We give for many reasons:
Out of indebtedness;
Out of obligation;
As an indication of commitment;
As a knee jerk reaction to being asked.

All of these reasons for giving carry their own value and are a reflection, sometimes conscious and sometimes not, of the giver’s values and of the giver’s relationship to the receiver.

Gratitude is for many a “spiritual practice” – that is, in noticing the countless gifts of life that arise in abundance. In giving thanks in ways large and small, we strengthen the connection we have to the many sources of goodness in our lives.

As we understand First Unitarian Society to be a source of goodness and possibility and promise in ways large and small, our giving becomes an act of gratitude.

We know that our giving is providing a beacon of hope, not just for ourselves, but also for the larger community and for generations of future Unitarian Universalists.

- Karen Gustafson, Associate Minister

A Force for Good!

As we put together our packet for the Campaign earlier this year, we spoke to many friends and members of FUS and asked them about their experiences as part of our community. We were overwhelmed with their response. FUS is a real force for good in many many lives. Read on as they tell their stories below, and know that your support of the Society will make more stories such as these possible.

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“Giving to First Unitarian Society supports its programs, worship opportunities and education services. These programs enable you, members of the First Unitarian Society community, to pursue and express your values within this community and the broader community. They enable you to explore and examine the depths of “WHY” – Why do you care? Why is this important? And in answering why, you affirm your values. Make your donation to First Unitarian Society a cornerstone of your financial activism.” – Liz Wessel

“I sang in the choir, taught and took classes, served on committees, and dropped money into the plate every Sunday. It took a few years for me to understand that these contributions, while valued and valuable, weren’t enough. My commitment to our community grew along with my understanding of our financial needs, and I made a decision to move toward a pledge that would represent 5% of my gross income – a level that I’ve maintained through the ups and downs of my finances for the last 20 years. When we combine our gifts of time and creativity with a generous financial pledge, we are contributing to a vibrant community that helps all of us know how to live a better, more meaningful life.”
– Lorna Aaronson

“I pledge time and money to FUS because of what it gives back to me, my family, our community, and our world. I appreciate the open discussion of ideas centered on the guiding UU principles, and especially how that is fostered in CRE classes. For example, a class I taught brainstormed for answers to the question “What is the greatest power?” It was so inspiring to hear the kids’ answers: “nature, fire, water, air, light, gravity, and life;” there was no mention of weapons, armies, money, or the like. These are the moments that enhance life for me, while also leading to a better future for all of us.
– Brian Frey

“In many ways, when I first moved to Madison three years ago, First Unitarian Society was my home, and the people here were my extended family. I needed a place to come to for refuge in times of trouble and for sharing in times of reflection and in times of joy. Now that I have a family of my own, this church provides a different kind of home, one that allows me to be fully who I am in a way that no other organization has ever done. I am religious seeker, a political activist, a teacher, a lesbian, a partner, and a mom. I can be all of that here. And that is why I give both my time and money to First Unitarian Society. So that I can be who I am here today as well as tomorrow, next year, and all my life. “
– Abigail Swetz

The Big Picture

FUS is at a critical juncture
regarding its financial future.

The facts are these:

• Member and Affiliate pledges are the primary source of our annual revenue
• Our pledge revenues are not keeping up with our costs.
• We need a 12% increase in total pledge revenues just to maintain programs at the same budget level next year.

One example of our financial challenge is our very successful Children’s Religious Education (CRE). Enrollment in CRE is the highest it has ever been with 534 students enrolled plus a waiting list. Fees do not cover the cost of this program, and the budget has remained flat. In fact, if sufficient revenues are not raised for the coming fiscal year, budget cuts in programs and personnel will need to be made.

Frequently Asked Questions about Pledging

Q: What is a pledge?

A: A pledge is the annual financial commitment of support members or nonmembers make to the First Unitarian Society for upcoming fiscal year. Pledges can be made as an individual or a family. We welcome pledges from everyone who participates in the programs at FUS so that we can share the financial costs of our community.

Q: Why do we pledge?

A: Just like our families, FUS needs to know how much income to expect so we can prepare our budget for the coming year. Pledging now allows us to plan the budget for the fiscal year July 1, 2010 through June 30, 2011

Q: What is a Waiver?

A: Members and Affiliates are expected to participate actively in the Society’s activities and to make a recordable financial pledge to the Society each fiscal year. A waiver is a formal request from a member to be excused from making a recordable financial pledge for the upcoming fiscal year due to financial or personal reasons.

Q: How can I pledge if I’m not sure what my circumstances will be in the coming year?

A: Your pledge is your best estimate of what you expect to give during the coming year. If your circumstances change, you can always increase or reduce your pledge by notifying the FUS office.

Q: How do I pay my pledge?

A: You may pay by check, automatic withdrawal directly from your bank account by Electronic Funds Transfer (monthly), or credit card through PayPal on the FUS website (though this last option requires FUS to pay an approximate 1.5% processing fee which will be subtracted from your pledge). Pledge payments are due by the end of the fiscal year (June 30, 2011).

Q: How much does it cost to run FUS?

A: Our operating budget for 2010-11 is $1.66 million.

• For 2010-11, we face increased expenses in utilities, insurance, and maintenance.
• We want to continue reducing our operating debt from recent years prior to beginning mortgage payments in 2013.
• Meeting these important needs will increase our operating budget by 12% in 2010-11. The congregation votes on the budget in May.

Q: How much should I increase my pledge over last year?

A: In order to meet our financial obligations 2010-2011, we need an overall increase in pledge revenue of 9 to 12%. We ask that you keep this in mind when you are deciding your pledge. In these difficult economic times, some will not be able to increase their pledge.

This means that those of us who are able will need to increase our pledges by more than 5%.

It is our hope that whether you increase your pledge or pledge for the first time, you will do so because FUS is important to you, your family, and the greater community. If you are not able to make a pledge this year for financial or other personal reasons, you may formally request a waiver from your financial commitment to FUS for 2010-11 on the pledge form.

2010-11 FUS Annual Campaign Pledge Card

(July 1, 2010 through June 30, 2011)

"Members and Affiliates are expected to participate actively
in the Society’s activities and to make a recordable financial
pledge to the Society each fiscal year." - FUS Bylaws

Note: *designates required items...

Yes, I/we support the First Unitarian Society of Madison
with a total 2010-11 pledge of *

I/We remain committed members of the First Unitarian Society,
but request a waiver of our pledge for the 2010/11 fiscal year.

I/We are no longer interested in being involved at First Unitarian Society.
Please remove me/us from your membership rolls.

Name(s):*
Street:*
City*, State*, Zip*
Your e-mail address

Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT)

Many people use Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) because it greatly simplifies the payment of their pledge and makes it easy to plan for their personal budget. It is helpful to FUS as well by providing steady monthly income and reducing the number of checks that need to be hand processed.

Important notice to ALL Users of EFT (current and new): You must renew your EFT withdrawals each pledge year. EFT withdrawals are for one pledge year only – withdrawals will NOT automatically continue at the end of the fiscal year. If you are currently using EFT to pay your 09/10 pledge, your withdrawals will END with your last payment in June 2010.

Yes! Sign me up for EFT to pay my pledge.
Please contact me to set up a new account.

Yes! Sign me up for EFT to pay my pledge.
Please use the account information you have for me on file.

No, I will not be using EFT.

Thank You. Your contribution, however large or small, makes a large difference.