We hold an annual pledge drive to fund our daily operations and to ensure that the church and its resources are here for us now and in the future. In the spring, all members and friends of the church are asked to make a written pledge of financial support to sustain the church for the fiscal year that begins July 1st of the pledge year and ends on the following June 30th. This current pledge drive is for the 2024-2025 fiscal year.

Your pledge is a promise of specific monetary support for the operating fund for the coming fiscal year.

Pledges from members and friends are the primary source of funds used to compensate our staff and ministers fairly, maintain the buildings and grounds, and keep our mission vital. Our money supports our worship and music programs, our religious education program, enrichment programs for members and friends, social justice programs, community outreach and connections to Unitarian Universalism. Our giving reflects our mission and vision.

You can make your secure pledge online by clicking here which will go directly to our bookkeeper Debrah. We also have paper pledge forms if you prefer. You may also contact Debrah at (916) 483-9283 or to state your pledge wishes.

The pledge you make to support UUSS is for ONE year only; you must pledge again each year.  While you may need to keep your pledge dollar amount the same as the previous year, we rely on an increase in pledges to bring our hardworking staff up to a competitive wage and meet the recommended UUA minimum for minister and staff compensation, as well as to cover the increasing costs of utilities, technology and computer support to our programs.

Only members and friends of UUSS financially support the church. We don’t receive any outside funds from our denomination. We actually send annual member dues to the national Unitarian Universalist Association (which also supports the regional affiliate) based on our annual budget.

Pledging is a personal decision based on each individual’s financial status, circumstances, and inclination. Last year’s average pledge from our pledging households was about $1800 per year.

The UUA suggests a minimum financial commitment of 2% of income for congregants earning up to $10,000 a year. Members with a higher annual income are encouraged to give between 3% and 5% of their annual adjusted gross income. The UUA suggests that visionary givers who focus on both the present and future growth of the church dedicate 5% to 10% of their income to the church.

The largest source of funds for our operating budget comes from our annual pledge drive; about 75% of the budget comes from YOU. The remaining 25% comes from UUSS special fundraising activities, building rentals and a small amount from our weekly plate offering. (Remember we give away 50% of our weekly plate offering to our community partners.)

Each year the Board of Trustees proposes a new budget after the stewardship pledge drive is completed. The budget is based on the success of the pledge drive, along with the anticipated revenue from special fundraisers and rentals. The Board presents the budget at our annual May congregational meeting where members discuss and vote to approve the budget.

Absolutely! That is the easiest and most reliable method for paying your pledge. It also works best for the church’s bookkeeping system.  Please indicate the source of your automatic payment on your pledge form, which can be filled out online by clicking here or as a paper form from the office.

We can only plan on your annual support if you affirm your intention to give. Renewing your pledge each year also offers the opportunity to evaluate your current pledge amount, and to determine if you are able to increase your pledge. As noted above, we rely on an overall increase in pledges to meet our expenses, and most importantly, fair wages for our ministers and staff.

While the current fiscal year does not end until June 30, we need your pledge by the end of our pledge drive on April 21, 2024.  This deadline is important to allow time for the Treasurer, Finance Committee and Board of Trustees to prepare a budget for your approval at the May Congregational Meeting. You will not begin paying your new pledge until the beginning of the new fiscal year, July 1.

We are certainly grateful for all donations collected each Sunday.  Half of those funds are donated to our chosen monthly community partners; the remaining half adds a small percentage to our annual budget. We rely on committed pledges, which make up almost 75% of the budget, for the majority of our financial needs.

Please contact our bookkeeper Debrah Olsen at 916-483-9283 or email

We value your participation at UUSS. We know that sometimes life’s changes can impact financial resources and you might not be able to renew or fulfill your intended pledge. Please speak with our bookkeeper Debrah or one of the ministers so that your pledge amount can be adjusted.