Christian Foundation Pledges to Donate $1B to Charitable Causes
Covenant Values Foundation, a non-denominational Christian organization established by Chattanooga philanthropists and businessmen Carey V. Brown and Steve Steele, has announced that it is making a "Billion Dollar Pledge" to worthwhile charities around the world.
Covenant Values Foundation was founded out of a common vision and passion to help and serve others, Steele, the organization's executive director, shared with The Christian Post.
"The Foundation supports organizations that foster the needs of orphans, youth, widows, the unborn and those who cannot help themselves, as well as sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ," he explained, adding that some of those works that aim to fulfill the Great Commission include church planting, leadership development, evangelism and discipleship.
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"We tend not to support any building programs and only occasionally after a relationship is built, will we consider operating cost support. Our sweet spot is in helping to accelerate proven models that can be scaled with some additional funding. We especially like those that have a plan for sustainability as the models or projects accelerate. We do not wish to become a ministry or organization's largest donor on our first gift," he added.
Carey V. Brown, co-founder of the Covenant Values Foundatin, built a successful car lot in Rossville, Ga., that grew into other businesses, and used the profits to fund missions around the world. He was moved by the plight of women and children in those nations, and this inspired him to intensify his businesses to make them more profitable so he could contribute to more charitable works. Last year alone, Brown's companies provided 70 organizations with the means to support 5,500 orphans worldwide.
Steele, on the other hand, brings more than 30 years of executive level nonprofit and Christian ministry management experience to the foundation. He previously served as senior vice president for global strategy and research at the Maclellan Foundation and CEO of Dawn Ministries.
According to a released statement, the Covenant Values Foundation has already pledged up to $625,000 in grants by the end of next month.
On Point, a Chattanooga-based youth development program that helps teens abstain from risky behavior, received a $25,000 grant from CVF, which was coupled with a pledge to match up to $100,000 in new money donated to the organization during the month of April 2012.
Several other Chattanooga-area charities also benefited from a similar pledge, including: Chattanooga Community Kitchen, which provides food and shelter to the homeless; Dawson McAllister Association, founder of The Hope Line teen suicide prevention outreach; Precept Ministries International, a leader in helping others study the Bible; Teen Challenge, which offers hope and healing for people with addictions and other life-controlling problems; and Tennessee Temple University, a Christian college.
"Jesus taught us that loving our neighbors as ourselves is a worthy goal," Steele explained. "In this broken world, our neighbors are often hurting, in need and without hope. Covenant Values Foundation will serve 'the least of these' and spread the 'Good News' of Jesus Christ here in our community and around the world."
Watch a video of Covenant Values Foundation explaining its mission on its official website.
