Pledge
Generosity Campaign--Pledge Drive for Annual Budget
Each Unitarian Universalist community is responsible for funding its own programs and day-to-day operations. We do not receive our operating funds from a central organization. So, at CUF, we rely on our members and regularly participating friends to fund our operating budget by pledging each year. Pledges remain the major source of revenue.
A pledge is your best estimate of what you will be able to contribute financially during the coming year. Pledging in advance gives the Board of Trustees the information they need to develop the annual budget. Whatever the size of your pledge, you are valued here as a member of our cherished community. Give according to your blessings and circumstances.
Pledges are part of the process to becoming a member.
The Generosity Campaign is an opportunity to pledge your financial commitment for the next year's budget. It is held during March of each year. Pledges can be made online or you can request a hard copy pledge form.
Frequently Asked Questions for Pledging
What is a pledge?
A pledge is a commitment to CUF to sustain our vision and values by supporting its staff and operations, through which CUF is able to provide our programming and outreach. One of the requirements for membership is to make a commitment for financial support of CUF annually. This commitment is made through an annual “pledge”, a form you complete when you join which indicates what your support will be for the current fiscal year, which runs July 1 to June 30. Your pledge may be paid annually, quarterly, monthly, weekly, or however best fits your circumstances. You may use direct deposit, PayPal or write a check. Your pledge can be adjusted if your financial circumstances change. If needed, a member may confidentially request the Minister or President to waive their annual financial contribution.
What is the Generosity Campaign?
The annual Generosity campaign occurs in March of each year. Each member is asked to fill out a new pledge form to indicate what their support will be in the upcoming fiscal year, beginning July 1. This is an opportunity to recommit to CUF and to consider whether you are able to increase your contribution. Like all of us, CUF’s expenses increase from year to year and pledges are vital to sustaining this Fellowship. As people’s connection and commitment to CUF deepen over time, they often want to increase their financial contribution as well.
What does CUF do with my pledge?
The Finance Committee and the CUF Board of Trustees use the results of the Generosity Campaign to plan a budget for the coming year. The congregation then votes to adopt the budget at our annual meeting each May. The Board uses that budget to monitor income and guide spending at CUF. The Fiscal Specialist will send you a report every 3 months letting you know your progress on paying your pledge, and what balance remains. This is not a bill, but a friendly reminder.
Why do I need to complete a pledge form if I pay by direct deposit?
We are grateful for your use of direct deposit, which ensures a steady and predictable flow of income to CUF. We still ask that you submit a pledge form each year. Your pledge is an opportunity to recommit to CUF, to consider whether you are able to increase your monthly contribution, and allows CUF to create a budget with a clear understanding of each member’s financial commitment.
How do my financial contributions support CUF?
CUF does not receive financial support from the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA), except for occasional special purpose grants. Although we receive some income from Sunday collections, building use, and fundraisers, our primary source of income (90%) is from our member pledges/donations. These funds pay our staff, support our programs, and keep our building operating. All of our expenses are paid for with these donations: Sunday services (from music to coffee), insuring and maintaining the building, paying the utility bills, etc.
Who has access to my pledge?
Pledges are strictly confidential and only shared with the Generosity Team Chair, Treasurer, and Fiscal Specialist/Bookkeeping Team.
How do I make my pledge?
Your pledge should reflect the value the Fellowship provides you, your commitment to the Fellowship along with your ability to pay. The average pledge last year was $1500 but ranged from $50 to $11,600. As your relationship to CUF deepens, we hope you will feel moved to increase your pledge to a higher level.
The pledge form will ask you to indicate how you intend to pay your pledge. CUF can receive your contributions as cash, checks, direct deposit, or PayPal. Donating with PayPal does reduce the amount CUF receives by 2% (higher reduction on small donations). We encourage you to pay your pledge by direct deposit because it is simple for you, and it helps to ensure a steady flow of income to CUF.
Complete a hardcopy pledge form or click on pledge form on the donate page on website and enter your pledge electronically.