How to Donate

Make a Gift
Gifts to the First UU Society of Burlington are gratefully accepted at any time and are fully tax-deductible. This button may be used to give to several different funds, such as Sunday Breakfast, Richard Kemp Center, Special Gifts, Discretionary Fund, JUMP, etc.  You may also use this button to make a pledge payment (the amount that you have promised to give to the Society this fiscal year) and to give to Share the Plate (this amount is shared equally between FUUSB and a non-profit).  The choice of funds available may change throughout the year to allow you to pay for specific events or to give to specific campaigns.  Click the button below to make a gift.

Text Giving 
Text Steeple to 73256 to give using your text messaging. You may use this option to pay your pledge, make a gift, etc. Message and data rates may apply. Message frequency varies. Text HELP to 73256 for help. Text STOP to 73256 to cancel. (Privacy Policy, Terms of Service)

Socially Responsible Santa

Coordinated for many years by FUUSB member Maggi Hayes, this annual program began in 1986 as a project of the Social Responsibility Committee. Working with many community organizations over the years, we have increased the number of families served. While many recipients have purchased traditional gifts, others have used the money for past-due bills, assistive devices, and security deposits on apartments, allowing them to move out of a shelter. We are incredibly grateful for the generosity of the congregation.

Volunteer elves get referrals from congregation members and friends, community organizations and schools. They deliver cash gifts to families or individuals in need. We believe that by giving a cash gift we are empowering people to decide for themselves what kinds of Christmas gifts they wish to give and receive. This is in keeping with the first principle of Unitarian Universalism: the inherent worth and dignity of every person.  

For more information, you may contact [email protected]. Click the button below to donate!

Socially Responsible Santa Donations

Make a Pledge
You may support our Society by making an annual pledge.  A pledge is your promise to contribute a certain amount of money over the fiscal year. Our pledge year runs from July 1st to June 30th, but you may begin your pledge at any time. To make a pledge you must complete a pledge card.  Your pledge should be an amount that reflects your commitment to our Society and your values; it should be as generous as your circumstances allow, without causing you financial hardship.

You may pay your pledge by mailing us a check or dropping a check in the collection basket on Sunday morning, by setting up automatic payments taken directly out of your bank account or charged to your credit card, or by donating appreciated stock. If you would like more information about making a pledge, please email Tove at [email protected]

Giving Stock
Donating your appreciated stock is a great way to make your gift to First UU – paying your pledge or as an additional gift. To do so, or if you have questions, email [email protected].

Qualified Charitable Distribution from an IRA
Making a direct transfer from an IRA allows a member age 70½ or over to avoid a tax hit on the annual required minimum distribution. In this case, the charitable contribution must go directly to the Society, not the taxpayer first. This option requires some advance planning, so individuals considering it should consult with their tax or financial advisor.

Share the Plate
Every Sunday we donate half of our cash collection to non-profit agencies. Over the years our congregation has contributed generously to many very worthwhile organizations. Each Sunday, during the service, we will announce which organization will be receiving half of our collection.  Share the Plate contributions may also be set up as an automatic gift using your credit/debit card or having the funds transferred directly from your bank account to the Society.

Helping Our Community
We also have other ways in which we offer our community financial assistance.  Read more about this on our Helping Our Community page of the website.