Financial Support of
First Unitarian Church

Generosity: an essential aspect of the life of this Church.

Each of us has an opportunity to experience a generous heart as we make a financial contribution to this religious community which enriches our lives.

Each Unitarian Universalist Church is solely responsible for funding its own programs and day-to day operations. At First U that means we rely on our members and friends to underwrite a budget of $785,000 each year.

Here we answer some common questions newcomers ask about money and provide a guide to generous giving.If you have never been a part of a Unitarian Universalist church, you probably have some questions about what financial expectations First U has for you.

Once a year in late winter we conduct our annual pledge drive with all members and friends. We ask newcomers and those who attend services or programs pledge or contribute to the church. We have few resources of income other than our members and friends; therefore we truly need and expect the support of all newcomers as well as our regular congregation.

Hold on there. I’ve only been attending services at First U for a short time and already you are asking me for money?

We ask all who participate in our services or programs, members or not, to join us in financial support of our community. As a newcomer you may have missed the pledge drive, or not felt ready to pledge at that time, but we gratefully accept mid-year pledges as well.

Why should I pledge if I put money in the collection plate whenever I come to church?

To provide ongoing programs, we need to have predictable revenue. Our expenses for salaries, utilities and maintenance continue regardless of attendance. We cannot budget adequately based on fluctuating collection plate contributions. Currently about 77% of our revenue comes from pledged contributions. As a participant, we ask you to give your fair share to support First U.

How do I pay a pledge?

Most members and friends contribute once each month, either through our automated Electronic Giving service (from checking account or credit card) or by placing their check in the plate on Sunday. Some contribute a lump sum to cover the entire year which include gifts of appreciated stock, which give significant tax benefits to the donors. The Church Business Manager can help you or direct you to people to advise you on these matters.

Charge Your Pledge Payment

Care to take advantage of mileage or other incentive programs by charging your pledge payments to First U to a credit card?  Just follow this link to our Electronic Giving Web Page. If you prefer, you may download and print a paper electronic form to mail to the church office.

I have never pledged to a church before and don’t know how much is appropriate. Can you explain this to me?

At First U we do not require a fixed pledge. However, when asked what an appropriate pledge would be, we use a rule of thumb of between 2% and 10% of household income. The average annual pledge is $2,020. Since some of our members are either early or late in their earning careers, they contribute less. That means that others, who can, contribute more. One purpose of a spiritual community is to help those in more limited circumstances. Again, the Business Manager can direct you to people who can explain this further.

The denomination’s Fair-Share Giving Guide illustrates expectations for giving based on income; while you may not be able to jump in at the suggested amount for your income, most of us can reach the middle levels over time.

What will my pledge pay for?

First U is a healthy community of about 440 members. Our annual budget is approximately $785,000, which means it costs $1,785 per individual member to open First U’s doors and $3,570 for a couple. Here is how the costs break down per member:

 

At this point we are primarily interested in religious education for our children. How does this impact our pledge?

It costs the Church $750 for each child enrolled in the religious education program. We ask that your pledge reflect this amount at a minimum. If you also attend some services or participate in other Church activities, we ask that your pledge take into account the cost of these activities as well.

What if my financial circumstances change during the year and I can’t keep up with my pledge?

Should a change occur in your financial status and you are unable to meet your pledge, it is possible to adjust your pledge during the fiscal year. We care about your situation, and will work with people who are having financial needs, which affect their pledge.

Is there a minimum pledge?

There is no minimum pledge or donation in order to be considered a voting member. However, a donation of record must be made at least once a year in order to maintain voting status.

I am ready to pledge. What now?

If you have pledged last year, a personalized pledge card can be picked up at Church or will be mailed to you before April 1.  If you did not pledge last year, you may obtain a pledge card at Church, or download it here. Fill it out and return it to the Church Office. We are glad to have your support and many thanks!