Ways to Give

Inspired by our mission to nurture the human spirit for a world made whole and the covenant of our congregation, we cultivate a spirit of generosity and mutual support.  

Unitarian Universalism calls us to be engaged in economic equity and justice for all.  Our faith in the worth and dignity of every person reminds us that we belong to and are accountable to one another.  

According to our bylaws, the requirements for membership are to sign the Membership Book and make an annual pledge of record or affirm membership. Beyond these, the implicit expectations are that each person share of themselves by being in covenant with other members of our congregation and offering their time, talent, and treasure to the extent they are able.  

We hope that each person is able to participate in the life of the congregation in ways that are life-giving and spirit sustaining. Your giving should be a reflection of the community, spiritual nourishment, meaning, and strength you receive as part of the Unitarian Church of Evanston. 

Funds may be given three ways.

1. Via text to give, TEXT a dollar amount followed by the word defining designation, “ENDOW” to 844-730-6645. (example: If you’d like to give $500 to the Endowment fund, text “500 ENDOW” to 844-730-6645). The designation category list includes:

PLEDGE = General Operating

ENDOW = Endowment Fund

OFFERING = Shared Offering

MUSIC = Music Fund

CAFE = Cafe

IMPROVE = Capital Improvements Fund

SOUPKIT = Soup Kitchen

REFUGEE = Refugee Family fund

SPIRITUALS = Royalties for Spirituals

ANTIOPPRESSION = Anti-Oppression Seed Fund

CAP = Capital Campaign

2. Through our website. Please make sure to enter the amount being given under the proper designation category line.

3. Via check. Please make sure to write “shared offering” in the memo line.

Your participation is essential to the vitality of our congregation. Attend services, classes, events, and activities as often as you are able. The way we learn and grow and live out our mission is by coming together, in times of comfort and challenge, to sustain our spirits and build our shared power for change in the world.  

Maybe you are a painter or a poet. You might love to sing or play an instrument; you could be handy or tech savvy or an organizational leader. You may have a deep passion for social justice with an ability to show up in various ways. All of these gifts and many more are encouraged and appreciated here, and we thank you for sharing them with us. Contact a minister or the Board of Trustees at bot@ucevanston.org if you are ready to share your talent and passion with UCE. 

You can also add your talents to your Realm profile as skills and interests. Watch this tutorial video on how to update your profile and share your gifts with our community.

Our operating budget depends on members contributing financially what they can in a spirit of generosity and community. That might be a percentage of your income, or an individual’s portion of the total budget; ultimately it’s whatever feels possible for you in the complexity of your budget.  

You can talk through this decision with one of our ministers, a member of the New Member Committee, or someone from our Integrated Stewardship Committee. Most important, this is your decision, and each family or individual needs to discern for themselves what amount feels best to give.