The New York State Convention of Universalists (NYSCU) was organized in 1825 and was the principal denominational body for Universalist churches in New York State until 1961. Today, the NYSCU administers two endowments and holds annual meetings. One endowment provides service gratuities for retired New York State Universalist ministers and their spouses; the other promotes the growth of Unitarian Universalism and preserves the Universalist tradition through grants and loans. Additionally, the NYSCU appoints the majority of the Board of the St. Lawrence Foundation for Theological Education, which administers a third endowment for the support of students studying for the UU ministry.