Annual Giving FAQs

What Is the “Season of Giving”?

Each autumn, First Unitarian asks its members and friends to make a promise of financial support (a Pledge) for the coming calendar year. These funds support the Church’s programming, services, ministry, social justice efforts and staff.

Our goal during this time is to give everyone an opportunity to reflect on:

* what brings you here,
* what keeps you coming back,
* the commitments both personal and spiritual we are all held to here,
* and the spiritual practice that is giving joyfully.

What Is a Pledge?

A pledge is a promise to give an estimated amount of money to the church for the coming calendar year. You pledge a gift ahead of time and then pay on that gift over the calendar year. It is a statement of intent; it’s not a legally binding obligation. Pledges can be adjusted in times of shifting resources.

What Is a “Sustainer” Pledge?

A “Sustainer Pledge” is an indicator that you would like your pledge to renew from year-to-year without your needing to fill out additional pledge forms or contact the church every time.

You will still receive a pledge packet each year including the option of increasing or changing your pledge. To join the 400 households already signed up for a “Sustainer Pledge” please indicate that intention by check marking the “Opt-In” box on your Pledge form.

Is a Pledge like a Membership Fee?

No. Many of us are members of OPB, the ACLU and other such organizations; but First Unitarian membership is different. We expect the church not only to provide worship and religious education for us and our families, but we also count on the church to be here for us in intensely personal ways:  when we celebrate, when we grieve and when we work for justice. The church strives to be a Beloved Community which supports us throughout our lives. The Annual Fund Drive is the time of year when we ask that you consider what financial support you can offer the church so that it is here when it is needed most.

Who Should Pledge?

Members who sign the membership book, as well as non-members or friends of the church are ALL invited to pledge! If you have found services, solace, support or meaningful work here, don’t hesitate to make a pledge. This allows us to extend those same things to more and more people in our community and beyond.

Do I Have to Pledge?

Making and fulfilling an annual pledge deepens our faith and sustains First Unitarian for the benefit of us all and the wider community we serve.

*To be a voting member and receive a ballot, you must sign the Membership Book and fulfill a pledge each year. This requirement is a reflection of our shared responsibility to sustain the church.

When Should I Make My Pledge?

We welcome your pledge anytime, but traditionally each autumn our members and friends are asked to make financial pledges to support the work and mission of First Unitarian for the coming calendar year.

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 calendar year.

How Much Does It Cost to Run the Church?

Our annual budget is just over $2.3 million — pledges and gifts account for almost 70% of that budget — which “keeps the lights on” for our block-sized downtown campus, supports our staff and pays for the rich array of programs and worship services 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 church for all, we ask those who are able, to carry a greater financial commitment to our beloved community.

The requirement, set by our Board of Trustees, asks congregants to “pledge generously within their means.” Or, as one congregant describes it “Give until it feels good.” We each are asked to reflect on what that amount might be.

Is There a Minimum Annual Pledge?

There is no minimum annual pledge. However the standard, set by our Board of Trustees, asks congregants to “pledge generously within their means.” We each are asked to reflect on what that amount might be.

What Does It Mean to “Give Generously Within Your Means”?

Our policies ask that members pledge “generously within their means.” We each are asked to reflect on what that amount might be. It is the sense of open-hearted generosity that we ask you to find. One person described this as “Give until it feels good.”

Let your gift be an expression of your spiritual journey and know that it is deeply cherished.

Can I Pledge to a Specific Program or Fund Instead of to the Operating Fund?

All special designated gifts are certainly appreciated. But it is much more helpful to the church if gifts from our congregants can go to our Operating budget because that’s what supports our programs from year to year. We need those funds to ensure that the church runs properly from every angle.

How Will My Pledge Be Used?

Pledges and gifts account for almost 70% of the churches budget each year. Our annual budget of over $2.3 million “keeps the lights on” for our block-sized downtown campus, supports our staff and pays for the rich array of programs and worship services we offer.

What Are My Payment Options?

Pledge payments can be made on a monthly, quarterly or annual basis using any of the following payment methods:

• Direct Debit (church initiated and controlled)
  At no cost to you or the church we will automatically deduct funds from your account according to your preferred schedule of monthly, quarterly or annually. Just attach a voided check to your pledge form or send one to the church “ATTN: Accounting”. Debit entries are made on the 20th of the each month for monthly payments and the 20th of March, June, Sept. and Dec. for Quarterly payments. 
• Bank Bill Pay (congregant initiated)
  You the congregant would need to go into your online bank account and set-up a payment to the church using your bank’s Bill Pay feature.
• Pay online with a Credit or Debit Card using “Vanco” our payment processor
  Please Note: 3% of your pledge will go to the credit card company instead of the church. You can pay your pledge online through our secure payment center Vanco at: tinyurl.com/giveFirstUpdx
• Check or Cash
  Many of our congregants choose to mail in checks or drop checks and/or cash in our Sunday plate. Just make sure your name and the word “pledge” is indicated somewhere. Checks can be sent to the office at:
  First Unitarian Portland
  ATTN: Accounting
  1034 SW 13th Ave
  Portland, OR 97205

What If I Cannot Pay My pledge?

Financial hardship should never be an obstacle to church participation. Through good times and bad, we are all in this together!  Please contact the Stewardship and Accounting office at 503-444-4044 or email stewardship@firstunitarianportland.org to change your pledge details.

Is My Pledge Tax Deductible?

Because First Unitarian Church is a 501©3 non-profit religious organization, recognized by the IRS, your contribution are tax deductible. Our office issues end-of-the-year tax letters showing total contributions made. If you donated anything to us you will get a letter in January letting you know what you gave.

Can Plate Offerings Be in Place of Pledging?

While gifts of all kinds and amounts are appreciated money put into the plate on Sundays isn’t enough to pay for the church’s expenses. In fact, Sunday offerings represent just 3% of First Unitarian’s income, and are shared with other worthy causes.

What About the Time I Spend Volunteering?

Members and friends of the church are encouraged to give regularly of time and talent as volunteers. Without our volunteers doing much of the church’s important work in the world, our paid staff budget would be much higher. But the church also requires financial support in order to fund our many programs and pay our bills. Volunteered time is highly valued in its own right, but can never replace financial contributions.

I Still Have Questions, Who Can Answer Them?

For additional questions please contact contact Erin Tafuri in Stewardship and Accounting at 503-444-4044 or email stewardship@firstunitarianportland.org