The Endowment
Our beloved community has a savings account for the future.
The Endowment Fund provides
a formal, secure destination for gifts and bequests;
contributes to our long-term financial security;
and allows our mission and our vision to continue into the future.
Fund Uses
The principal of the Fund is invested for growth, and is generally left untouched year after year. Annual income from the Fund (interest and dividends) can be used by the Board for church operations, projects, and programs, including our new Mini-Grants Program. This could be seed money to enhance religious exploration, launch a senior youth group, or support social justice action projects: money that can bring more of our mission and vision into reality.
The principal of the fund is not intended for general operations of the church. In extraordinary circumstances it can be used to respond to emergencies. Such use of the fund requires a vote of the congregation in an open meeting. Examples of this type of situation might include devastating damage to the building or disaster assistance in the community.
Ways to Give
You can give to our Endowment Fund in a variety of ways.
Check
Appreciated stock or Certificates of Deposit
Charitable distributions from your IRA if over age 70-1/2
Naming UUFCO as a beneficiary of an account
Gift from a Donor Advised Fund
Life insurance policies
Real estate
Bequests
When updating your will or trust documents, consider including UUFCO as a beneficiary. These and other tax planning strategies for charitable gifts should always be discussed with your tax or estate planning advisor. Feel free to consult with the Committee for further instructions.
“The Blessing” designed by Paul Alan Bennett, woven by pendleton woolen mills
Benefits
Your gift to the Fund offers a variety of benefits for you and for UUFCO. Your gift:
Leaves a legacy of love
Perpetuates your values
Is a living memorial for future generations
Helps to ensure a liberal religious presence in Central Oregon
Can be any size and made at any time
If through your estate, can be modified at any time prior to death
May provide tax savings for you
Fund Management
The Fund is managed by an Endowment Committee of at least five UUFCO members. We are responsible for increasing awareness of the Fund and encouraging its growth. We provide quarterly reports to the Board of Trustees on activities, fund balances, and recommendations regarding distribution of funds. Detailed policies and procedures are available in the “Governing Instrument” in the Church Bylaws.
Questions
To begin a conversation about contributing to The Fund, ask questions about Mini-Grants, get detailed instructions on how to contribute to The Fund, find out about joining the Endowment Committee, or ask other questions, please get in touch! The best way to reach us is by email to endowment@uufco.org. You can also leave a message for our team by phoning the fellowship staff at 541-385-3908.
New! Mini-Grants Program
Purpose
The Mini-Grants Program activates a portion of our fellowship’s Endowment to support projects that reflect Unitarian Universalist values and strengthen our impact as a congregation. Grants are available to members for initiatives that benefit individuals, the church, and/or the broader community. In doing so, the program keeps the Endowment visible, relevant, and actively engaged in the life of the Fellowship. Each funded project serves as a tangible example of how legacy giving continues to shape our shared future. By highlighting the positive change made possible through Endowment support, the program also encourages a culture of generosity and invites others to contribute to the ongoing growth and purpose of the fund.
What Success Looks Like
Success is not only measured by completed projects, it is measured by the spirit and values they embody along the way.
A successful grant experience means that:
1) The project reflects and uplifts Unitarian Universalist values, such as compassion, justice, equity, spiritual exploration, and care for the interdependent web of life.
2) The applicant feels supported, encouraged, and empowered—regardless of the size or complexity of the project.
3) The project creates meaningful benefit for individuals, the congregation, and/or the wider community.
4) The grant process itself is experienced as being fair, welcoming, and affirming of the applicant’s ideas and integrity.
5) The outcomes, whether small or large, are shared with the congregation in ways that inspire, inform, or connect others.
6) The project helps make the Endowment visible and alive, demonstrating the ongoing power of legacy giving.
7) The applicant comes away with a positive experience of Unitarian Universalism in action, rooted in care, creativity, and shared purpose.
Ultimately, success means we are investing in one another and in the values we hope to embody as a Unitarian Universalist community.
Available Funding
• Annual Disbursement: $7,500 for Fiscal Year 2025-26
• Individual Grants: $500–$1,500
Who Can Apply
• Members of the church (individuals, groups, ministry teams)
• Projects may include collaborations but must be UU-aligned
Eligible Projects
• Promote justice, equity, compassion, environmental sustainability, and/or spiritual growth
• Offer educational, artistic, and/or community-oriented experiences
• Enhance congregational life and visibility
Timeline for 2025
• Reviewers Apply by: July 15
• Grant Seekers Apply by: June 1 to August 15
• Decisions Announced: September 15
• Funds Disbursed: September 19
Expectations of Grantees
• Complete project within 12 months
• Submit a brief final report
• Share outcomes in a Sunday service, newsletter, or event
Philosophy Behind the Grant Selection Process
We recognize and honor the deeply individualistic spirit that characterizes Unitarian Universalist communities. With that in mind, the UUFCO Mini-Grants Program is designed around a cohesive, objective, and transparent selection process that reflects our commitment to fairness, equity, and accountability.
To maintain the integrity of the process and eliminate the influence of personal agendas or unconscious bias, all grant applications will be considered anonymous and reviewed independently. Reviewers will score each proposal using a standardized rubric that assesses alignment with UU values, feasibility, impact, creativity, and other relevant criteria.
Our primary goal is to increase the likelihood that selected projects will succeed, recognizing that every grant carries unknowns. Some promising projects may falter; others may exceed expectations. We embrace this reality as part of the learning process and will adapt thoughtfully over time.
This process isn’t about identifying “perfect” projects—it's about creating a thoughtful, principled system that gives every idea a fair and meaningful chance to flourish
Composition of the Grant Review Team
The grant review team will consist of five to seven individuals. They may be drawn entirely from the congregation or reflect a blend such as:
• 1 representative from the Endowment Committee
• 1 representative from the Board
• 3-5 members from the general congregation
To honor the diversity of perspectives within our UU community, a random or lightly structured selection of review team members will be maintained. The goal is not to assemble a group based on credentials or personal preferences, but rather to represent the breadth of values, experiences, and viewpoints that exist in our Fellowship. over-curating the review team risks introducing unconscious bias or reinforcing dominant perspectives. A lightly randomized or rotating pool helps preserve the integrity, impartiality, and inclusiveness of the selection process—hallmarks of the program’s design.