Friends of the Unitarian Universalist Association
Frequently Asked
Questions
How to Donate
There are three ways you can make a gift: online, by mail, or by phone. Click here for more information.
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Overview
Friends
of the Unitarian Universalist Association is the fund for
individuals who have chosen to become a part of our mission;
to provide needed services to over 1,040 UU congregations, communities
and societies across the country. The Friends program provides
UUs with the opportunity to have a significant impact on the
growth of the Unitarian Universalist movement, the "free and
responsible search for truth and meaning". The Friends program
provides a crucial portion of all Association funding, dollars
that allow us to provide a number of important services that
no one congregation could provide for itself.
- Fund training and
continuing education programs for ministers and religious educators.
- Bring the UU philosophy
to a variety of social issues through social justice programs
like the Journey Toward Wholeness, the UUA’s anti-racism program.
- Develop lifetime
religious education curricula for children, young people and
adults such as OWL (Our Whole Lives); a program of sexuality
education for the entire lifespan.
A
Growing Community
Last year,
2500 individuals became new members of the Friends of the UUA. In
doing so, they became part of the dynamic growth we have seen as
more and more people turn to an alternative vision, a more liberal
view of a spiritual and ethical life. This vision must be nurtured
and supported as the UU movement reaches out to a steadily increasing
population. It is the support of committed individuals across the
country that make this possible.
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Can
I make a gift to Friends of the UUA in memory of someone?
Yes. We would be pleased to accept a gift in memory of someone who has passed
away. Many people choose to honor committed Unitarian Universalists in this
way. To make a memorial gift, please contact friends@uua.org or call 1-888-792-5885.
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Friends
and UUA Finances
Where
do contributions go and how do gifts affect the UUA?
The UUA is committed to making sure that every dollar counts. More than half
of the income UUA receives goes directly back to the congregation through UUA
programs and services. Each fiscal year the UUA continues to give away more
funds-- in the form of grants to districts, congregations and individuals--
than it receives from them.
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Why
should individuals contribute to The Friends of the UUA?
The UUA depends on the share of income that Friends program generates in order
to carry out its goal: to provide the services and resources that directly benefit
and strengthen the congregations and Unitarian Universalism as a whole. As the
UU movement continues to grow, so too do the needs of congregations and constituents.
The support of Friends is integral to preserving a national UU community.
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What
makes up the Association's budget?
The Association's budget can essentially be split into two parts:
- Funds for General
Support ("unrestricted"), which are expended for congregational
services, Board and volunteer leadership, public information,
grants to districts, administration, etc.
- Funds for Designated
Purposes ("restricted"), including Holdeen and International
Trusts, Capital Campaign monies, Veatch Grants, Ministerial
Aid Funds.
Nearly
35% of our income is for designated purposes, leaving 65% for general
operating expenses – about $13.5 million in FY 2000/2001.
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Where
does the Association get funds for general support?
The Association
gets funds for general support from the following areas:
-
Donations
from the Friends of the UUA
-
Contributions
from member congregations to the Annual Program Fund
-
Gifts
and bequests from individuals
-
Administrative
fees from each of the UUA’s investment pools
-
Investment
income
-
Income
from other services, such as the UUA Bookstore, Pickett &
Elliot Houses, etc.
-
UU
WORLD magazine and other periodical subscriptions, rental income.
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What
work does my contribution to the Friends of the UUA support?
Contributions are used to provide vital services to member congregations
through the UUA's programs and services such as:
Growing of Healthy,
Vital Congregations
Congregational
Services & District
Services:
- Start new congregations
and provide resources for congregational growth
-
Coordinate
21 District offices with Field Staff around the continent
-
Support
Young Adult Ministry, addressing the needs of UUs ages 18-35
-
Distribute
grants to districts and congregations
-
Assist
congregations with building loans, guarantees and grants
-
Provide
fundraising consulting for capital and operating campaigns
-
Sponsor/underwrite
conferences for small, mid-size and large congregations
Renewing our spirit,
Growing with our faith
Strengthen, support and enhance the work of our professional
leaders.
Ministry,
assisting:
-
Seminary
students, both financially and with career planning
-
Congregations
in search of a called, interim or intern minister
-
Ministers
with career development and continuing education
-
Ministers
in financial or other crisis situations
-
New
ministers in their first parish settlement
Religious
Education, providing:
- Contining skill
development & education
- Curricula and
Resources *
- Families Network *
- Our Whole Lives
curricula
- The Renaissance
Program
-
Development
of liberal religious curricula
-
Training
and support for religious educators
-
Resources
for youth through the Youth Office
-
A
Ministry to Families network of resources and training
Take a Journey
Toward Wholeness
"Building tolerance programs."
Faith
in Action, supporting:
-
Accessibilty
-
Anti-Heterosexism/Homophobia
-
Anti-Racism;
-
Welcoming
Congregations
-
Journey
Toward Wholeness Initiative
-
Training
for our leaders in social justice work
-
The
Washington Office, positioned to respond to immediate policy
issues through legislative advocacy and coalition building
-
Development/administration
of anti-oppression programs and resources
-
Work
with other interfaith and secular organizations for social
transformation
Our
Youth, Campus Ministry & Young Adults
Communications:
-
Publishing
newsletters to assist lay leaders in local congregations e.g.,
InterConnections, sent to all congregational board members
-
-
Developing
and updating the UUA Internet site
-
-
Producing
brochures on a variety of UU topics
-
"Houses"
Skinner House,
publishing books about UU faith and history, spirituality
and congregational life
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