Greetings from the Youth Theological Initiative!

Thank you so much for your generous support of the 2015 YTI summer crowdfunding campaign. Your past support provided critical funding for last summer’s academy, and we thought you’d like to know that this year’s academy kicked off yesterday, July 2. This summer’s class includes scholars from all over the United States and the world.

We’re also excited to share that we’ve officially kicked off our third annual YTI crowdfunding campaign through Momentum. We invite you to once again make a gift toward this effort, and help spread the word throughout your network. Together we can transform young lives and change the world. Let’s get started!

Momentum.emory.edu/YTI2017

Hi Everyone! The staff is all here preparing for the 2015 YTI Scholars to arrive on Sunday. The excitement level is CRAZY!! And, it’s probably the last day anyone will actually sleep for the next three weeks! It’s going to be a fantastic academy, and this crowdfunding campaign is a special new addition to our efforts for long-term sustainability of YTI. Thank you so much to all who have already donated. We’ve only got 3 weeks, so let’s get to it!

Greetings from YTI! The scholars are here! It’s incredible to see the special bonds and community already forming among the scholars as they focus on growing their faith, exploring justice through a theological lens, and of course having a blast! Thank you to all of our donors so far! We’re just getting started and already more than 60% to goal! Keep it up and spread the word!

Now at 105% to goal, we want to keep the momentum going! Richard Gurley, 1996 YTI Alum, has issued another matching gift challenge! Our goal is to raise another $3,000 and Richard will match it dollar for dollar! That would bring our grant total to $12,000. A BIG THANKS to Richard and all of our wonderful donors! Let’s keep going! It’s all about ensuring YTI is financially sustainable and feasible for future generations of scholars!

What a great week! We’ve now raised over $4,000 towards our new goal of $6,000! We’re grateful for the generous matching gifts and each and every individual gift! You can be proud of the transformative work you are supporting. It’s deeply moving to see the scholars so engaged and passionate about growing their faith and seeking justice. Check out our scholars last night at worship!

We’re in the final stretch and now 43% to our new goal of $6,000! You knocked it out of the park hitting our initial goal almost immediately. Let’s finish strong! Remember, we have another match gift on the line! The fruits of your generosity have been on display this week as scholars have worshiped and shared meals with our neighbors from other faith traditions. These interfaith experiences challenge the scholars to better understand and articulate their own Christian beliefs while learning to build community in our multi-faith world. Your support is making this possible! Thank you!

Congratulations! You did it! In less than 30 days, you donated more than $6,000, which is being matched for a grand total of $12,000! Your generosity will provide two full scholarships to support future scholars and the overall sustainability of YTI. We are grateful for each and every person who donated and shared this exciting initiative with their friends and family. A very special thank you to our two match donors, Dr. Beth Corrie (YTI Director) and Richard Gurley (1996 YTI alum). As we wrapped up the 2015 Summer Academy last Saturday, one scholar said, “In three weeks, I gained a lifetime of insights, the richest community I’ve ever known, and am ready to re-enter everyday life as public theologian – ready to apply my faith to all aspects of my life.” Thank you for making this possible!