The Marble Church Easter Offering

Origin: Begun in 1968, the Marble Easter Offering is an annual outreach program initiated during Lent and culminating on Easter Sunday. The Easter Offering is used to raise funds which are awarded as grants to worthy nonprofit organizations. It is the congregation’s response to Jesus’s call to feed the hungry, give shelter to the homeless, welcome the stranger and care for the needy among us. For Marble, the Easter Offering reflects gratitude for our blessings, joy for the opportunity to help others and generosity for a world in need.

Recipients: Organizations receiving grants represent a range of programs in the areas of education, health, housing, hunger, social/legal justice, and peace and reconciliation. These organizations – local, national, and international – often focus on the elderly and children. One hundred percent of the donated funds are distributed in grants ranging from $3,000-$5,000.

View Current & Past Easter Offering Recipients

Qualifications: In addition to showing a clear track record of successfully serving their target population, organizations must demonstrate that they share Marble’s core value of embracing diversity and inclusion. These organizations reflect the concerns and diversity of the Marble Congregation and must be 501 C-3 tax exempt. Each application must include three years of financial statements and show that the Easter Offering funds will make a positive difference in the success and/or expansion of their activities. In addition, a site visit is usually done as part of the review process.

The Benevolence of Marble Committee reviews all grant applications. Composed of 11 members of the congregation who possess a dedication and commitment to outreach, they have diverse background skills and experience in the areas of education, communications, non-profit management, health care and financial management which they apply to the review and evaluation of the grant applications. They are committed to being good stewards of the donated funds and awarding grants with prudence and compassion. Rev. Susanah Wade serves as the ministerial liaison to the Committee.

Volunteer Opportunities: Organizations that we have funded in the past include local organizations — Books for Kids, the Bowery Mission, Women for Afghan Women, Coalition for the Homeless and P.S.30 – which offer volunteer opportunities for Marble congregants. Marble members have also participated in My Brother’s Workshop in the Virgin Islands and the MES social empowerment program in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Does my contribution matter? Yes. Every dollar matters and every person donating matters. If we all give something, we will reach our goal of $230,000. Every donor is encouraged to reflect on the sacrificial message of Easter and extend God’s love to our neighbors.

How can I learn more? Representatives of the organizations will be speaking at services and Zoom Coffee Hours during Lent. Information will also be included in Touchpoint: The Marble Magazine and the Sunday Bulletin. Members of the Benevolence Committee are happy to answer any questions. You can email them here.

How can I give?

• Give online at MarbleChurch.org/Give/Easter-Offering or use your Marble “Realm” account to give.
• Click on the blue Easter Offering button below the streaming window at MarbleChurch.org/Watch while watching a Sunday service.
• Text GIVEMCC Easter23 to 73256 to give using your mobile device. This number will never send unsolicited texts to you. To cancel further messages, text STOP. If you need assistance with text giving, text HELP. Standard text message and data rates may apply.
• Mail checks to Marble Collegiate Church, attention: Easter Offering, 1 West 29th Street, New York, NY 10001 or leave the checks in the donation boxes at the entrances to the church.
• Call or email Clay Hale, CHale@MarbleChurch.org in the Marble Business Office at 212-686-2770, ext. 304 to give over the phone or get information about making a matching gift.