 
The
Unitarian Universalist Society of Geneva (UUSG) relies on pledges
and donations from its members and friends to pay for its operating
expenses, maintenance and programs. These donations and pledges
help us achieve our mission, which is to be a welcoming congregation
that endeavors to make its Covenant a living reality.
We
have organized our financial accounts into six Funds. Each Fund
has its own purpose that benefits the UUSG in a unique way. Below
is a graphic that shows the relationship between the Funds, followed
by a description of each one.
Operating
Fund
Every
organization needs money to pay for its day-to-day operations.
Our operating expenses are organized into three categories: people,
programs, and place.
The
people portion of our operating expenses includes the salaries
and benefits paid to our staff, i.e., our Ministers, Office Administrator,
Child Care Staff, Custodians, and Musicians.
We
also offer a wide variety of educational, community service, and
pastoral care programs. For example, we offer worship services
and religious education to children, teenagers, and adults. We provide
financial and volunteer support to local service organizations such
as the Lazarus House, the Pottawatamie Habitat for Humanity, and
the Illinois Youth Center in St. Charles.
The
place portion of our Operating Fund represents the expenses
for keeping our facility open and maintained. This includes utility
costs, insurance, and routine cleaning and maintenance. The Operating
Fund also makes an annual contribution to the Building Improvement
Fund (described below.)
The
Operating Fund is planned and budgeted each year. Pledges from
members and friends provide about 80% of our annual operating income.
The remainder primarily comes from weekly in-service cash donations
and fund raising projects.
Reserve
Fund
The
Reserve Fund was established as an “emergency savings account” to
offset any year-end Operating Fund deficit. We maintain about $20,000
in the Reserve Fund.
Building
Improvement Fund
Our
sanctuary was built in 1843 and it is the oldest church in Geneva.
Given the historical importance of the building, as well as its
importance in supporting the ongoing activities of the congregation,
we have a responsibility to maintain it and improve it.
The
Building Improvement Fund was created to ensure that money was available
to make these improvements. For example, we have used this Fund
to pay for roof repairs, a new telephone system, new gutters, and
interior painting. We have also used this Fund to improve the comfort
and appearance of our common meeting space and classrooms.
The
Building Improvement Fund, which is planned and budgeted each year,
receives money from three sources: the Operating Fund, the Ollsson
Trust Fund (described below), and from donations that can be specifically
targeted to this Fund.
ROSE
Fund
In
2004, we initiated a project to restore the exterior of the sanctuary.
The acronym for the project was ROSE = Restore Our
Sanctuary’s Exterior. The project involved rebuilding
the bell tower, replacing the stucco siding, planting new landscaping,
and installing exterior lighting. We held a special pledge drive
(called a capital campaign) to raise money for the project. By
the end of 2007, we expect to receive enough money from pledges
and donations to fully pay for the project.
Ollsson
Trust
In
1991 Elsa Ollsson, a long-time member, made a significant bequest
to the church. In commemoration the Ollsson Trust was created.
The Trust stipulates that 10% of its value be transferred to the
UUSG each year to be used exclusively for capital improvements.
There are three sources of income to the Ollsson Trust Fund: targeted
donations, bequests, and investment appreciation.
Future
Vision Fund
For
over 150 years, the UUSG has provided spiritual and educational
opportunities to its members and friends. Our Long Range Plan calls
for the expansion of these services and the continuation of our
mission. The Future Vision Fund was established to help us achieve
this plan and realize our vision.
The
Fund has been set up to help us grow as our congregation grows,
to help us expand our reach and impact in the community, and to
help us establish an endowment to ensure we can continue to provide
quality staff and programs.
There
are three sources of income to the Future Vision Fund: targeted
donations, bequests and investment appreciation. Over the years
we have received generous support from our members in the form of
bequests and donations targeted specifically to this Fund. These
moneys make up the bulk of the Future Vision Fund. We have established
a committee that invests these funds so they may appreciate in value
over time.
Summary
UUSG strives to build a world community founded on justice, compassion,
and peace, while providing religious, educational, and pastoral
support to its members and friends. To support these ideals and
achieve these goals, ongoing financial support is required. Our
members and friends have the responsibility, and the privilege,
to support the UUSG through their pledges and donations.
We also encourage our members and friends to participate in a planned giving
program where they can make periodic, targeted donations to the
Building Improvement Fund, Future Vision Fund, and Ollsson Trust
Fund.
Finally, we ask our members and friends to consider including the UUSG in
their estate planning. Your bequest can help us establish an endowment
fund and provide the financial support needed to carry on the tradition
and values of the UUSG for years to come. |
