The "Annual Giving Campaign" 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, most make a financial committment to maintain our strength of ministry, programming, staffing, and physical space. Our goal is 100% participation among ourselves in support of our caring community.

Please take part in our special pledger's brunch Sunday, April 21st by bringing a pledge form to brunch or submitting your pledge by that date.

You can download a PDF version of the Giving Campaign 2013-2014 Pledge Form

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

1. Online! Fill out this online form, submit, and you are done. It's that easy.

-- OR --

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

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

How do we pay for our staff, buildings, grounds and programming?
There is no fee to attend CUC or enroll our children in religious education. Instead, we hold an annual Giving Campaign fund drive. Over 75% of our income for the annual budget is generated by your generous financial contributions made in the form of pledges during this annual campaign. The majority of other income is generated from rentals, fundraising events like the auction and the tag sale, and the transfer of funds from our endowment when necessary.

What is a pledge?
A pledge indicates how much each of us commits to contribute to CUC each year, in this case from July 2013-June 2014. Based on the total amount in pledges received during the Giving Campaign, the finance committee and the Board of Trustees will propose a budget to be approved at the annual meeting on June 2, 2013. We urge families to make a financial commitment during the campaign so that we will know how much money will be in the budget.

How is the income used towards expenses?
CUC is considered a mid-sized congregation compared to all other Unitarian Universalist congregations, with 218 legal members and many friends and newcomers. While we rely on dozens of volunteers within our congregation to create an active church community, our hard working professional staff facilitates everything we do. In addition, we maintain our buildings and care for one of the largest open spaces in White Plains, with over 8 acres of wooded property. The largest part of our expenses, therefore, supports our professional staff, buildings and grounds. The smaller expense areas involve our programming, which expands or contracts depending on available funds.

What changes will there be for the 2013-2014 Budget?
This fall we hopefully will welcome a new settled Minister. The budget will contain funds for the new minister's compensation package as well as moving and settling costst  We have chosen not to host a studying intern next year. We hope to maintain and even increase our Religious Education offerings for all ages. We anticipate increases in utilities and insurance, as well as the inevitable unplanned building repairs.  The breadth and depth of our programs and staff salary adjustments will be determined once pledges are made.

How much should I pledge?
Individuals and families pledge amounts based on their personal financial circumstances and on the enrichment CUC brings to their lives. We encourage families to consider a pledge based on a percentage of adjusted annual income. The Giving Campaign brochure  includes a chart from the UUA (Unitarian Universalist Association) showing a “Fair Share Annual Giving Guide.” This chart can be used to plan how you can make a commitment to move towards a fair share giving level.

How do I pledge?
1) Go to www.cucwp.org and submit a pledge form online.
2) Mail the  pledge form or drop it in the office any Sunday this spring.
3) Attend brunch on Sunday, April 21st,  and bring your pledge form as your admission ticket.

How do I learn more?
Contact any member of the Board of Trustees (with a blue name tag) or the finance committee, or contact the church office.