STEWARDSHIP FAQ’s
(Adapted from Garnett Losak in the UU Stewardship Lab)
What is a pledge?
A pledge is a financial promise to support our congregation’s mission. All voting members of our congregation are required by our by-laws to make an annual pledge. Each year during our Stewardship Campaign, we ask our members and friends to consider what they are able to commit to our congregation for the coming fiscal year and document that commitment. These funds are by far the largest share of our budget, almost 70%, and support our staff, programs, building, outreach and mission.
I put whatever I can in the collection plate on Sundays, why should I pledge?
Pledging allows us to project revenue for the coming fiscal year. Our budget is directly related to the amount of money we think we’ll have available. While we appreciate every gift that is given in love, our budget must be based on only those gifts that have been promised.
What happens to the money in the collection plate on Sundays?
After the offertory, a member of the Worship or Finance Ministry Team is responsible for counting and securing the money (with a partner) and preparing it for deposit. Each month we share half of the plate collection with worthy community service institutions chosen by the Board of Trustees, such as Neighbor’s Link, The Emergency Shelter Partnership, and the Interfaith Food Pantry. All cash and checks will be considered available to share unless specifically noted as a Pledge payment in the memo line.
What’s the best way to pay my pledge?
Anyway that works for you. You may drop a check in the collection plate if it is clearly designated as a pledge payment. Payments may be made by check monthly, quarterly, or annually as best fits your family’s needs. You may set up automatic payment through your online banking system. We can accept credit cards but would urge you to add a 2% donation to cover the service charge. We do not recommend that you pay your pledge with cash, although if you do, please enclose the cash in an envelope marked with your name and the word “Pledge.”
Is my pledge tax deductable?
Yes, gifts to our congregation are deductible to the extent allowed by law. You will receive a year-end statement detailing your payments for the calendar year.
What happens if my life changes and I can’t fulfill my pledge?
A pledge is a promise, but it should never be a burden. If you are unable to complete a pledge for any reason, simply contact our Minister, Intern Minister, or member of the Stewardship Ministry Team and let them know that you would like to reduce your pledge for the year.
I saw a mistake on my pledge statement. How do I get it fixed?
If you notice that a pledge payment was not entered on your pledge statement, first make sure that the check was cashed at your bank and then contact our Treasurer (Patricia Compton) or Stewardship Chair (Kelley Housman). It is possible the check was misallocated and this can be easily remedied. It is important that you review your statements and alert us with any errors.
What is the process for determining the annual budget
The Finance Ministry Team prepares the initial draft budget with input from our professional staff, Board, and Ministry Team Leaders. In early spring, the draft budget is reviewed by our Board of Trustees and revisions are made based on the latest revenue projections and taking into account any unusual expenses. Once the Board approves the budget it is presented to the congregation for approval at the Annual Meeting in June.
What is a Fiscal Year?
A fiscal year is a budgetary 12month period. Our fiscal year starts on July 1st and ends on the following June 30th. The annual Stewardship campaign is for the fiscal year beginning the following July. You are pledging NOW and will pay AFTER July 1.
I am not ready to become a voting member. Can I still pledge?
Of course! We will gratefully accept pledges from all friends of the congregation. We do hope that when you feel ready, you will consider membership in UUFNW.
How do I know the money I donate to the congregation is treated responsibly?
Our congregation does its best to be transparent with its finances. Our budget is available to all interested parties at the Annual Meeting and at any time upon request. Our elected Board has fiduciary responsibility for all of our financial resources and reviews Financial Reports at each monthly Board Meeting.
I give money to other congregational fundraisers throughout the year. Do these gifts count toward my pledge?
They do not. Your pledge gift is your commitment toward our general fund. Other fundraisers throughout the year such as the Service Auction supplement your pledge.
How much should I give?
Give until it feels good! We do not require a specific percentage of your income, however the Fair Share Giving Guide prepared by the UUA encourages us to strive to pledge a minimum of 2%, increasing as our gross income increases. Pledging is a spiritual practice and should bring you and your family a sense of gratitude and connection with this community.
“We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give.”
Sir Winston Churchill (1874-1965)
What is a pledge?
A pledge is a financial promise to support our congregation’s mission. All voting members of our congregation are required by our by-laws to make an annual pledge. Each year during our Stewardship Campaign, we ask our members and friends to consider what they are able to commit to our congregation for the coming fiscal year and document that commitment. These funds are by far the largest share of our budget, almost 70%, and support our staff, programs, building, outreach and mission.
I put whatever I can in the collection plate on Sundays, why should I pledge?
Pledging allows us to project revenue for the coming fiscal year. Our budget is directly related to the amount of money we think we’ll have available. While we appreciate every gift that is given in love, our budget must be based on only those gifts that have been promised.
What happens to the money in the collection plate on Sundays?
After the offertory, a member of the Worship or Finance Ministry Team is responsible for counting and securing the money (with a partner) and preparing it for deposit. Each month we share half of the plate collection with worthy community service institutions chosen by the Board of Trustees, such as Neighbor’s Link, The Emergency Shelter Partnership, and the Interfaith Food Pantry. All cash and checks will be considered available to share unless specifically noted as a Pledge payment in the memo line.
What’s the best way to pay my pledge?
Anyway that works for you. You may drop a check in the collection plate if it is clearly designated as a pledge payment. Payments may be made by check monthly, quarterly, or annually as best fits your family’s needs. You may set up automatic payment through your online banking system. We can accept credit cards but would urge you to add a 2% donation to cover the service charge. We do not recommend that you pay your pledge with cash, although if you do, please enclose the cash in an envelope marked with your name and the word “Pledge.”
Is my pledge tax deductable?
Yes, gifts to our congregation are deductible to the extent allowed by law. You will receive a year-end statement detailing your payments for the calendar year.
What happens if my life changes and I can’t fulfill my pledge?
A pledge is a promise, but it should never be a burden. If you are unable to complete a pledge for any reason, simply contact our Minister, Intern Minister, or member of the Stewardship Ministry Team and let them know that you would like to reduce your pledge for the year.
I saw a mistake on my pledge statement. How do I get it fixed?
If you notice that a pledge payment was not entered on your pledge statement, first make sure that the check was cashed at your bank and then contact our Treasurer (Patricia Compton) or Stewardship Chair (Kelley Housman). It is possible the check was misallocated and this can be easily remedied. It is important that you review your statements and alert us with any errors.
What is the process for determining the annual budget
The Finance Ministry Team prepares the initial draft budget with input from our professional staff, Board, and Ministry Team Leaders. In early spring, the draft budget is reviewed by our Board of Trustees and revisions are made based on the latest revenue projections and taking into account any unusual expenses. Once the Board approves the budget it is presented to the congregation for approval at the Annual Meeting in June.
What is a Fiscal Year?
A fiscal year is a budgetary 12month period. Our fiscal year starts on July 1st and ends on the following June 30th. The annual Stewardship campaign is for the fiscal year beginning the following July. You are pledging NOW and will pay AFTER July 1.
I am not ready to become a voting member. Can I still pledge?
Of course! We will gratefully accept pledges from all friends of the congregation. We do hope that when you feel ready, you will consider membership in UUFNW.
How do I know the money I donate to the congregation is treated responsibly?
Our congregation does its best to be transparent with its finances. Our budget is available to all interested parties at the Annual Meeting and at any time upon request. Our elected Board has fiduciary responsibility for all of our financial resources and reviews Financial Reports at each monthly Board Meeting.
I give money to other congregational fundraisers throughout the year. Do these gifts count toward my pledge?
They do not. Your pledge gift is your commitment toward our general fund. Other fundraisers throughout the year such as the Service Auction supplement your pledge.
How much should I give?
Give until it feels good! We do not require a specific percentage of your income, however the Fair Share Giving Guide prepared by the UUA encourages us to strive to pledge a minimum of 2%, increasing as our gross income increases. Pledging is a spiritual practice and should bring you and your family a sense of gratitude and connection with this community.
“We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give.”
Sir Winston Churchill (1874-1965)