Generosity ^{[ jen-uh–ros-i-tee ]}

noun, plural gen·er·os·i·ties.

1. readiness or liberality in giving.
2. freedom from meanness or smallness of mind or character.
3. A generous act: We thanked him for his many generosities.
4. largeness or fullness; amplitude.

UUFR’S Generosity Campaign is an annual, and essential, tradition. Below are frequently asked questions about why it’s needed, the process, guidelines for giving a “fair share,” how to make your pledge, and much more.

WHY IS A GENEROSITY CAMPAIGN NECESSARY?

The annual pledges made by Fellowship members and friends during the generosity campaign provide the financial fuel that makes UUFR go. Overall, the contributions of members and friends typically account for about 85 percent of annual operating costs – not just the mortgage, utilities and salaries of our beloved staff but the wide array of fellowship and social justice programs and ministries that make UUFR unique/impactful. Equally important, the pledges are an essential element of the budgeting process, enabling the board to plan for the year ahead – that is, the new financial year that begins in July 2021 – by knowing how much financial support it can count on.

Think of your pledge as an opportunity to renew your membership and reaffirm your commitment to the fellowship and the spiritual growth it nurtures.

WHEN DOES THE GENEROSITY CAMPAIGN BEGIN AND END?

The campaign launches February 7^th and ends March 31^st. Thanks to a Procrastinators’ Challenge made possible by an anonymous donor, those who pledge before March 31 will have 10 opportunities to win $100 in our Pledgers’ Raffle. Winners can either take the cash or amplify the impact of their pledge by donating it to the UUFR fund of their choice: General Fund, Love Wins, Social Justice, Memorial, or Foundation.

HOW IS THE PANDEMIC IMPACTING UUFR’S FINANCES?

Pre-Covid, two schools that used UUFR facilities for their day-to-day operations plus other outside groups that used the facilities on an ad hoc basis paid about $40,000 in annual rental income. That rental income has dried up because of the pandemic.

WHAT IS THE FINANCIAL GOAL FOR THIS YEAR’S CAMPAIGN?

Mindful of the pandemic’s impact on the overall economy and household finances, the goal of this year’s campaign is to raise enough money to maintain our current programs and services. That does not mean, however, that the fundraising goal is the same. Costs are rising – such as increased membership fees for the Unitarian Universalist Association and ONE Wake and continuing to live-stream Sunday services even after in-person gatherings resume. In addition, the lack of rental income mentioned above needs to be factored in.  Consequently, the campaign needs to raise more money just to maintain the status quo. The UUFR board of directors is asking everyone to give “just a little more if possible” than they did last year to make the campaign a success.

ARE THERE OTHER GOALS FOR THE CAMPAIGN?

Other goals include:

• 100 percent membership participation in the campaign.
• Strong participation by friends and regular visitors.
• Everyone who is financially able maintains or increases their pledge from last year.

HOW DO I KNOW HOW MUCH I PLEDGED LAST YEAR?

If you pledged in a recent Generosity Campaign, you should receive a Pledge Card in the mail during the week of February 8 – 13 (or perhaps a little later, given the vagaries of the U.S. Postal Service) that will list how much you pledged in each of the last two financial years. If you don’t receive a pledge card, please contact the Generosity Campaign Chairperson, Lynne Taylor, at lwmyers@aol.com or 919-621-7608.

ARE THERE ANY GUIDELINES FOR HOW MUCH I SHOULD PLEDGE?

The Unitarian Universalist Association’s suggested “fair share” giving guidelines are a tool you can use to decide how much to give based on your family’s adjusted gross (pre-tax) income and the level of your family’s commitment to, and involvement in, the liberal religious community we love and share.

“Adjusted income” is the family’s gross (pre-tax) income from all sources (wages, salary, Social Security, retirement, government benefits, dividends, interest, etc.) minus major medical expenses, child care expenses, and educational expenses (including student loans).

HOW MUCH DO OTHER MEMBERS GIVE?

Members give, on average, about $1,800 per per year; half of those who contribute give more than $1,200 per year. On a monthly basis, pledges vary widely – from well below the average to in excess of $2,000 per month.  The bottom line: All contributions are welcomed and appreciated – no matter how large or how small.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I HAVE QUESTIONS?

Contact the Generosity Campaign Chairperson, Lynne Taylor, at lwmyers@aol.com or 919-621-7608.