As a self-governing UU congregation, most of our budget comes from us: from people who make and pay an annual pledge. A pledge is your commitment to give the congregation a certain amount of money over the coming fiscal year, July 2025-June 2026. 

While the congregation is always grateful for any donation, pledges allow us to plan the operating budget for the coming year. The operating budget pays for staff, regular costs such as utilities, and programming. Pledges paid in regular installments, such as monthly, are particularly helpful as they ensure consistent income for the church.

How much should you give? The most important factor is your own capacity to give. You know best what this is. Do not give out of what you need to survive, but do give enough that it is a meaningful spiritual practice of generosity. Rev. Elizabeth suggests you give a percentage of your income, after that income has been adjusted to consider taxes, medical bills, care of a parent, or other large expenses. 

Knowing that our congregation includes people of all class backgrounds and current economic positions; we ask those with greater capacity to give financially to do so, so that all of us can participate in community.

First Church now has the opportunity to take advantage of employer match programs. Please ask your employer’s HR department whether it matches donations. If it does, ask whether the new Monument Square Meeting House Foundation Inc., a non-profit dedicated to First Church’s building and grounds, is eligible for a match. The foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit with Tax ID 92-2052131. Learn more here.

Your pledge history and amount is known to the Pledge Chair, the Treasurer, the Assistant Treasurer, Rev. Elizabeth, and the Office Administrator. If you pledge through the Foundation, your pledge will be known to their financial officer(s).

Rev. Elizabeth Bukey Saunter is also available to talk with you more about things like your pledge, your feelings on money, and generosity as a part of spiritual and community life.

It is important to provide documentation of your plans! Submit your pledge with this form here, mail a pledge form to the church office, or give it in person to our Pledge Chair, Dennis O’Brien.

For more information on pledging, see these FAQs.