What is a pledge?

A pledge is a promise to donate a certain amount of money to the church within the church fiscal year, which runs from July 1 through June 30 of the following year.

When does the pledge drive begin and end?

This year’s pledge drive will formally begin in mid March, and it will end during the second week of May. The Board of Trustees will use the final pledge total to finalize the budget for approval at our Annual Meeting on Sunday, June 7th, beginning at 11:30  a.m. All members are encouraged to attend the Annual Meeting to vote on the budget, and to vote on candidates for the Board of Trustees and other elected positions.

What time period does my pledge cover?

Your pledge that is submitted during this spring pledge drive will be in effect from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027, in accordance with our church fiscal year. Pledges from new members are welcome at any time during the year.

What is the amount that I should pledge?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. The UUA offers Fair Share Pledging guidelines, which offer different levels of pledging for different income levels, and the guidelines take certain expenses into account as well (kind of like deductions on your taxes). The guidelines are available here: UUA Fair Share Pledging Guidelines.

How many people pledge at UUCOB?

For our 2026-2027 fiscal year we have 40 pledges, or pledge units. A “pledge unit” often counts for more than one member of our church, and we also receive pledges from many friends of UUCOB who may not be formal members of the church.

What is the total membership of UUCOB?

We currently have 51 members.

We all share in the fixed operational costs of the church, costs such as minister’s salary, utilities, office supplies, building and yard maintenance, etc. We also pay for guest speakers and musicians, and provide materials and teachers for RE, contribute to organizations in the community through our Share the Plate program, and we pay our own UUCOB Pledge to the UUA.

Is pledging a requirement of membership at UUCOB?

Yes, UUCOB bylaws stipulate that members are required to make a “pledge of record,” along with an annual financial commitment in the form of a pledge that is consistent with your individual circumstances. The congregation depends upon your pledge and those of all other members to create a realistic annual budget for the upcoming year. We welcome pledges or donations from visitors and friends as well. Everyone is welcome to attend services at UUCOB, whether formally a member or friend, or not, with no financial obligation.

What if I need to change, or cannot fulfill, my pledge?

You may change your pledge any time during the year. If you find your life is taking an unexpected turn, a call to the minister might be a good step, too. Whether you’re adjusting your pledge up or down, know that we will be grateful for the information, which helps us manage the budget. Know that every gift is valued.