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The Advance

CONNECTING THE CHURCH IN MISSION THROUGH GIVING

Estefania Regina de Oliviera Vieira visits with a young patient during a free medical clinic offered by volunteers from the Methodist Church in Brazil and the Florida Conference of The United Methodist Church in Murutinga, Brazil.

Photo: Mike DuBose, UM News

The Advance connects individuals and churches with mission projects, missionaries and ministry around the world, fostering spiritual growth, alleviating human suffering and promoting positive change in communities worldwide.

100% of Advance Donations Support Your Intended Ministry

The Advance is the voluntary, designated, “second-mile” giving channel of The United Methodist Church.

Since its founding in 1948, the Advance has helped provide over three million gifts totaling over one billion dollars to thousands of projects around the world. The Advance supports missionaries and ministries that range from churches, schools, agriculture programs, health facilities, and peace and justice initiatives, among others.

Because Global Ministries, which administers the Advance, is funded by UMC-apportionment funds, 100% of gifts to Advance projects can go to their intended project or ministry.

2024: By the Numbers

Responding to God’s call to mission around the world.

Nearly 700

approved Advance projects

Projects include churches, schools, universities, agriculture programs, health facilities, and peace and justice initiatives, among others.

111

countries with Advance projects

Projects are located in Africa, Latin American and the Caribbean, North America, Asia/Pacific, Europe/Eurasia and the Middle East.

$43.3M

Advance donations received

Funding is provided by individuals, churches and conferences to approved projects and ministries around the world.

Find an Advance Project or Missionary

Explore the full list of approved Advance projects and missionaries around the world.

How Advance Partner Projects Are Selected

Projects outside of the United States must work in collaboration with or be a part of a United Methodist Annual or Central Conference, a Mission Initiative, an ecumenical partner of The United Methodist Church OR have worked successfully with the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) or Global Ministries. Projects providing services within the United States must have national or regional appeal and the interest and financial support of more than one annual conference.

Global Ministries is not currently accepting Advance applications. An announcement will be made to annual and central conferences when a new application cycle is open.

Potential Advance Partner projects should meet the following criteria:

Align with the priorities of the local bishop or head of church.
Be prepared to raise $5,000 in a two-year period.
Have a realistic fundraising plan that demonstrates how the project will actively work to raise funds. (Note: Global Ministries staff do not fundraise for Advance Partner projects.)
Demonstrate sources of funding beyond those anticipated through the Advance.
Provide two contacts who will oversee fundraising, receive donor reports and be responsible for submitting annual reports.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is required of approved Advance Partner Projects?

Advance Partner Projects are expected to maintain the standards noted above, and provide documentation of the following:

Affirmation of Global Ministries’ Child Protection Policy or certification of a Child Protection Policy approved by Global Ministries.
Annual reports that show impact and progress toward goals,
Fundraising of $5,000 or more through the Advance in a two-year period,
Use of gifts for the purposes articulated in the application’s budget and as designated by the donor, and
Adequate accounting policies and procedures. All Advance projects are subject to audit.

Global Ministries reserves the right to hold funds for Advance Partner Projects that do not meet these criteria.

How frequently are Advance projects renewed and what is required?

Advance projects are considered to be in good standing as long as they follow the program requirements listed above.

Is Global Ministries currently accepting Advance Partner projects?

No, Global Ministries is not currently accepting Advance applications. An announcement will be made to annual and central conferences when a new application cycle is open.

What if funds are designed for an Advance program that can no longer use the funds?

Global Ministries makes every effort to use funds as designated; nevertheless, under the direction of the Board of Directors, Global Ministries retains full control over the use and distribution of donated funds. If funds cannot be used for an intended project due to unforeseen circumstances, events beyond Global Ministries control or the suspension or closure of an Advance project, the IRS allows Global Ministries to distribute the donated funds to a similarly aligned Advance project.

Why does Global Ministries administer the Advance program?

The Advance for Christ and His Church (referred to as the Advance) was established by the General Conference (¶ 823, Book of Discipline) as an “official program within The United Methodist Church through which support may be designated for projects approved by the Advance Committee of the General Board of Global Ministries.”

Global Ministries works to ensure that Advance Partner Projects align with the priorities of the church in a region, that funds are disbursed promptly and as designated and that partners report on their progress so that missional impact can be celebrated throughout the wider church.

Read Stories
of Impact

Yambasu farm fosters hope in Congo

In eastern Congo, a thriving farm funded through the Yambasu Agriculture Initiative combines vegetable, pig and fish farming to strengthen local food security and generate sustainable income for the community and the church.

Yambasu farm fosters hope in Congo

In eastern Congo, a thriving farm funded through the Yambasu Agriculture Initiative combines vegetable, pig and fish farming to strengthen local food security and generate sustainable income for the community and the church.

Retreat, learning and fellowship welcomed by clergy in Honduras

The United Methodist Mission in Honduras hosts a national retreat for clergy that strengthens their calling and fellowship.

Retreat, learning and fellowship welcomed by clergy in Honduras

The United Methodist Mission in Honduras hosts a national retreat for clergy that strengthens their calling and fellowship.

Mongolia Mission marks milestones, maps future

News from Ulaanbataar, Mongolia, the coldest capital city in the world – the UMC Mongolia Mission Initiative conducted its annual meeting Aug. 29-31, celebrating 23 years of ministry and planning future steps in its mission.

Mongolia Mission marks milestones, maps future

News from Ulaanbataar, Mongolia, the coldest capital city in the world – the UMC Mongolia Mission Initiative conducted its annual meeting Aug. 29-31, celebrating 23 years of ministry and planning future steps in its mission.

Discover Advance Resources

Share these Advance resources with your church or on social media.

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to frequently asked questions about donating to one of our ministries or projects.

Access Gift Tracker

Direct gift tracker access for Advance Projects, Missionaries and conference staff. Must be logged into portal to use.

Contact Us

Have a question or need more information? Follow the link below to learn how to contact us.