Stewardship

We are at a turning point as we continue to rebuild membership after the pandemic and prepare to call a new Minister. It is time to ready ourselves for change and revisit priorities. And critically, it is time to pledge in the annual Stewardship campaign. Gifts from members and friends are RRUUC’s single largest source of income. We rely on each other to contribute what we can.

“Charting a New Path,” the 2025-2026 Financial Stewardship Campaign begins February 23, 2025 and runs through March 23, 2026.

Our goal is to raise $1 million in pledges for the RRUUC July 2025-June 2026 fiscal year.

A pledge made during the Stewardship Campaign is a promise to make a financial contribution during our next fiscal year, which starts on July 1, 2025. Pledging makes it possible for leadership to create a realistic operating budget. We hope that by the Campaign’s end, each member and friend will participate.

MAKE YOUR PLEDGE NOW

Join these Stewardship events to learn more about pledging, building our community together, and finding connection with friends new and old:

February 23, 2025: Join us for SOUPer Sunday! We will share lunch after the service to kick off the campaign and start charting our new path, together. Volunteers needed to make soup on Saturday, February 22 and to serve soup on Sunday, February 23! Childcare can be provided.  
Sign up form: bit.ly/40Sy0nv.
March 9, 2025: In partnership with the Endowment Committee, we are hosting a financial wellness seminar, “Building Financial Health and Legacy Through Every Life Stage,” with expert guest speakers. This is for everyone, no matter where you are in your financial journey. Childcare provided by request. Find more information and sign up at bit.ly/42snTap. 
March 23, 2025: Celebrate the sweetness of community on Sundae Sunday to close out this year’s stewardship campaign. Enjoy ice cream – with all the fixings! – in the Fellowship Hall following the service. 
Volunteer to help roll out the Sundae fixins’ bar and get the party started – Sign up here: bit.ly/40Sy0nv

“Stewardship” refers to the careful and responsible management of something of value entrusted to one’s care. RRUUC depends on our congregation to pay its talented staff, maintain programming including Religious Education, and care for our award-winning mid-century building and grounds.

Everyone—members, friends, and occasional guests—is encouraged to give what they are able. Membership is not required. In giving, you support and sustain the vibrant RRUUC community to which we all belong.

Contributions are fully tax deductible and you will receive quarterly statements.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make a pledge to give?
The easiest way is to click on this link to submit your pledge online. Or click on the green “Make A Pledge” button on the top banner of the RRUUC home page. You can also send an email to stewardship@rruuc.org.

How much should I give?
Gifts of any amount make a difference—what is important is that everyone in the community participates in supporting RRUUC’s operating costs.

This year’s Stewardship Campaign goal is to raise $1,000,000 in pledges which would represent about 71% of RRUUC’s estimated $1.4 million operating expense budget (the remaining 29% would be made up of building rentals, Bazaar and auction proceeds, and miscellaneous revenue such as Sunday collections and gifts). This is what it actually costs to sustainably fund RRUUC’s operations for a year.

What is the difference between a pledge and a gift?
It’s all in the timing. We ask the community to pledge during the Stewardship Campaign (February and March of each year) to make a gift during the upcoming fiscal year (July 2025 to June 2026). The total amount of gifts pledged by the community during the campaign gives the Budget Committee time to plan for the upcoming fiscal year.

You can then fulfill your pledge to give during the upcoming fiscal year to help RRUUC most accurately track giving and spending according to the fiscal year. However, you can make your gift at any time that works for you.

When and how do I fulfill the gift that I’ve pledged to make?
You can fulfill your pledge any time that works for you before or during the RRUUC fiscal year (July 1-June 30). Here are all the methods for making a payment on your pledge:

  • Online. You can make a secured, one-time payment from your bank account or credit card. You can also set up automatic payments from your bank account or credit card as well as check your prior gifts and pledge balance. Click here to pay online. Choose “Operating 25-26” from the dropdown menu.
  • Text-to-Give. You can use your phone to give a secure contribution by texting to 732-56, then message: RRUUC + amount. (If you use this option, we ask that you do not make your contribution before the new fiscal year begins on July 1, 2025.)
  • By Check. You can mail a check to River Road. Be sure to note “Operating 25-26” on the “Memo” line.
  • Transfer of Stock. You can pay by transferring ownership of stock to River Road. Please follow these Stock Donation Guidelines.
  • Qualified Charitable Distributions. If you are 70-1/2 or older, you may be able to reduce your income taxes by making Qualified Charitable Deductions (QCDs) from your IRA account as outlined here. Find answers to some of your questions on the IRS site here.
  • Donor Advised Fund or Recommended Grant. Consult with your financial advisor or tax professional about this option. Some guidance may suggest that donor advised funds cannot be used to fulfill pledges, but this applies only to legally binding pledges. Pledges made to RRUUC during the Stewardship Campaign are NOT legally binding and therefore this option to give is possible.

What if my life circumstances change and I cannot fulfill my pledge?
Our congregants come first. We care about you. Contact stewardship@rruuc.org and let us know how we can help.

What if I want more information?
Please contact us! Email your questions to stewardship@rruuc.org.