What is Cents-ability?

A strategy for raising awareness — and funds — for the fight against hunger

Cents-Ability is a small first step in the battle against hunger and poverty. Congregations invite every member — of all ages — to contribute a few cents at every meal. This simple act is an expression of thanks for what we have received. It is also a commitment to share with others in response to Jesus’ command “You give them something to eat.” When members bring their offerings to church on the appointed Sunday, all of those coins “make a joyful noise unto the Lord” as they are received and dedicated.

These small acts of faithfulness can add up: One hundred persons in a congregation will contribute $180 a month at two cents a meal. That’s $2,160 dollars a year. A 30,000-member presbytery has the potential of raising over $1.6 million annually at a nickle a meal.

Cents-Ability originated in 1976 as “Two-Cents-A-Meal,” a project begun by Presbyterian Women to involve individuals and families in a corporate response to world hunger. Over the years, presbyteries have developed similar programs entitled Pennies for Hunger, Nickle-A-Meal, etc. Many of these programs benefit local hunger ministries as well as the national and international projects of the Presbyterian Hunger Program. (PHP).

PHP has Cents-Ability resources to help presbyteries and congregations begin and expand hunger education and fund-raising programs. These include posters, labels for collection containers, prayer table tents, and a notebook full of suggestions and program models. Most resources are available for download, and you may print copies as needed.

Your Cents-Ability gifts will make a difference!

Whether raised through Centsability, given during One Great Hour of Sharing, or sent directly to the Hunger Program, your gifts are helping alleviate hunger and eliminate its causes for people around the world. Learn where your gifts have been and will be at work!

• • Your gifts at work in Nicaragua – multi-year partnership with AsoFenix
  • 2020 PHP Impact Report – see what your gifts, advocacy, and working in partnership helped to achieve in 2020.
  • PHP Partnerships in Guatemala
  • Cents-Ability Gifts at Work Around the World in 2020
  • Where in the World? Learn where your gifts are making a difference in 2019, including India, South Sudan, the United States, Nicaragua, and Niger.
  • Video: PHP’s Valery Nodem shares an example of a project that PHP supported using Centsability gifts (1 minute)

  ---

  Cents-Ability Resources

  • Cents-Ability Guide
    Contains information on how to initiate and implement a Cents-Ability program, worship resources, and promotional ideas. Includes ideas for congregations, families, youth, and children who want to help fight hunger. Download the guide (39 pages)  Also available: Table Graces and Prayers, Hymns, and Sharing is Caring Calendar
  • Brochure
    Includes a brief history of Cents-Ability and ideas for presbyteries and congregations. Download and print a trifold version (fits in a #10 envelope) or a half fold version.
  • Logo
    Participants in the program may use the Cents-Ability logo in communications about the program. Download.
  • Offering Container Labels
    Cents-Ability labels can be used to design your own offering collection containers made from frosting containers, coffee cans, or other jars of your choice.
    2×4 inch labels (similar to Avery #5263)
    Smaller labels (similar to Avery #5160 – perhaps for the back of your containers)
  • Poster
    Help promote Cents-Ability and/or specific church or presbytery events. Poster includes blank space for your program name or message. Free. Order from the Church Store online or by calling (800) 524-2612. PDS#74360-01-326
  • Table Tents
    Hunger-related prayers on table tents to use at church or presbytery meals.
    Download (prints 2 per page on letter-sized card stock)