Grants & Loans

The work of Unitarian Universalism requires the gifts and talents of many, not to mention funding. Below are a number of options to reach beyond your congregation to get the funds you need to enhance your ministry.

Building Loan, Loan Guarantee, and First Home Grant

The purpose of the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) Building Loan, Loan Guarantee, and First Home Grant program is to facilitate the continued growth, in the broadest sense of the term, of UUA member congregations.

Building Loan Program

The Building Loan Program provides affordable financing for three types of project:

  1. building or buying a new spiritual home
  2. repairing or renovating existing facilities where substantial construction is not required,
  3. expanding current facilities where substantial construction is required, especially to make facilities more accessible.

First Home Grant Program

The First Home Grant Program gives money to congregations seeking to purchase their first piece of land and/or to construct their first spiritual home. The program is not designed for congregations that already own a building.

Loan Guarantee Program

The Loan Guarantee Program offers to guarantee a loan made by a local lender in cases where the lender requires this support before agreeing to loan money to a congregation.

Small Projects Loan Program

The Small Projects Loan Program promotes congregational growth by financing relatively inexpensive projects that can improve congregational life and well-being. Smaller, shorter term loans can create positive changes in congregations by providing a new tool to tackle issues that may seem beyond their current financial means. The program focuses on three broad categories of projects: mission-oriented, environmentally friendly, and critical/emergency in nature.

Disaster Relief Grants

When disaster hits a community, people want to help. Often, that takes the form of contributing financially to organizations that they trust—organizations that they know have the relationships necessary to convert monetary donations into real-life support for the people who need it.

As a part of the UUA's covenant, we know that if we can’t support one another in times of crisis, it is unreasonable to expect us to be able to support others outside our congregations and communities.

The UUA's Disaster Relief Fund enables this by awarding grants to Unitarian Universalist congregations and affiliated organizations for them to use to assist with building, member, and community partner needs. Grants from the Disaster Relief Fund help congregations care for their buildings and the needs of their members. Learn more about Disaster Relief grants and how to apply.

Faithify

FAITHIFY is a crowdfunding site where passionate people inspire, unite, and fund Unitarian Universalist ministries. FAITHIFY’s purpose is to:

  • Inspire a culture of innovation that extends the reach of UU values
  • Lower the walls between existing congregations
  • Ignite ministries in new venues, formats, and communities
  • Bridge geographic and generational borders using 21st century technologies
  • Help passionate individuals invest directly in ministries that excite them
  • Help ministry innovators reach a passionate public

Katie Tyson Fund

The Katie Tyson Fund is dedicated to kindling the sparks of leadership among Unitarian Universalist youth and young adults. The fund supports scholarships, grants, and programs for youth and young adult projects, conferences, outreach, and more.

UU Funding Program

The Unitarian Universalist Funding Program (UUFP) is a denominational grant-making program of the Unitarian Universalist Association. Grants are made that support the work of social justice, strengthen Unitarian Universalist institutions, transform gratitude for being into generosity of living, and make Unitarian Universalism more visible in the world. ​Grants are awarded through four Funds with distinct priorities and guidelines:

Disaster Relief Fund

The UUA stands with its congregations and is ready to provide assistance to help congregations recover in the aftermath of natural disasters.

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FAITHIFY is crowdfunding Unitarian Universalism. Get inspired, come together, and fund your faith