Generosity: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Do I need to pledge? UUFR relies on pledges to provide 80% of our annual operating budget. We ask members to make a generous pledge after careful consideration of their individual financial resources. Members experiencing extreme financial hardship may request an exemption from pledging.
- How much should I pledge? The average pledge at UUFR is $200/month. We can meet our financial goals if every member household pledges 3% of their annual income. Of course not every household can pledge at this level, while some households are able to substantially exceed the 3% level.
- How do I pledge? You can pledge by returning the form you receive at a neighborhood meeting or in the mail, or you can pledge online at org/nextchapter.
- Will someone from the stewardship team be calling me? We request that all households submit a pledge by March 31st. If we haven’t heard from you by then, you may receive a follow-up email, text, or phone call.
- What if I make a pledge and then lose my job? Your pledge represents a good faith commitment, but it’s not a legal obligation. If your financial circumstances change, just let us know that you need to modify your pledge.
- How do I make contributions? You can set up an automatic credit card charge or bank withdrawal through Breeze, UUFR’s member database, at uufr.org/donate. You can also set up payments directly through your bank, or handwrite and mail a check to UUFR, PO Box 33705, Raleigh, NC 27636.
Did you know . . .
- Starting with your tax return for 2026 (the return you file in 2027) you can deduct charitable deductions even if you don’t itemize – up to $1,000 for single filers and $2,000 for married filing jointly.
- If you directly donate stock to UUFR, you can often deduct the full value or your contribution while also avoiding capital gains tax.
- IRA owners age 70½ can transfer up to $100,000 to charities tax-free each year through qualified charitable distributions (QCDs).
Consult your financial advisor, CPA, tax lawyer, IRA trustee, or other financial professional for details, exceptions, and limitations on the above.
