What is a Pledge?

In the context of the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA), a “pledge” is a personal commitment made by a church member to donate a specific amount of money to the congregation over the course of a year, essentially a promise to financially support the church’s operations and programs; it is considered a non-binding promise, allowing individuals to adjust their pledge if needed based on changing circumstances. 

Key points about a UUA pledge:
  • Financial commitment:
    A pledge is a stated amount of money you plan to contribute to the church throughout the year. 

  • Fair Share Guidelines:
    The UUA provides “Fair Share Guidelines” which suggest a percentage of income that individuals should consider pledging based on their financial situation. 

  • Planning tool:
    Pledges help the church leadership plan their budget for the upcoming year by providing an estimate of anticipated income. 

  • Not a contract:
    While a pledge is a serious commitment, it is not legally binding and can be adjusted if necessary.