Umbrella Giving
Many Gifts?
One Creative Solution!
We Unitarian Universalists give abundantly to the organizations we love. At times, though, we feel divided by the deep loyalties we have to congregations, the Association, and other Unitarian Universalist (UU) organizations.
The Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA), as part of our mission to serve our member congregations and the wider movement, has developed a simple and creative solution that we call "umbrella giving."
What is umbrella giving?
Umbrella giving is a mechanism to make it easier for you to give to many UU organizations. In one gift to the UUA, you can generously support both the UUA and other UU entities. Your commitment will be recognized and celebrated by each entity. The UUA does all the paper work to notify others of your intentions, to manage asset transfers, and to distribute funds according to your wishes. All you need to do is tell the UUA how you wish to share your contribution.
How will umbrella giving actually work for me, my family, and my advisors?
Your gift is made to one charitable organization, the UUA, which you know and can hold accountable. You can write one bequest to the UUA or make one contribution to the Pooled Income Fund or make one stock transfer, and the UUA will see to it that the UU entities you wish to support receive the gifts you intended. Whatever way you choose to make an umbrella gift, the UUA will honor your wishes. Umbrella giving simplifies the entire philanthropic enterprise, including your time, asset transfers, and the work of your advisors, trustees, executors, and family.
Example: Martha and John's wills designate $100,000 to the UUA at their deaths, to be divided as follows: 40% to the UUA, 40% to their fellowship, and 20% to another UU entity. The UUA handles all the gift administration and distributes the bequest funds according the John and Martha's instructions'at no cost to the other organizations.
During their lifetimes, Martha and John are recognized as supporters by all three entities, and the UUA celebrates their gift of a hundred thousand dollars to Unitarian Universalism.
Why does the UUA want to recognize gifts to other UU organizations?
One act of generosity begets another. And as your giving inspires others, you will be helping the UUA fulfill its mission to serve and strengthen Unitarian Universalism, our congregations and fellowships, our districts, theological schools, the UU Service Committee, the UU Women's Federation, our camps and conferences, and many others.
As an association of congregations, the combined strengths of the UUA can and should be put to work for the benefit all Unitarian Universalist organizations. Umbrella giving puts the UUA to work for you and the groups for which you care the most.
How can I learn more?
Contact the UUA Stewardship and Development staff. Your congregation's contributions to the Annual Program Fund make it possible for the UUA to help you create a gift plan that will meet your personal and philanthropic goals. Your congregations and the other UU entities you support can also help. There are many ways to give, and we are here to assist you in finding ways that work for you, whether you write a check, sign over a life insurance policy and its benefits, or fund a gift that will make payments to you for the rest of your life. All conversations with UUA staff are confidential. We would welcome an opportunity to speak with you.
Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations
Stewardship and Development
Office of Legacy Gifts
25 Beacon Street
Boston, MA 02108-2800
Toll Free: 1-888-792-5885
FAX: 617-725-4979
For more information contact giftplans @ uua.org.
Last updated on Friday, April 18, 2008.
