April 3 Update:
Dear Unitarian Universalist Family,
As we approach the final days of our Annual Pledge Drive, we find ourselves at a critical moment. Currently, we have received only about one-third of the pledges we had at this time last year. So far as we are coming to the end of this pledge drive, we have raised $150,794 in pledges out of our $478,070 ask, or 32%. Please understand that at this current pledge level, we will not be able to operate the Fellowship in a recognizable fashion next year. These pledges are directly tied to maintaining our staff, providing necessary resources, and continuing the programs and services that make our Fellowship a place of warmth, support, and growth. With April 6th being the last day of our pledge drive, we kindly ask if you have been meaning to make a pledge but have not yet had the chance, please take a moment today to complete it. Â
We understand that we live in a world of uncertainty, but one thing remains certain—our Fellowship depends on each of us. Your financial commitment is vital to ensuring that we can carry out our mission and sustain the vital work we do together.
- Annual Operating Budget: This supports the essential functions of our Fellowship, including staffing, facilities, and programs that engage our members and the broader community. We have a 9% growth in membership with 343 members. With an average gift of $1,527 per member we could satisfy our budget for the coming year and continue to be open and supportive as our community grows. The proposed budget is attached to this email.
- Social Justice and Outreach Initiatives: Our commitment to justice, equity, and compassion is fueled by your contributions, allowing us to support local and global efforts for positive change.
- Youth and Religious Education: Your generosity helps provide an inspiring and nurturing environment for our young people to explore their spiritual journeys.
If you need guidance on making your pledge or would like to discuss it further, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me or any member of our Annual Pledge Drive team: Tracy Brown, Melissa Fahmy, Rev. Pippin, Anna Ray, Paul Schliekelman, or Liz Weaver.
You can also make your pledge conveniently online here with the option to also set up recurring giving, or submit your pledge card at Sunday services. [If you wish to print a pledge form and bring or mail it to UUFA, click here.]
Thank you to everyone who has already pledged. Your generosity is deeply appreciated. To those still considering, please help us meet our goal by completing your pledge today. Together, we can continue to build a strong foundation for the future of our congregation.
With gratitude and hope,
Tracy Brown
Vice-President
Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Athens
Update on March 27 —Â
The Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Athens depends on the financial support of our members and friends to sustain our vibrant community and meet the ongoing needs of our congregation—90% of our income comes from member and friend pledges! This is where we invite you to help. Your pledge is an investment in the continued growth and vitality of our Fellowship, as well as the important work we do both locally and globally.
There are several ways you can pledge, all of which are outlined on the pledge form or you can make your pledge directly on Realm. Remember, you can set up a recurring gift in Realm to fulfill your pledge starting July 1st. It’s important to pledge, even if you’ve been putting money in the plate on Sundays. Pledges help us plan and ensure that we have the necessary funds to keep UUFA flourishing. Your pledge makes a significant difference in the life of our fellowship. Please make your pledge by April 15. Â
You can find the latest Fair Share Contribution Guide here. Please note: your pledge is your very best estimate for what you are able contribute during the upcoming fiscal year (7/1/25 – 6/30/26) and is not legally binding, but is tax deductible! Every pledge helps! Reach out to the Annual Budget Drive Team with any questions or concerns.Â
Opening Message
As we reflect on the past year and the many ways our congregation has come together to live out our values of love, acceptance, social justice, and spiritual growth, we are excited to embark on our annual pledge budget drive. Each year, this campaign plays a crucial role in ensuring that we continue to offer meaningful programs, services, and outreach initiatives that support our shared mission.
The Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Athens relies on the financial support of our members to sustain our vibrant community and to provide for the ongoing needs of our congregation. This is where we invite you to help. Your pledge is an investment in our Fellowship’s continued growth, vitality, and the important work we do in our local and global communities.
This year, we are asking each member and friend of the Fellowship to consider making a financial pledge that reflects their ability to contribute, as well as their commitment to the values we hold dear. Whether you are able to contribute a large or small amount, every pledge is vital to helping us achieve our goals. Our budget drive runs through April 15th, 2025 and we ask that you submit your pledge by April 15, 2025.
In your pledge, please consider the following:
- Annual Operating Budget: This supports the essential functions of our Fellowship, including staffing, facilities, and programs that engage our members and the broader community. We have a 9% growth in membership and continue to be open and supportive as our community grows. The proposed budget is attached to this email.
- Social Justice and Outreach Initiatives: Our commitment to justice, equity, and compassion is fueled by your contributions, allowing us to support local and global efforts for positive change.
- Youth and Religious Education: Your generosity helps provide an inspiring and nurturing environment for our young people to explore their spiritual journeys.
If you need guidance on making your pledge or would like to discuss it further, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me or any member of our Annual Budget Drive team through the office (uufa@uuathensga.org, 706-546-7914, ext 5).
You can also make your pledge conveniently online here with the option to also set up recurring giving, or submit your pledge card at Sunday services. [If you wish to print a pledge form and bring or mail it to UUFA, click here.]
We are truly grateful for your ongoing support, and we are excited about all that we can accomplish together in the coming year. Please join us in making this campaign a success, and thank you for your commitment to the mission and future of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Athens.
Every pledge is helpful–no matter the size!
Annual Budget Drive Team
You can find the latest Fair Share Contribution Guide here.Â
Please note: your pledge is your very best estimate for what you will be able to contribute during the upcoming fiscal year (7/1/25 – 6/30/26) and is not legally binding, but is tax deductible!
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