The Finance Committee has the overall responsibility for managing UUFS finances.
Each spring, the Finance Committee works with other standing committees to develop the annual budget for approval by the Board of Trustees and the congregation. It organizes the annual pledge campaign to provide primary funding for budget needs. The committee prepares regular financial reports for the Board and advises the Board on financial matters.
Contact
Chairperson: Ed Steffes
Making Financial Contributions
Information for donors about checkwriting, plate collections, tax deductions, bequests, and more
Financial Guidelines for Committee Chairs
Budgeting and spending guidelines for chairs of Fellowship committees
Financial Guidelines for Committee Chairs
Contribution Funds
Over 90% of the Fellowship’s funding comes from the voluntary contributions of our members and friends. In order to carry out donor intentions and account for all donations properly, each contribution goes into one of our contribution funds.
The Finance Committee requests that donors make all checks to UUFS and include the name of the fund in the memo field.
Stewardship Fund
Most contributions go into the Stewardship Fund, which includes all unrestricted donations. The Fellowship directs this money wherever it is needed, in accordance with the annual budget approved by the congregation. The Annual Stewardship Campaign conducted each spring asks members to make pledges for the amount they intend to contribute for the next fiscal year beginning July 1. Whenever we receive contributions that are not otherwise designated, we assume that they are Stewardship contributions. Note that contributions to the donor-restricted funds listed below are not counted as payments on Stewardship pledges.
Into the Future Fund
In 2010, the Fellowship launched a capital campaign to pay off its building loan by the end of 2012. The primary purpose was to eliminate the need to make monthly payments from general operating funds, thereby freeing up resources to support ministry. We could meet that goal if, on the average, donors made a one-time capital pledge similar to their annual budget pledge. Aside from Stewardship, this is the only fund for which we are currently soliciting pledges. This is a donor-restricted fund that is used only for a single purpose, and it receives only the donations specifically designated for it by the donor.
Social Action Fund
The Social Action Fund is a donor-restricted fund that is used only to support humanitarian causes identified by the Social Action Committee, often based on member recommendations. On most Sundays, the cash plate goes to one of these announced causes. Donors may also contribute by check by indicating “Social Action” or “SAC” in the memo field of their check.
Ministry Fund
The Ministry Fund is a donor-restricted fund that is intended only to pay compensation for a present or future minister. On one Sunday of each month, the cash plate is collected for that purpose. Donors may also contribute by check by indicating “Ministry” in the memo field of their check.
Piano Fund
The Piano Fund is a donor-restricted fund for the purpose of replacing and upgrading our Technics digital piano. Achieving this goal depends entirely on irregular contributions, since the music program is not funded from unrestricted funds or plate collections. The Music Director matches all contributions to this fund.
