How Much Should I Contribute?

How much you contribute is a combination of the role that UUFM plays in your life and the life of your community, the financial means at your disposal, and other commitments in your life.  How much you pledge is an expression of this, at least as far as you can predict at this point.  If your circumstances change, you can always adjust your pledge (please let the Treasurer know if you do, so the Finance Committee can adjust as needed, too).

This last year (2019-20), 71% of our members made a pledge of record.  The median (middle) pledge was $1,500, and the pledges ranged from $55 to $12,000 (2 households recorded a pledge of $0).  Our goal for 2020-21 is $150,000.  To reach this from our current pledgers would require an increase in the average pledge to roughly $2,145.  If 100% of the membership pledged, the average would only have to increase to $1,517.

The UUA publishes a “Guide to Fair-Share Contributions”.  Here it is:

The UUA Suggested Fair-Share Contribution Guide

Using the Guide is a simple, 3-step process; giving is a function of commitment and resources.

1. Most of us budget our financial commitments on a monthly basis and the guide is organized accordingly, but you may calculate on any time frame that works for you. For convenience, the guide shows monthly and corresponding annual income levels. Determine your monthly income or resource level. $___________
2. ADD to your income level any unusual or periodic income, such as inheritances, business income, anticipated investment income, etc. SUBTRACT any unusual expenses, such as large medical expenses, care of a parent, or a large financial expense, etc. Result: $_________ This is your Adjusted Monthly Income.

Each of us will have our own unique circumstances to consider in making this calculation. The flexibility to include meaningful and unusual exceptions in your financial life (income and expenses) is what makes the Guide fair and useful. This is a tool for you to use in the spirit of the Congregationalist tradition; we are individually and collectively responsible for resourcing our movement and our congregations. This is an honor system; only you know your circumstances.

3. From the Adjusted Monthly Income column, move to the right to find a suggested giving level that you are ready to support, between 2% and 10%, depending on adjusted income and level of commitment. Interpolate between guide levels if needed.

In making your decision, consider the four commitment levels below and how they relate to your membership. Consider your UU values in thinking about your income and your financial commitment to the congregation, as expressed in the four levels below. Note that within each commitment level, the guide is progressive, with giving levels rising with capacity.

 Supporter: The congregation is a significant part of my spiritual and intellectual life that I want to support. My fair share financial commitment starts at 2% of my income and rises to 6% as my income and capacity rise.

 Sustainer: The congregation is my central community; I am committed to sustaining the programs and ministries of my congregation. My fair share financial commitment starts at 3% of my income and rises to 7% as my income and capacity rise.

 Visionary: My commitment is a clear demonstration of the unique importance of this congregation and of my spiritual principles. My fair share financial commitment starts at 5% of my income and rises to 9% as my income and capacity rise.

 Transformer: I am deeply committed to the congregation; my contribution provides fuel for transformation and is part of my spiritual practices in living out my UU Principles. My fair share financial commitment represents 10% of my income.