ONLINE COLLECTION BASKET
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December Justice Outreach
At least once a year our outreach offerings support Unity Shelter, a local non-profit organization which provides emergency shelter and supported transitional housing, plus wrap-around services, for people who are without safe shelter or housing. Unity Shelter programs include the Corvallis Men’s Shelter, the Hygiene Center, Room at the Inn and SafePlace. The Fellowship helped launch the collaborative project of providing shelters which later became Unity Shelter. Unity Shelter’s mission is to provide safe shelter through community care. The level of need around housing and shelter has not decreased in our community, and support continues to be crucial. Our outreach offering in December will support Unity Shelter.
Like the physical baskets we pass when meeting in person, you can choose to donate to the Social Concern, or donate to the Operations of our Fellowship, or donate to both!
To change the fund you’re donating to, simply click on the arrow next to “Give to …” and select from the drop-down menu. You can also select a one time or recurring donation, and credit card or bank transfer.
ANNUAL PLEDGE DRIVE
Each spring the UUFC asks its members and friends to make a commitment of financial support (a pledge) for the coming fiscal year (July 1 to June 30). Our Annual Pledge Drive provides the funds that make the life of our Fellowship possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Annual Pledge Drive?
How is a Pledge Different from a Contribution?
Is a Pledge Like a Membership Fee?
What is the Annual Pledge Drive?
Each spring the UUFC asks its members and friends to make a commitment of financial support (a pledge) for the coming fiscal year (July 1 to June 30). Our Annual Pledge Drive provides the funds that make the life of our Fellowship possible.
Finances are important during the Annual Pledge Drive, but our real goal is to give everyone an opportunity to reconnect with the Fellowship and to reflect on:
* what brings you here,
* what keeps you coming back,
* our personal and spiritual commitments to each other and to our world,
* the fact that giving can be a spiritual practice.
What is a Pledge?
A pledge is a commitment to donate a certain amount of money to the Fellowship during the fiscal year. It is a statement of intent. It is not a legally binding obligation. Do not hesitate to pledge because you are uncertain about your financial situation. Pledges can be adjusted in times of shifting resources. We depend upon your pledges for the continued health and well being of our Fellowship.
Who Should Pledge?
Everyone! Everyone for whom the Fellowship is important in any way. We depend on those who have signed the membership book as well friends of the Fellowship to make a pledge. We know some folks who are hesitant, for different reasons, to formally become UUFC members, but have made a long-term commitment to the Fellowship. All are needed, and appreciated! If you have found any of our online or in-person activities to be of meaning to you, make a pledge. If the life and the work of the Fellowship makes a difference in your life, please, make a pledge of support! Think about what more we will be able to do when we can once again join our spirits, voices, and hands together in-person. Make a pledge. Doing so will allow us to extend these same benefits to more people in our community and beyond.
How is a Pledge Different from a Contribution?
A pledge is a commitment for on-going support. On the other hand, a contribution is a gift that is appreciated and valued, but it is not something the Fellowship can count on into the future. We gratefully receive contributions to our general operating fund, building fund, endowment fund, or our monthly charity. Contributions may be mailed to the Fellowship or put into the Sunday collection basket. Make your check payable to UUFC and indicate if it is for the operating or another fund.
Is a Pledge Like a Membership Fee?
No. Many of us are members of organizations like Oregon Public Broadcasting where you are encouraged, but not required, to pay a membership fee. The UUFC is different. UUFC members and friends expect the Fellowship not only to provide worship and religious education for us and our families, but we also count on the Fellowship to be here for us in intensely personal ways: when we celebrate, when we grieve, when we work for justice. The Fellowship strives to be a community that supports us throughout our whole lives. In addition, we want the Fellowship to thrive and to continue to be a vital resource not only for ourselves, but for our communities, the world and the future. The Annual Pledge Drive is the time of year when we each consider what financial support we can offer the Fellowship so that it is here when it is needed most.
Do I Have to Pledge?
Making and fulfilling an annual pledge deepens our faith and sustains the UUFC for the benefit of us all and the wider community we serve, but you are not required to make a pledge. That said, per current UUFC bylaws, you do not have to pledge to be a member. At the same time, the Fellowship depends upon pledges, so all are encouraged to make a pledge.
When Should I Make My Pledge?
During the Annual Pledge drive each spring, we ask our members and friends to renew their pledge of financial support to the Fellowship. This commitment supports our work and mission and allows us to set the budget for the operations of the Fellowship. We welcome your pledge at any time but pledging during the Annual Pledge Drive ensures the continued health and well-being of our congregation, and allows us to create our budget.
New members and friends who join us at other times of the year are invited to make a financial pledge for the remainder of the current fiscal year.
How Much Does It Cost to Run the Fellowship?
Our proposed annual budget for 2024-25 is approximately $516,000. These funds pay for our staff, provide for all the utilities and maintenance of our buildings, and provide for support of the rich array of services, programs and social outreach we offer.
How Much Should I Pledge?
Everyone’s circumstances are different. We recognize and deeply embrace the financial diversity of our congregation. To make this a Fellowship for all, we ask those who are able, to carry a greater financial commitment to our beloved community. We ask all Fellowship members and friends to pledge generously within their means. Or, as some have said, “Give until it feels good.” We each are asked to reflect on what that amount might be.
It might help individuals and families to know that in order to meet our 2024-25 fundraising goal of $450,000 in pledges we need at least 250 pledges at an average pledge of $1,800 per pledging unit (individual, couple or household making a pledge).
We ask our members to consider pledging a percentage of their annual income. The UUA has developed a Fair Share Giving Guide (below), with 2% of annual income considered as a target for “fair share” giving. This is simply a guide – some of our members pledge at higher levels and others at lower levels, based on their capability. For those into numbers and details, see the pledging worksheet at the end of these FAQs for one approach to determining fair share.
Is There a Minimum Annual Pledge?
There is no minimum annual pledge; however, we pay annual “dues” to the national Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) with some of these funds then going to the Pacific Northwest District. Payment amount is based on annual budget. Our payment in 2023-24 was $31,125 or about $150 per pledging unit in the UUFC (individual, couple or household making a pledge). The UUFC has been a UUA “Honor” congregation for more than 25 years! https://www.uua.org/finance/apf/honor-congregations. This means that we have given the full amount that the UUA has requested, based on our annual budget level, in each year.
How Do I Fulfill My Pledge? What Are My Payment Options?
- Automatic Withdrawal – Our preferred method is to have your pledge automatically deducted from your checking or savings account. You can set this up through your bank’s bill pay or you can set this up in your Breeze account. If you have a monthly pledge already set up in Breeze, sometime in June, please login and put an end date for last year’s pledge and set up your new monthly pledge starting in July 2024. Please contact Jamie Petts if you need help accessing your Breeze account.
- Credit Card – If you want to pay by credit card on Breeze, please consider adding 3% to your pledge amount to cover the fees we pay for those transactions.
- Check – Checks can be made out to the UUFC. Please write the word “pledge” in the memo line of the check. Checks can be mailed to the office at: UUFC, 2945 NW Circle Blvd, Corvallis, OR, 97330. They can also be placed in the mail slot to the right of the entrance on Circle Blvd.
- RMD distribution – for those who hold retirement accounts (401K, IRA and some others) who are 72 or older, if you were born on or after July 1, 1949, or those 70.5 and older, if born before July 1 1949, you can have your required minimum distribution (RMD) transferred directly to the UUFC. The advantage of this for you is that you then do not have to pay tax on these monies. Contact your retirement fund advisor or tax advisor for details.
What If I Cannot Pay My pledge?
Financial hardship should never be an obstacle to Fellowship participation. Through good times and bad, we are all in this together. Annual waivers are available to any member facing financial difficulty. No paperwork needs to be filled out, there is no eligibility requirement, just have a quick conversation with our minister. Reverend Jill McAllister can be reached at minister@uucorvallis.org or 541- 752-5218 ext. 101.
Is My Pledge Tax Deductible?
Yes, the UUFC is a 501(c)(3) non-profit religious organization recognized by the IRS. The Fellowship issues end-of-year tax letters showing total contributions made. If you made a financial contribution, you will get a letter in January letting you know the amount you gave.
Can Collection Basket Offerings Be Used in Place of Pledging?
While gifts of all kinds and amounts are appreciated, money put into the collection basket on Sundays isn’t enough to pay for the Fellowship’s expenses. Sunday offerings for UUFC use represent just 1% of our annual budget.
What About the Time I Spend Volunteering?
Members and friends of the Fellowship are encouraged to give regularly of time as volunteers. Without our volunteers doing much of the Fellowship’s work, our paid staff budget would need to be much higher or this work would not get done. Members and friends of the Fellowship often find that combining volunteer time with their pledge has an impact in their lives and in the life of our community that goes beyond either separate donation. Through volunteering, you spend time with others whom you admire, cherish and learn to love. You can learn new skills and share yours with others. Memories are often made. Volunteers with councils and teams also help make decisions on how Fellowship funds are spent. We encourage you to combine your pledge with your volunteer time to further our collective goal of living our values.
I still have questions, who can answer them?
For additional questions please contact the UUFC office at office@uucorvallis.org or 541- 752-5218. Someone there will put you in touch with the pledge drive coordinator or Finance Council Chair who can answer your questions.
(Our thanks to the First Unitarian Portland for some of this page’s verbiage)
Determining Your Income for the Fair Share Giving Guide
UUFC Pledging Worksheet
Fiscal Year: July 1 – June 30
| Start with Adjusted Gross Income (from IRS form 1040) | ____________________________ |
| Add | |
| Tax-exempt pensions and annuities | ____________________________ |
| Tax-free income | ____________________________ |
| Depreciation on rental property | ____________________________ |
| Other | ____________________________ |
| Total Additions | ____________________________ |
| Deduct | |
| Non-reimbursed major medical expenses | ____________________________ |
| Care of parent(s) | ____________________________ |
| Care of higher education | ____________________________ |
| Cost of childcare | ____________________________ |
| Total Deductions | ____________________________ |
| Income to determine fair share commitment | ____________________________ |
Budgeting and Stewardship
To learn more about budgeting and stewardship at UUFC, read this pdf created by Russ Karow, chair of the UUFC Financial Oversight Council.
LEGACY GIVING
A legacy gift to the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Corvallis (UUFC) is a way to use resources you have accumulated during your lifetime, whatever their level, to ensure that meaningful things happen at the UUFC now and in the future. UUFC legacy gift fund earnings support social justice activities, member crisis support, building improvements, religious education, and an array of other activities. Through a current gift or through estate planning, you will have the satisfaction of knowing that your gifts will support your personal values. Planned giving is not just for the wealthy. It can allow supporters at all income levels to make a meaningful gift that will have a lasting impact on our UUFC community.
Many UUFC members have given legacy gifts, had gifts given in their name, or have included the UUFC in their estate plans. Below is the current “to the best of our knowledge list” of legacy donors. Donations have ranged from $50 to $200,000. All gifts are encouraged and welcomed. Those shown below with an “X” behind their name gave several gifts, often times one “current” and another estate.
Mary Peffer
Alan Berg
Oliver & Helyn Worthington – 2X
Larry Callahan
Horice Drew
Ashley Molk
Lora Kelts
Charlie and Elise Ross – 3X
Rita McDonald
Lisa Bailey
Jane and David Loomis – 2X
Connie Foulke
John Lahr
Jack Culver
Molly Canan
Art Wilmot
Doris Tilles
Jim & Leona Deardorff
Isabel Harvey
Marjorie Goss
Suzanne & Bill Dannenbring
Janet Farrell
Louise Farrell
Russ and Marla Karow
Prue (Polly) Kaye
Roberta Smith
Claudia Keith and Marilyn Walker
Legacy giving can be smart investing. When you invest in the Fellowship through a gift to the legacy fund, you may realize a considerable reduction of income and estate taxes and can even obtain a current income flow, if creating a charitable annuity or trust. The purpose of this page is to stimulate your thinking. Unless yours is a simple cash donation or cash bequest that can be written into a template will, you will want to consult a financial advisor and/or lawyer to explore the best options for your individual situation.
Thank you for thinking about the UUFC as you consider your legacy. UUFC staff and Finance Council members will be happy to assist you at any time with information about gifts and bequests to the UUFC. Contact the main office at (541) 752-5218 if you would like assistance. We cannot provide financial, tax, or legal advice but we can talk with you about your ideas and then put you in touch with people who provide professional advice and assistance. A pamphlet on planned giving is available here – UUFC Planned Giving.
Lifetime Legacy Giving
UUFC members have given legacy gifts during their lifetime. They inherited funds or had extra funds when a business venture or activity had gone well. They established retirement accounts and were at the stage in life where the government was requiring them to withdraw funds from those accounts and were in the fortunate position of not needing these funds to meet daily living needs.
Gifts can be made to the UUFC legacy fund in the form of cash, equity, securities, real estate, vehicles, works of art, books, coin collections, or other tangible property. These gifts are exempt from capital gains tax and can qualify for federal and state charitable tax deductions to the allowed limits for your tax situation.
TYPES OF GIFTS
Cash – cash can be dropped off at the UUFC office during regular business hours, can be deposited in the collection plate on Sundays, or can be placed in the collection boxes outside the Fellowship Hall. If you want credit for the donations made in the collection plate or box, be sure to use an envelope with your name on it.
Checks – Checks can be made out to the UUFC. Please note on the memo line of the check what the donation is for – pledge, minister’s discretionary fund, social service project, etc. As with cash, checks can be placed in the collection plate or in the wall-mounted wooden box outside the sanctuary. They can be handed to office staff or mailed to the office at: UUFC, 2945 NW Circle Blvd, Corvallis OR 97330
ACH Payment – ACH payments are transfers from one of your bank accounts to a Fellowship account. The Fellowship can set up an automatic payment for you. To have this done, contact the UUFC Business Manager – businessmgr@uucorvallis.org You can also make a one-time transfer or on-going transfers through our online payment account available here.
Credit Card – If you want to pay by credit card, if at all possible, please add 3% to your pledge amount to cover the fees we pay for those transactions. To pay by credit card, click here.
RMD Distribution – for those with retirement accounts (401K, IRA and some others) who are 72 or older, you may be required to make a required minimum distribution (RMD) from your accounts. Requirements have changed frequently in recent years. Check with your tax advisor on the current situation. If you are required to make a RMD, the advantage of this for you is that you then do not have to pay tax on these monies. You could use an RMD to pay an annual pledge or make a legacy contribution to the UUFC. Contact your retirement fund advisor or tax advisor for details. Checks can be mailed to the UUFC (2945 NW Circle Blvd, Corvallis OR 97330) or your broker can contact the Business Manager (businessmgr@uucorvallis.org; 541-752-5218) for the information needed to make an electronic transfer.
Stock Transfers – The UUFC is able to accept donations of stock and other equities. For information on how to make a transfer, contact the UUFC Business Manager businessmgr@uucorvallis.org or 541-752- 5218. Once we know that an equity is in our account, we will instruct our broker to liquidate that equity. After the sale, we will know its specific value. That value will be shown in your semi-annual UUFC donation report or if needed, a separate donation letter can be prepared. If you have additional questions, please contact the UUFC Business Manager.
Real Estate can provide an income tax deduction for the full value of the real estate and will avoid the capital gains tax on investment property. It is possible to make a gift of your home or vacation home that includes use of it during your lifetime under a life estate arrangement. Please talk with your tax and/or legal advisor about such gifts.
All Other Donations – While the UUFC has rarely dealt with gifts of vehicles, works of art, books, coin collections, or other tangible property, we are more than willing to consider such. The process would be for you to either obtain a professional value appraisal of the item before donation or to accept the cash value obtained at sale as your donation value. Please contact the UUFC Business Manager – businessmgr@uucorvallis.org – if you are considering a donation of this type. The UUFC Board of Directors reserves the right to review the acceptance of restricted gifts and to refuse such gifts if they do not seem to fit the mission of the UUFC.
Legacy Giving at Death
There are several ways by which you can provide a legacy gift to the UUFC at your death. The most common options are listed below”
Bequests are gifts specified in your will. By specifying the UUFC as a beneficiary in your will, you can make a charitable commitment while retaining full use of your assets during your lifetime. Simple bequests can be made by including sentences like these in your will:
For cash: “I give, devise, and bequeath to the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Corvallis, Oregon, a nonprofit organization, the sum of ____ dollars ($____).”
For a specific percentage: “I give, devise, and bequeath to the Universalist Fellowship of Corvallis, Oregon, a nonprofit organization, an amount equal to _____________ percent (_______%) of the value of my estate at the time of my death.”
For a residual bequest: “I give, devise, and bequeath all of the residue of my estate, both real and personal, to the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Corvallis, Oregon, a nonprofit organization.”
For real estate: “I give, devise, and bequeath to the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Corvallis, Oregon, a nonprofit organization, the following described real property: (give address or physical location).”
For equities: “I give and devise to the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Corvallis, Oregon, a nonprofit organization, all (or some percentage or specific number) of my shares in XYZ company.” Charitable Gift Funds are available at Vanguard Investments and Fidelity Investments to enable you to split a large donation of securities among several organizations. If you need guidance in this regard, the national Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) Stewardship and Development staff can assist https://www.uua.org/offices/staff/stewardship development
Charitable Annuities can provide a significant donation and at the same time provide an income cash flow for you and/or your other beneficiaries. The UUA Stewardship and Development staff can again assist you with a charitable annuity to benefit one or several UU organizations. See this for more information http://plannedgiving.uua.org/charitable-gift-annuities
Retirement Plans offer an easy way to benefit the UUFC by naming us the residual beneficiary of your IRA, 401(k) or other retirement plan. Such a gift avoids the income tax that is otherwise due on the distribution of the remaining value of the funds. Contact your fund advisor for the paperwork need to name the UUFC as a beneficiary.
Real Estate can provide an income tax deduction for the full value of the real estate and will avoid the capital gains tax on investment property. It is possible to make a gift of your home or vacation home that includes use of it during your lifetime under a life estate arrangement. Contact your financial/legal
advisor about options. You can also contact the national Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) for advice – http://plannedgiving.uua.org
Life Insurance can be given to the Fellowship in several ways. A gift of an active policy is immediately deductible as a charitable donation. If you assign a policy to the Fellowship while you continue to pay premiums, the premiums will be deductible contributions. Or you may name the Fellowship as the beneficiary on your policy. Contact your life insurance provider about the paperwork needed to include the UUFC as beneficiary.
A Living Revocable Trust is a common instrument in which you establish a will, power of attorney, and other estate planning elements. Cash, real estate or residuary gifts to the UUFC and other groups can be set up in a trust. You will need to consult an attorney to create a trust, but the peace of mind and estate planning that can be obtained through a comprehensive trust is significant.
LIMITATIONS ON GIFTS
Because the needs of the UUFC are constantly changing, and it is difficult to look ahead and see exactly what activities of the Fellowship will need assistance at any particular time, it is hoped that donors will not place limitations on gifts. However, if you wish to limit the use of a gift to a special purpose (adult education, a building program, youth activities, etc.), such limitations can be imposed. The simple way to create such a limitation is to add to the terms of the gift: “to be used exclusively for the purpose(s) of XX.” Use of the gift would then be limited to the purpose(s) specified. The UUFC Board of Directors reserves the right to review the acceptance of restricted gifts and to refuse such gifts if they do not seem to fit the mission of the UUFC.
GIVING BY TEXT
You can text the amount you would like to give to 541-502-3200.
Example: text “$10 monthly” to give $10 to
this month’s Justice Outreach recipient.
Our Mission
Explore. Love. Act.
We gather as an inclusive religious community to search for meaning, build deep connections, and inspire action toward a better world for all.
