Our Finances

The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Tuscaloosa is supported by the donations of its members and friends. The largest share of our income is from pledge receipts. To prepare an accurate budget we encourage members and friends to pledge their expected donations for the upcoming fiscal year. Pledges are made either as individuals or as couples/families. The Stewardship campaign, when we actively recruit pledges, occurs in March and April for the fiscal year that begins in July. Of course we are happy to receive pledges at any time during the year and encourage new members who join during the year to make pledges for the remainder of the fiscal year.

Offering is all donations that are not pledge payments, or designated for off-budget projects (see below). These contributions are made in addition to and are not counted as pledge payments. Many newcomers prefer to contribute to UUCT in this way prior to making a formal pledge.

Fundraising income is traditionally derived from several activities during the year, however the pandemic has made most of these impossible in most of 2020 and 2021. We look forward to resuming these events when safe to do so.

Our members and friends also donate for projects that are not included in our regular annual budget. Examples are donations toward the establishment of a Memorial Garden, to improve the landscaping, and for other irregular or one-time expenses. Other off-budget donations can be made to the Change 4 Change account, which supports social justice initiatives, and to the Minister’s Discretionary Fund, which the minister employs for emergency aid to those in need and other social action projects.

All donations to UUCT are tax deductible as charitable contributions.