Background on the Faithify Transition

Faithify logo featuring a red and orange flaming chalice icon to the left of the word “Faithify” in blue gradient text

Faithify’s Role in UU Fundraising

The Unitarian Universalist Association launched Faithify in 2014 as a bridge from analog stewardship methods to online direct fundraising. At that time, many Unitarian Universalists were new to online giving.

As the first denominational crowdfunding platform, Faithify helped raise more than $2.8 million for UU projects while supporting hundreds of congregations, individuals, and organizations around the globe.

Faithify became a trusted resource for UU fundraising, supporting diverse projects ranging from congregations providing sanctuary for refugees to initiatives such as the Building Beloved Community Beyond the Binary conference and UU State Action Networks advancing justice and democracy.

Faithify campaigns also helped contributors connect beyond their immediate communities, expanding networks of support across Unitarian Universalism.

Changes in the Fundraising Landscape

Since Faithify’s launch, the fundraising landscape has evolved significantly. Many strong crowdfunding platforms now exist, offering a wide range of tools and capabilities.

At the same time, the needs of UU congregations, leaders, and organizations have shifted. There is increasing demand for guidance, training, and resources that support sustainable and effective stewardship practices.

Discernment and the Wave Cohort

In response to these changes, Faithify and the UU Funding Program convened a Meet the Moment Wave cohort. This group brought together a diverse set of leaders to assess current stewardship needs and recommend how the UUA might best support UU fundraising into the future.

The cohort concluded that operating a standalone crowdfunding platform is no longer the most effective use of UUA resources.

Instead, they recommended focusing on work only the UUA can uniquely provide, including:

  • Training for staff and congregational leaders
  • Development of new stewardship resources
  • Support for liberatory stewardship practices

This direction aligns with Faithify’s original mission to build fundraising capacity within Unitarian Universalism.

What This Transition Makes Possible

Faithify brings more than a decade of experience partnering with UU communities to accomplish their fundraising goals. This expertise will continue in a new form as part of the UUA Congregational Life Leadership Team.

In this next phase, the focus will be on supporting thriving congregational stewardship through training, tools, and shared practices that help communities sustain and grow their work.

By shifting away from maintaining a platform and toward direct support, the UUA can better respond to the evolving needs of UU leaders and congregations.

Looking Ahead

Over the coming months, the Faithify crowdfunding platform will close as this transition takes place. This shift allows staff to focus on creating new resources, trainings, and opportunities for stewardship ministries.

The goal is to continue fostering generosity, connection, and abundance across UU communities in ways that are responsive, sustainable, and grounded in shared values.