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Operating Budget

Each year our operating budget is drafted to reflect goals set by the Board of Trustees along with needs recommended by staff. Most important, it reflects our priorities as a congregation and the ways in which we seek to live out our shared values together.

At the heart of our budget is support for our staff. Their dedication helps bring our mission statement to life by providing the vision and structure through which you, our members and friends, can contribute your gifts and passions.

And a safe, clean building offers a place where we can gather to learn, grow and serve. We welcome guests as part of the overnight shelter … host community events … and invite in visitors who are seeking a spiritual home.

Member pledges — including yours — provide 80% of the operating budget, with the remaining 20% coming from rentals, loose plate offerings and fundraisers throughout the year.

For this reason, your support of the Operating Fund should be your first responsibility as a member. Any other donations you make to UCE would be in addition to, rather than in lieu of, your annual pledge.

The UCE budget operates between July 1 and June 30. Our annual pledge drive takes place in the winter so we can determine this important revenue stream for the coming year and set our budget accordingly. And we encourage you to submit your pledge form as promptly as possible to help us with this critical planning.

We are grateful to accept the form of payment that works best for your budget. Please consider creating or updating an online account so your gift is made automatically.

Choose the schedule of your choice: monthly, quarterly, semi-annually or annually.

You can also make a pledge payment by check by placing it in the offering basket on Sunday with the word “pledge” written in the memo; feel free to use the envelope in the back of the hymnal. Or you can drop it in the mail.

The Unitarian Church of Evanston Endowment Fund

Established in 1986, the purpose of the Fund is to build a strong and lasting financial foundation that will nourish UCE, its religious life and programs, and maintain the church as a vital place in our community. Gifts of any size are welcomed, and can be made in the name of individuals, couples, or families.

Dedicated Funds

These funds support various initiatives in the congregation that fall outside of the Operating Budget. Suggestions should be submitted to the Senior Minister and the President of the Board of Trustees.

• The Music Fund
• The Marjorie Fisher Green Opportunities Fund supports Green Sanctuary initiatives, such as organic lunches, wind energy credits, and similar programs.
• The Community Action Fund is used primarily in our efforts to alleviate homelessness and hunger and build relationships around service in our congregation and the wider community.
• The Susan Walker Social Action Fund is dedicated to social justice, cultural diversity and a respect for all life.
• The Building and Grounds Fund supports improvement, maintenance, and periodic expansion of our church building, equipment, and grounds.
• The Memorial fund receives contributions in memory or honor of UCE members and friends.
• The Pastoral Care Fund provides direct assistance to members and non-members in financial crisis. The UCE ministers administer this fund.
• The Rosemary Zwick Creative Arts Fund supports creative works and endeavors, and projects to beautify the church building and grounds. Learn about the Rosemary Zwick Night of the Arts.