Registration for the Anglican Foundation of Canada’s (AFC) 5th annual Say Yes! to Kids (SYTK) campaign is now open. The 2025 campaign will launch on Tuesday, April 22 and close on Monday, June 30. All parishes, dioceses, and organizations seeking to partner with AFC are asked to register by April 1.
Participation will be limited to 30 teams and registration is on a first-come-first-served basis. Teams will be asked to articulate a campaign goal and project focus at the point of registration. Most costs associated with youth projects and programs, including staffing, are eligible.
SYTK is an annual fundraising appeal sponsored by AFC. Launched in 2021 to encourage church-led pandemic recovery programs and initiatives, the SYTK movement has now provided $755,000 in funding to more than 150 beneficiaries and fundraising partners for youth-focused ministry and outreach across the Anglican Church of Canada.
“The top three ministry impact zones have been faith formation, arts and education, and outdoor recreation,” says Dr. Scott Brubacher, Executive Director. “It’s wonderful to see the year-over-year impact as so many churches and dioceses are using SYTK to invest in youth retreats, Vacation Bible Schools, and part-time staffing to revitalize children and youth ministry programs.” Other impact zones include food security and poverty reduction, reconciliation, and health and well-being.
At the close of the 2024 campaign AFC surveyed past SYTK participants. “Seventy-five percent of respondents told us they use SYTK to create a sustainable revenue stream for an ongoing ministry and that it’s an important source of funding for them,” says Brubacher. “We also heard how influential the AFC Angel Donor matching gift program has been to local campaigns. We are all very grateful to the lead donors who, over the past 4 years, have championed this cause with donations totaling more than $100,000.”
At the close of the 2025 campaign, teams will have secured a grant of 80 percent of the funds raised, including any matching gifts or leadership giving boosts provided by AFC. Campaign funds will be disbursed in August. The 20 percent share that is retained by AFC will build up the Kids Helping Kids Fund to enable even more youth-focused grants across Canada.
Visit www.anglicanfoundation.org/apply/sytk to register today.
What about Newfoundland & Labrador?
“Over the past five years, we have been deeply moved by the support the Say Yes! to Kids movement has received from Newfoundlanders,” says Michelle Hauser, AFC’s Development & Communications Officer. “In 2021, nearly $12,000—more than ten per cent of the national total—came from supporters in the Diocese of Central Newfoundland. And last year, Bishop Sam Rose captained the team for the Diocese of Eastern Newfoundland & Labrador, becoming the first Diocesan Bishop to lead a SYTK fundraiser.” Hauser says the Foundation also received a generous donation in 2024 from the Parish of Fortune-Lamaline. “They became the first Sunday School to adopt Say Yes! to Kids as a beneficiary. It was just wonderful.”
Since 2021, the Foundation has provided a total of $43,000 in funding for youth-centred projects and programs in all three dioceses and approximately half of that has come through the Say Yes! to Kids movement. “We look forward to seeing the more we can imagine together this year!”
For more information contact:
Michelle Hauser, Development & Communications Officer
Anglican Foundation of Canada:
169 Bridge Street West, Napanee, ON K7R 2V5
Home office:
1-877-354-6387
[email protected]
