The "Canvass" is our church's annual fundraising campaign to fund the upcoming budget year. It is held each year in March-April to have the results in time to set the annual budget beginning in July. From legal members to friends, and long-term members to new families, many make a financial committment to maintain our strength of ministry, programming, staffing, and physical space.

We invite you to join us for the 2011-2012 annual canvass. Please take part in our special pledger's brunch Sunday, March 20th by bringing a pledge form to brunch or submitting your pledge by that date.

You can download a PDF version of the Annual Canvass 2011-2012 Pledge Form

There are several ways to submit your Annual Canvass Pledge Form:

1. Drop it off on the way into Pledger's Brunch on March 20
2. Drop it off at CUC on your way into services, or any other day of the week
3. Place it in an envelope and mail it to CUC (address is above)
4. Scan the completed form into your computer and email it to admin@cucwp.org

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

How do we pay for our staff, buildings, grounds and programming?
There is no fee to attend CUC or enroll our children in religious education. Instead, we hold an annual canvass (fund drive). Over 75% of our income for the annual budget is generated by your generous financial contributions made in the form of pledges during this annual canvass. The majority of other income is generated from rentals, fundraising events like the auction and the tag sale, and the transfer of funds from our endowment when necessary.

What is a pledge?
A pledge indicates how much each of us commits to contribute to CUC each year, in this case from July 2011-June 2012. Based on the total amount in pledges received during the canvass, the finance committee and the Board of Trustees will propose a budget to be approved at the annual meeting on June 5, 2011. We urge families to make a financial commitment during the canvass so that we will know how much money will be in the budget.

How is the income used towards expenses?
CUC is considered a large congregation compared to all other Unitarian Universalist congregations, with 283 legal members and many friends and newcomers. While we rely on dozens of volunteers within our congregation to create an active church community, our hard working professional staff facilitates everything we do. In addition, we maintain our buildings and care for one of the largest open spaces in White Plains, with over 8 acres of property. The largest part of our expenses, therefore, supports our professional staff, buildings and grounds. The smaller expense areas involve our programming, which expands or contracts depending on available funds.

What changes will there be for the 2011-2012 Budget?
Next fall we will welcome a Transitional Minister. The next couple of years’ budgets will contain funds for our ministerial search and settlement, as well as parsonage refurbishment. We have chosen not to host a studying intern next year. We hope to maintain an advisor for the youth group, which is a modest, part-time position. We anticipate increases in utilities and insurance, as well as the inevitable unplanned building repairs. We also anticipate having to use more money from the endowment next year because of the recession and potential decreased income. The breadth and depth of our programs and staff salary adjustments will be determined once pledges are made.

How much should I pledge?
Individuals and families pledge amounts based on their personal financial circumstances and on the enrichment CUC brings to their lives. We encourage families to consider a pledge based on a percentage of adjusted annual income. The back of this sheet includes a chart from the UUA (Unitarian Universalist Association) showing a “Fair Share Annual Giving Guide.” This chart can be used to plan how you can make a commitment to move towards a fair share giving level.

How do I pledge?
1) Attend brunch on Sunday, March 20 and bring your pledge form as your admission ticket.
2) Mail the enclosed pledge form or drop it in the office any Sunday this spring.
3) Go to www.cucwp.org and submit a pledge form online.

How do I learn more?
Contact any member of the Board of Trustees (with a blue name tag) or the finance committee, or contact the church office.