|
Each February and March, many volunteers work on the Annual Pledge Drive, which encourages each member to make a generous pledge of financial support
to UUSM. A pledge of financial support is critical to maintaining the ongoing
vitality of our community. Approximately 80% of our
annual operating
budget is funded with pledges from our generous members and friends.
Below are the frequently asked questions as they relate to pledging financial support to UUSM.
-
What is a “pledge”?
-
A pledge is a promise to donate a certain amount of money to the church
within the pledge year.
- What is the “pledge
year”?
-
The church fiscal year runs from July 1 through June 30 of the following year.
Pledges are typically made in the spring (e.g. March) for payment during
the fiscal year beginning July 1.
- Why pledge, and how is my pledge used?
-
Pledge payments are used for the yearly operation of UUSM. This money is used to
pay for the programs and work of the church, including worship and music,
religious education for children, young adults, and adults. Pledge income
helps pay for staff salaries, for
materials and equipment, and for the operation and maintenance of
facilities.
When
members and friends of the church pledge, the church can establish a
realistic operating budget for the coming year.
Those who pledge receive written acknowledgment of contributions that they can
use for their own budgets and tax purposes.
- Do I need to be a member to pledge?
-
Anyone can make an annual pledge to UUSM, member or not.
- Do I have to pledge to be a member of UUSM?
-
Everyone is welcome to attend services at UUSM, whether formally a member or
friend, or not, with no financial obligation. We
believe that financial support is one of the responsibilities of
membership, and we strongly encourage members to make a pledge consistent
with their individual circumstances.
A “contribution of record” is a requirement of voting membership. These giving
guidelines can help you make a
determination about what you will pledge. If your financial situation precludes
you from making a contribution, you may obtain a waiver from one of the
ministers.
- When should I pledge?
-
During the spring pledge drive, or any
time during the year (pro-rating the amount for the remaining fiscal year), or when
you become a member.
- When do I need to pay my pledge?
-
You tell us. Several options are listed
on the pledge card that you fill out.
The
only requirement is that you complete payments prior to fiscal year-end on
June 30.
- How does the pledge
relate to the offering plate during Sunday services?
-
Pledges are very important relative to the weekly offering collected at services,
because the commitment you make at the beginning of the church year allows
us to plan. The offering plate collections are more difficult to
anticipate and thus make planning more difficult.
Some
people make their pledge by putting a check or cash into an
appropriately marked envelope into the offering plate. If you write
“pledge” on the memo line of your check, it will count towards your
pledge.
One Sunday per month, the offering goes to an external
program or organization as part of UUSM’s service to the broader community.
Gifts to these purposes are separate from your pledge commitment.
Fair Share Giving Guide
|