider adoption of family planning to help couples make informed decisions about child spacing and proper childcare. The Queen Mother also stressed the need for healthy lifestyle practices, including balanced nutrition, regular physical activity, avoidance of alcohol, tobacco and illicit drugs, adequate rest and effective stress management to promote maternal and fetal health. Mama Drapey III called on parents, healthcare professionals, traditional leaders and development partners to sustain and build upon the gains achieved through the project. She expressed gratitude to the implementing partners and appealed for renewed commitment to securing a healthier future for children and future generations. Other speakers at the event, including Rev. Peter Onasis of the Mafi Kumase Child and Youth Development Centre (CYDC) and Rev. Israel Ahalie of the Mafi Adidome CYDC, praised Compassion International Ghana for the initiative. They urged beneficiaries to help sustain the programme's achievements and avoid reverting to previous practices and conditions. A former Project Director of the Mafi Dove CYDC and Chairperson of the occasion, Madam Esinam Agbador, described the intervention as transformative, noting that it had strengthened maternal healthcare systems and enhanced household resilience. She said the initiative contributed to safer pregnancies, improved delivery outcomes and better child development, adding that its impact would endure beyond the programme's official closure. "The end of the survival intervention does not signify the end of support for beneficiaries but rather a transition into a more holistic phase of child development," Madam Agbador emphasised. She commended caregivers, healthcare professionals, churches and community volunteers for their commitment to the programme's success and encouraged their continued participation in successor initiatives. Compassion International currently supports approximately 2.3 million children worldwide, including thousands in Ghana. The ceremony brought together traditional leaders, clergy, Ghana Health Service officials, local government representatives, caregivers, community volunteers and project staff, serving both as a celebration of the programme's achievements and a call to sustain the progress made over the past eight years. Send your news stories to [email protected] Follow News Ghana on Google News