Annual Pledge Drive 2025-2026
Support Our Beloved Community
Why Pledge?On Sunday, May 3, 2026, we launch CANVASS, the Church’s annual and only month-long fund raising campaign in support of upcoming annual operating expenses. Every member is gratefully asked to make a pledge to support the Church with specified gifts of money throughout the upcoming fiscal year.
Our gifts to CANVASS, pledged in this May, will provide 85% of what we can spend to again produce another year of “church” of the caliber of excellence we have experienced and come to expect. Our target is $85,000, and, frankly, we will reach this goal only if members are able and willing to increase the amount of their gifts.
Our pledges of financial support are part of our shared covenant for those who are part of the community in membership or friendship. We ask everyone to pledge, regardless of the amount, as all gifts are precious and valued. Our volunteer gifts and financial gifts make this church powerful and sustainable. We depend upon both.
Serving Our Church Community In Challenging Times
What does your pledge support?
Your contributions, time and talents help to support all aspects of our UUCSB Community, including (but not limited to) to the following :
"Tree of Hope" Holiday Offering
Weekly and Monthly Newsletters
Choir led by Music Director Ellie Rolnick
Unexpected Community Outreach
Ministry Support
RE Facilitation
Gifted Ministry by Dr. Rev. Lori Whittemore
Upkeep for our grounds and building
Social Justice Work
Our growing web team and video support
Community meals
Ministry team
Administrative leadership
Building upgrades like fresh carpet.
Sunday services
Community Education
Special Projects
Regular maintenance
Special musical guests
Family game nights
Small Ministry groups
Caring Connection Outreach
Share the plate outreach
Organ performances by Paul Benya
What Should You Pledge?
This year’s goal is 100% Participation.
With a target of $85,000.00
How much you pledge is a personal decision. It is informed by your financial means, your connection to the mission and work of the Church, and the needs of the Church. UUA Fair Share Guidelines suggest that a new member pledge 2% of adjusted gross income. Some prefer to evaluate based on a monthly payment, i.e., $100 a month = a pledge of $1,200. Last year, annual gifts to CANVASS reflected five pledges in the range of $5,000; seven at $2,500; nine at $1,200; and thirty more.
“Alone We Can Do So Little;
Together We Can Do So Much”
How do I pledge?
Written Pledge (Check as Usual)
If you prefer the time-honored tradition of writing out your pledge and turning in payments to the office, you’re always welcome to do that.
Online Giving & Automatic Payments
For the first time, you can also make your pledge online using Zeffy, our fundraising platform. Zeffy is a Canadian company that supports nonprofits without charging transaction fees—so 100% of your donation goes to UUCSB.
You can choose automatic payments on a schedule that works for you. Plus, Zeffy will send you a tax-deductible receipt automatically, which makes things easier for you and helps UUCSB save on administrative costs.
Our small but mighty church is growing—and so is our vibrant community of young people, guided and supported by the wisdom and dedication of those who have long been the heart of our congregation.
Together, across generations, we create a welcoming, joyful space where children and families can belong, explore their values, and grow. Your gift helps us honor this strong foundation while nurturing the next generation for years to come.