Our Stewardship Board supports members and friends of Congregational UCC in developing the principles of Christian stewardship in their lives. The Board focuses on planning a yearly stewardship emphasis to raise funds for the coming year’s budget. It is charged with planning and carrying out fundraising efforts for specific projects building needs, and new programs. The Board is also responsible for stewardship education and helping members and friends understand how they can include Congregational UCC or other specific charities in their long-range financial plans.

These are some of the different types of giving.

• Annual Giving—gifts to support current budgetary needs, usually fulfilling a one-year pledge or estimate of giving made in the fall.
• Planned Giving—gifts from accumulated resources and assets to the church’s endowment fund or designated special funds for future ministries and mission
• Capital Gifts—gifts for a specific purpose such as building restoration or remodeling, new construction, staff additions, or new programs.
• Special Offerings—typically a once-a-year gift for a special cause, including annual denomination-sponsored offerings (such as One Great Hour of Sharing) or gifts received for an immediate need, such as a natural disaster.
• Memorial Gifts—gifts made in memory of family members or friends upon their death. These gifts can be designated for a particular purpose or fund or be undesignated.

As part of our education charge, the Stewardship Board will share information about each of these giving options over the coming years. We hope you will find this helpful as you envision your annual and future giving opportunities.