- What is the Annual Giving Campaign?
- Who pledges?
- How much should I pledge?
- I have a limited income, what should I pledge?
- I’m doing well, what should I pledge?
- What are other people pledging?
- When should I make my pledge?
- Our children are in Religious Education, and we pay a fee: what about us?
- What about the Sunday offering?
- What about the time I contribute?
- How do I pledge?
- How do I contribute to honor my pledge?
- How do I change my current pledge?
What is the Annual Giving Campaign?
The Unitarian Church in Westport is financially autonomous. We have no diocese or umbrella organization to support us if we fail to meet our annual operating budget needs. We are it: we are in effect a co-op. The Annual Giving Campaign provides about 80% of the revenue we need, with the rest provided by pledges made at other times of year, church facility rentals, Sunday offerings, etc.
The Annual Giving Campaign is usually in the early Spring , but pledges can be and are made throughout the year by new members and friends as they realize the value they find here. In the Spring, every household in our community is canvassed (asked) to make a pledge – a promise – of financial support. The pledge you make and then honor in the upcoming year keeps the Unitarian Church in Westport thriving.
Who pledges?
Members. Friends. Parents. Newcomers. Each of us who is connected to the Unitarian Church in Westport is asked and expected to make an annual financial commitment to support the church.
How much should I pledge?
We believe that our standard of giving should reflect our standard of living. We ask everyone to consider making a pledge that is both responsible and significant based on his or her own financial situation. A commitment appropriate to our faith tradition is 2% to 5% of net household income. Most of our members are able to contribute on a regular basis and many households already pledge at these levels. For those who do not, we ask you to consider working towards this goal over time. For newer members and friends, we ask that you consider pledging an amount that reflects a serious commitment to the place you have chosen as your spiritual home – not simply to make a donation to yet another charity.
I have a limited income, what should I pledge?
Know that you are always welcome at our church. If you’re out of work, have a modest income, or are facing demands on your resources, then pledge what you can.
I’m doing well, what should I pledge?
If you attend Sunday services, are active in our programs and activities, or if you have children in RE, OWL, or Youth Group, and these connections are important in your life, then please consider more than 2% and demonstrate your commitment with a significant pledge.
What are other people pledging?
Not as much as you may think. Did you know that 50% of our pledges account for only 20% of what we need? If this 50% were able to pledge $100 a month each, we would more than make our goal. Thankfully, we have 21 individuals whose pledges account for over 50% of what we need. But what if that were to change? We need everyone to pledge their responsible share.
When should I make my pledge?
We hope you made your pledge on Annual Giving Sunday. But if you did not, you can click here to submit a pledge online.
Our children are in Religious Education, and we pay a fee: what about us?
The RE registration fees cover only a small part of the cost of the RE program. Your pledge supports not only the RE program, but also the costs of the RE staff, facilities and programs of the church.
What about the Sunday offering?
We appreciate Sunday offerings, but they represent only a tiny percent of our income. If you’re a visitor, thanks. If it’s your pledge, please write a check so we can credit you. If you are a regular participant, please pledge — you rely on the Unitarian Church in Westport, and we need to rely on you.
What about the time I contribute?
Your volunteer efforts are greatly appreciated! You understand the value of our staff, our building, and the things that we do for each other and for the rest of the world. These require money as well as time. Most members of our church volunteer their time, too, as well as pledge.
How do I pledge?
Generally one makes a pledge on Annual Giving Sunday by filling out a pledge card. Groups that have a particular role in demonstrating financial leadership, like the Annual Giving Campaign Committee, canvassers, and the Board of Trustees will pledge before Celebration Sunday.
If you have not made a pledge before and would like to do so now, you can make a new pledge in the following ways:
click here to submit a pledge online
How do I contribute to honor my pledge?
Please consider having your pledge automatically deducted monthly from your checking or savings account. We can also charge your credit or debit card – monthly or quarterly are best. These options help us manage our ability to meet expenses year-round. But you may also honor your pledge by:
- Placing checks in the Sunday morning offering plate
- Mailing checks to the church office
- Charging your credit or debit card in one lump sum
- Making a gift of stock through our transfer agent
How do I change my current pledge?
If your financial circumstances change and you want or need to change your pledge – either up or down – simply call
or email 
the church in the church office (203-227-7205) and tell her what you would like to do. A pledge is a promise
– it is not a contract – but your letting us know of your intention helps us to anticipate our cashflow and manage our budget.
Thank you!