Fund for Unitarian Universalist Social Responsibility
Guidelines
Grants are made to Unitarian Universalist (UU) organizations in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico that:
- Increase the direct involvement of UUs in service, advocacy and/or community organizing to create justice in the larger community.
- Link Unitarian Universalists with the larger community
- Foster a generosity of spirit and action in all aspects of our UU communities.
UU Congregations: Please note that we take into consideration your commitment to meet the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) Annual Program Fund Fair Share contribution.
The Fund for UU Social Responsibility has added two specialized grants, which have an abbreviated application process.
New: Congregation-Based Community Organizing (CBCO)—Matching Grants are now available to congregations considering participating in a CBCO organization for both membership and training. To apply, please see the CBCO Application Information and the CBCO Application. Read more information about Unitarian Universalist congregations and CBCO.
New: Voter Registration/ Get Out the Vote (GOTV) grants (PDF)—$500 to $1500 grants for congregations now through October 15, 2008
Funding Priorities
Priority is given to new programs and those at a point of significant growth. Priority is given to work creating social and economic justice. We prefer projects with income from diverse sources and expect contributions from the members of the applicant organization. See Sample Grants.
Restrictions
Grants are not made to individuals. Generally, grants are not given for equipment, capital campaigns, or endowments. Grants are not made for activities that are part of the ongoing work of UU institutions. Grants may not be used as a pass-through from a UU congregation to a local non-profit organization, but may go towards enhancing UU involvement in a project.
Grant Size & Type of Funding
The maximum grant is $20,000. The average grant is 8,800. “Challenge” or “matching” grants are commonly granted to encourage UU generosity, and to increase UU support for social action. Grants are for one year. Second-year funding is possible after submitting a new proposal and a final (or interim) report. Third-year funding for the same project is unusual. We are not sustaining funders. See the complete application process.
How to Apply
To submit a proposal, please complete the Questions for Narrative found on this page. For additional information, Refer to the Application process, Materials to be included, and application forms.
Questions for Narrative
Use the following questions for part C of “Materials to Be Included.” Type the question number and question before each response. Use at least 12 pt. type and 1” margins on one side only of white 8.5” x 11” paper. In eight pages or less answer the following questions:
- Please give a fifty word summary of the project.
- Describe your group and its recent history.
- Describe your project more fully. Describe the issue(s) your project
addresses. Be specific about goals, activities, and timelines.
- Who will carry out the project’s plan? What are their relevant skills and
experiences? If your program involves children or young adults, include
resumes
of the adults in charge and detail the quality of the adult
supervision
provided.
- Who do you define as your community and how do you reach them? How has your
UU congregation, district, or denomination been involved in the
creation of your
project? How are you working to increase the
involvement of UU individuals and
institutions in the issues your
project addresses?
- How representative are your volunteers and staff of the communities you work
with?
- List the individuals, committees or organizations that have contributed
significantly to this project through money or other support. What UUA
resources
have been consulted? If applicable, list funding sources and
dollar amounts for
your organization/project for the last two years.
- Please describe your specific plans for raising income in addition to the
proposed UUFP grant. How do you plan to sustain the project?
- Describe your plan for evaluation. Give the criteria/measures/tools you will
use to evaluate the success of the project. What outcomes are you
working to
create? How will you know you have succeeded? See a Sample Evaluation Plan.
- Describe the organization’s or group’s social responsibility philosophy.
For more information contact uufp @ uua.org.
Last updated on Wednesday, September 10, 2008.
