The Speer Trust is an Administrative Commission of the New Castle Presbytery. The Speer Trust has funded over $6.5 million of programs in Delaware and the Eastern Shore of MD since 1985.

Background

The Speer Trust is a bequest from the estate of George I. And Lizzie F. Speer of Wilmington, Delaware, received by the Presbytery of New Castle in 1985 and earmarked for mission with people who are poor and oppressed. The Presbytery's mandate for use of this gift states, "We believe that the integrity of our use of this fund will be revealed not only in the new spiritual horizons which will be opened through our helping people who are poor but also through our working together with them in a spirit of compassion."

The Presbytery's understanding of mission

Because both the Old Testament and the New Testament proclaim God's passion for justice, the Church us is under a divine imperative to proclaim justice - to the end that the causes of poverty and oppression may be eliminated. The Presbytery, through the use of the Speer Trust, is committed to empowering people who are marginalized, in every culture, and addressing root cause of poverty.

Where the money is used

The Speer Trust income, approximately $750,000 annually, is apportioned for global mission with a percentage to the Synod of the Mid-Atlantic for projects outside the bounds of the New Castle presbytery. The balance (55%) is used for creative projects in Delaware and on the Eastern Shore of Maryland.

Applicants outside New Castle Presbytery

Applicants living outside New Castle Presbytery should address inquiries to the General Assembly National Ministries Division, Louisville, Kentucky, or the Synod of the Mid-Atlantic, Richmond, Virginia.