Friends of the UUA

People holding hands in worship

Friends of the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) is one of our most vital funds that allows us to respond to the needs of the 1,048 congregations we serve every single day.

Why Should I Give to Friends of the UUA?

By making a gift to Friends of the UUA, you are demonstrating your commitment to our values and our efforts to grow and support our community of congregations.

Your gift is critical to our mission. Every dollar donated goes to supporting important initiatives that directly impact congregations nationwide, including: the training, support, and settlement of ministers and religious professionals; social justice efforts that reflect our values like Side with Love, the UUA’s public advocacy campaign that seeks to harness love’s power to stop oppression; and the development of lifetime religious education curricula for children, young people, and adults through our Tapestry of Faith and Our Whole Lives programs.

Our Unitarian Universalist (UU) principles call us to share our message of inclusive faith, the inherent worth and dignity of each individual and devotion to the common good. There is much work to be done on this front, and through support of Friends of the UUA we will continue to be a beacon of love and faith in the world.

How Can I Give?

  • Online: Make your secure, online donation right now at our secure Friends of the UUA donation page.
  • By Mail: Checks can be made out to "Friends of the UUA" or UUA and mailed to:

    Friends of the UUA
    PO Box 843150
    Boston, MA 02284-3150

    By Phone: Call the toll free number 1-888-792-5885 to reach a staff member who can process your credit card donation.

  • Make a Gift of Stock: Please visit our Make a Gift of Stock page for instructions on donating appreciated securities to the UUA.
  • Give monthly and become a Faithful Sustainer: Set up a monthly recurring gift to Friends of the UUA via credit card or direct debit to become a Faithful Sustainer. Faithful Sustainers provide vital resources that the UUA can continue to count on month after month to help our movement thrive for years to come. Learn more about becoming a Faithful Sustainer.

Is My Gift Tax Deductible?

The Unitarian Universalist Association is a 501(c)3 organization (EIN or tax ID number 04-2103733), and gifts are generally tax deductible. As situations may vary from person to person, you should always consult with your tax advisor or financial planner.

Can I Make a Gift in Memory or Honor of Someone?

Yes. We would be pleased to accept a gift in memory of someone who has passed away. Many people choose to celebrate the life of a committed Unitarian Universalist in this way. You can also mark a special occasion or celebrate an achievement by making a gift in honor of a friend, family member, or someone who inspires you.

To make a memorial or honor gift, please contact friends@uua.org or call 1-888-792-5885. You can also make a memorial or honor gift online. Please be sure to fill out the Tribute information at the bottom of the donation form to let us know who is being honored or memorialized by your gift, and where you would like us to send a letter of notification.

Where Do My Contributions Go?

The Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) is committed to making sure that every dollar counts. More than half of the income the UUA receives goes directly back to the congregation through UUA programs and services. Each fiscal year the UUA continues to give away more funds - in the form of grants to districts, congregations and individuals - than it receives from them.

How Do My Contributions Affect the UUA's Budget?

The Unitarian Univeralist Association's (UUA) budget can essentially be split into two parts:

  • Funds for General Support ("unrestricted"), which are expended for congregational services, developing and publishing religious education curricula, Youth and Young Adult programs, social justice advocacy, public information, grants to regions, and more.
  • Funds for Designated Purposes ("restricted"), including Holdeen and International Trusts, Capital Campaign monies, Veatch Grants, Ministerial Aid Funds.

Nearly 35% of our income is for designated purposes, leaving 65% for general operating expenses.

Where Does the Association Get Funds for General Support?

The UUA receives funds for general support from:

  • Your generous donations to the Friends of the UUA
  • Contributions from member congregations to the Annual Program Fund (APF) and Generously Investing for Tomorrow (GIFT)
  • Gifts and bequests from individuals
  • Administrative fees from each of the UUA's investment pools
  • Investment income
  • Income from inSpirit: The UU Book and Gift Shop
  • UU World subscriptions

About the Author

UUA Stewardship and Development

Stewardship and Development staff are available to assist you year-round, including during the holiday season. Call (888) 792-5885 toll free to reach a staff member: Select option 2 for Congregational Giving (Annual Program Fund) Select option 3 for Bequests and Legacy Gifts Select option 4 for...

For more information contact .

Seasons of Giving

Our quarterly eNewsletter,Seasons of Giving, keeps you connected to other generous UUs with important news and updates from across the Association.

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Help nurture Unitarian Universalism all year long as a Faithful Sustainer.

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