The "Canvass" is our church's annual fundraising campaign to fund the upcoming budget year. It is held each year in March-April to have the results in time to set the annual budget beginning in July. From legal members to friends, and long-term members to new families, many make a financial committment to maintain our strength of ministry, programming, staffing, and physical space.

We invite you to join us for the 2010-2011 annual canvass. Please take part in our special pledger's brunch Sunday, March 21^st by bringing a pledge form to brunch or submitting your pledge by that date.

You can download a PDF version of the Annual Canvass 2010-2011 Pledge Form

There are several ways to submit your Annual Canvass Pledge Form:

1. Drop it off on the way into Pledger's Brunch on March 21
2. Drop it off at CUC on your way into services, or any other day of the week
3. Place it in an envelope and mail it to CUC (address is above)
4. Scan the completed form into your computer and email it to admin@cucwp.org

Frequently Asked Questions

Our Financial Highlights

Graphs are available to help illustrate how CUC's budget is applied towards expenses, and how funds are collected to support these expenses. Click on "Our Financial Highlights" to view these graphs.

How is our income generated?

Over 75% of our income for the annual budget is generated by your generous financial contributions made in the form of pledges paid.  The majority of other income is generated from contributions for the use of our space (rentals), events such as the annual auction, and the transfer of funds from the endowment.

How is the income used towards expenses?

Compared to all other UU congregations, CUC is considered a mid-size congregation with 273 legal members and many more friends and newcomers.  We rely on dozens of volunteers, but as a mid-size congregation, all programs and ministry must be staff supported.  We also care for one of the largest open spaces in White Plains (excluding golf courses) with over 8 acres of property which requires careful maintenance of our buildings and grounds.  Staff and buildings/grounds make up the majority of our expenses and allow minimal shifts in budget each year.  The smaller slices of the pie (see reverse) are budget areas that allow us to expand or contract our programming depending on the overall income available.

What changes will there be for the 2010-2011 Budget?

In 2009-2010 we did not give salary increases to our minister and staff.  For the upcoming year we hope to offer our dedicated staff increases in compensation.  We anticipate normal increases in operating costs including utilities, insurance and programming.  Our final budget will be determined once we have completed the pledge drive and can make a better estimate of 2010-2011 income.  That is why we urge families to make a financial commitment early this spring.

What is a pledge?

A pledge, indicated on a pledge form, states how much you are able to contribute to CUC from July 2010 through June 2011.  Both members and friends annually contribute through pledges.  With confirmed pledges received in the spring, and past history of pledges paid, the Finance Committee and the Board of Trustees can project an appropriate budget to be approved at the annual meeting scheduled for late spring.

How much should I pledge?

A pledge is a personal or family decision based on your financial circumstances and the contribution that our worship, religious education, social action programs, and community make to you and your family.  We are often asked by families with children in religious education what the out-of-pocket costs are for each child and they are approximately $550.

How much should I increase my pledge compared to last year?

If possible, please increase your pledge by 5-10%.  In these difficult financial times, some families will not be able to increase their pledge for the coming year.  This means that those who are able need to increase their pledges.  We also hope to increase the number of families pledging by 10%.  It is our hope that whether you increase your pledge or pledge for the first time, you do so not only to support increased expenses (e.g. utilities and insurance), but that you support CUC for you, your family, and the greater community.

How do I pledge?

It's as easy as 1, 2 or 3
1)    Attend brunch on Sunday, March 21 and drop off your pledge form.
2)    Mail the enclosed pledge form or drop it in the office any Sunday this spring.
3)    Print the pledge form and send the completed form to the church office.
 

How do I learn more?

If you cannot find answers to your questions on this site, contact any member of the Board of Trustees or the Finance Committee, or contact the church office.