Funding our covenantFunding our covenantReimagining Congregational Giving

Building On Our

Strengths

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Together, we are the Association of Unitarian Universalist congregations

We are connected by covenant

Our covenant lives in our relationships with one another and the world…

- and that should include our congregational giving to support our world-wide mission

COVENANTCOVENANT

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Animate the UU voice in the world

Intensify justice witness

Enrich relationships among congregations

Inspire congregational health and vitality

Cultivate lay and professional religious leadership

Amplify our worship, singing, & celebrations

our GIFTSour GIFTS

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FUNDING OUR COVENANTFUNDING OUR COVENANTWe live our covenant with one another through

financial gifts to our Districts, Region, and Association 4

BUILDING A NEW WAYBUILDING A NEW WAY

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G.I.F.TG.I.F.T..::

GGenerously enerously IINVESTING NVESTING FFOR OR TTomorrowomorrow

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Unified G.I.F.T.s to our Districts and Association•Based on percentage of annual expenditures

•UUA shares in yearly successes and challenges

•Equalizes district dues

•Region/District receives amount proportionate to congregational giving

•Saves the time and costs of duplicate systems

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SOUTHERN REGION PILOTSOUTHERN REGION PILOT

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Why was the Southern Region Selected for This Pilot Program?

We are generous congregations:

Southwestern and Southeast Districts rank #2 and #3 in gross giving to the APF

We all give at least 85% of APF Fair Share - some districts meet less than 60% of their obligations

The Southern Region has done comparatively well during the economic downturn

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District Dues District Dues “Fair Share”“Fair Share”

•$17-$27 per member; average $22

NATIONALSUPPORT LEVELS *

*For those not in our region,

taking part in GIFT, an

average amount of $82/member (range of $77-

$87)

Annual Program Annual Program Fund “Fair Share”Fund “Fair Share”

•$60 per member•Congregations 550+ may pay 4.3% of annual expenditures+

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SOUTHERN REGION PILOTSOUTHERN REGION PILOT

GIFT•Unified ask of 7% of congregational annual expenditures [(NOT per member]

(current range is 3% to 20%)

•Gifts collected and redistributed quarterly by UUA

•Proportionate redistribution to region

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How Did the UUA Arrive at 7%?

WE TOOK District Dues Collected in 2011-12 +

Net UUA payments to Districts (APF, etc.)+

Total APF Payments Collected

ADDED TOGETHER AND DIVIDED BY…

Total Budget Amounts reported Feb. 1, 2012

SO,

7% of the Expenditures reported in 2012 would provide Total District and APF funds collected that year

The goal is to more equally spread the financial commitments while

maintaining the same total level of support 12

The UUA’s Definition of Certified Expenditures

UUA Treasurer and Stewardship & Development Staff

www.uua.org/uu directory/data services-FAQ-Total Operating ExpensesYour congregation’s certified expenditures equal the total operating expenses incurred by your

congregation during your most recently completed fiscal year, less the congregation’s contributions to the district and the UUA’s Annual Program Fund.

For a more detailed description, see below. Operating expenses may include:

•Personnel expenses (salaries, amounts paid to contract employees, wages, housing allowances for ordained ministers)•Benefits (medical, dental, disability, life insurance, pension, employer retirement savings contributions, employer portion of Social Security and Medicare)•Rent•Mortgage interest expense•Utilities (electric, gas, telephone, internet, water/sewer, waste fees, heating)•Other costs of operating and maintaining the property (ongoing non-capital expenses such as lawn maintenance, annual contributions to a major maintenance or restoration fund, repair of normal wear and tear)•Program expenses (religious education supplies and materials, social action programming)•Fundraising and administrative expenses

•Questions? Recommendations? southerngenerosity@uua.org13

How Will Funds be Collected?

Districts will work with Congregations having a Fiscal Year other than 1 JUL – 30 JUN to coordinate the reporting that determines the funds to be contributed

Congregations will send ONE SET OF PAYMENTS to Our UUA in Boston on the schedule of their choosing

Quarterly, UUA will disburse funds to the Region based on a formula under development

Region will distribute funds to Districts based on our own formula

The UUA is planning contingencies to cover shortfalls during the transition. The UUA is accepting the risk in this transition. 14

How Will We Approach Congregations?

• You and Congregational Leaders will schedule Face-to-Face Conversations & Cluster Gatherings

• Boards & Other Leaders will serve as Visiting Stewards

• With Coordination, Regional and UUA Officials May Participate

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EXPANDINGEXPANDINGG.I.F.T G.I.F.T

•We will learn from the Southern Region pilot

•GIFT can strengthen our covenant

•Other regional experiments may follow

•National roll-out planned FY 2015 OR 16

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Feb – Mar Watch Video from Peter Morales; Help Plan or Host a Cluster Event

Mar – Apr Attend/Host a GIFT Event; Welcome a Visiting Steward

May – June Return Your Commitment Form

July The Adventure Begins With Your Help

What’s Next?

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What about being Fair Share congregations?Tiers of Recognition vs. In or Out.

What if we can’t get to 7% now?Together we will explore your Intentions and make a Plan.

This appears to represent a higher level of contribution than the current system. Is it?No. The change will vary by congregation; this represents an increase in contributions for about 40% of our congregations; 60% of us will see a decrease or remain about the same. Funding at 7% of expenditures across all congregations will fund the UUA and districts at approximately the same level as they are funded now; it just spreads the cost more equitably.

See the Talking Points and What Does the UUA Do for Us papers

for a more through discussion

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What do you mean by Certified Expenditures?As always, the Honor System prevails., in both directions.

Congregations are just coming out of recession. Our first obligation is to our own programs and staff. Why should we support increased commitments expected from some to District and the UUA now?The UUA is a covenantal organization, based on mutual support. The UUA counts on us to provide the resources that enable the association to support us, but also to represent us globally and to do those things we cannot do effectively as individual congregations.

We do not have the luxury of taking care of our home congregation first, and then supporting the UUA at some future date, or vice versa.   19

Thank You for the investment of your time, your intention, and your service.

Questions?

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