Thanks to the generosity of members and friends of CUUF, the recently completed Stewardship Campaign was the most successful in the Fellowship’s history!   It provides the fiscal resources needed to pay for the next fiscal year’s projected expenditures – with about $25,000 to save and/or use to pay for program improvements.

The Board of Trustees (BOT) will make a recommendation in its proposed budget about the use of the income that is projected to exceed projected expenses. Each spring the BOT develops a proposed budget for the next fiscal year that begins July 1. In May or June congregation members vote whether to approve the budget during an annual business meeting.

During the designated time of the 2023 Stewardship Campaign 72 pledges were submitted for a total donation of close to $244,000.  Last year 67 pledges were submitted for a total of approximately $172,000.

“Our results show that members and friends receive value from CUUF and believe in its mission, vision and covenant, as each and every one who pledged demonstrated incredible generosity,” said member Steve Clem who chaired this year’s campaign.

“We had folks who pledged for the first time, I believe because they came to realize it was not about the amount pledged. And others maintained their pledges, even though retirement accounts have been adversely affected by stock market losses, and their income has decreased. Generosity is a statement from the heart and not based upon wealth.  It is about nurturing the donor’s relationship with CUUF and the congregation. And this generosity is a huge statement of support for recruiting a full-time, settled minister, and maintaining CUUF as a place for progressive religious/spiritual practice and education in NCW,” he said.

The preliminary operating budget developed by the BOT for the fiscal year that runs from mid-2023 to mid-2024 calls for $219,000 in expenditures.

The recent pledge drive’s significant infusion of income for the Fellowship comes after two years when reserve funds were used to pay for some operating expenses.

Although the formal 2023 pledge period has ended, donations to CUUF may be made at any time.

How You Can Financially Support the Fellowship

Ongoing pledged donations or one-off gifts can be made through various methods:

Cash or Check (Please indicate Annual Pledge, Donation, or Capital Campaign in your mailing)

• Mail to the church: Cascade Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 1550 Sunset Highway, East Wenatchee WA 98802

Automatic Bank Withdrawal (ACH)

For cost efficiency, we urge every member to sign up for monthly Automatic Bank Withdrawals.  Payments will be made electronically from your bank account to Cascade UU’s bank account. No paper is wasted and monthly payments are made effortlessly until you decide to change or stop them.  Other payment methods are much less efficient or cost the church money (for example, Paypal and credit cards and charge 2-4% fees). Contact the CUUF Treasurer (treasurer@cascadeuu.org) for steps to set up Automatic Bank Withdrawal.

Online Bill Pay

Many banks and financial institutions now offer a convenient online bill pay option.  You can set up a one-time or recurring payment directly through your bank. The bank will cut the check for you and send it directly to Cascade Unitarian Universalist Fellowship.  Call your bank for more information on Online Bill Pay.

Credit Card (please indicate if you are sending an annual pledge, donation, or capital campaign payment):

Cascade UU uses Paypal to accept small and one-time donations via credit cards.  For large or recurring payments, consider other payment methods described above that minimize fees and maximize the impact of your generosity.  If paying by credit card is right for you, please be sure to specify how to apply your donation (for example, annual pledge, capital campaign, fundraising, share the plate, other).