Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Duluth 
Two Wings Campaign: Questions & Answers
Didn't we just complete a capital campaign? Why another one?
The gifts and grants that allowed our congregation to come together and build this green and gracious space on College Street did not cover all of the expenses. The cost of our new home was $4.1 million. We estimate that following the sale of our Winona Street property this coming year, the balance of the remaining debt will be $715,000. To date our deficit has been covered by a no-interest loan from the Zeppa Family Foundation. By prior agreement that loan comes to an end in August of 2010, and the Foundation would like to be repaid then, so that it can direct its resources to other community needs.
We are addressing this obligation on two fronts: First by conducting a capital fund drive to raise gifts and pledges of support dedicated to paying down the principal and interest of this debt, and secondly, by securing financing through commercial lenders or, possibly, from UUCD members.
Gifts and pledges of support from members will allow us to reduce the overall total owed and provide potential lenders with assurance that we can meet our obligations. Your contributions to this goal will be used to pay down the principal owed and assist with interest payments over time.
Why the increased goal for the annual canvass?
For the last 3 years we have been blessed with a generous grant from the Zeppa Family Foundation to support our Staffing for Growth Initiative that has allowed us to add additional hours to our program staff and to bring the ministers' salary up to the median level as defined by UUA. The grant support, which has averaged $30,000 a year, comes to an end this year. We will need to replace that generous support in order to continue to sustain the staffing and programming we have developed to meet the needs of our congregation.
Additionally, our search for a "settled minister" begins. We anticipate a one-time total expense to our operating budget in 2010 of approximately $20,000 for the search process.
How is the operating budget spent?
Approximately 72% of our annual budget goes to compensate our staff who provide much of the support necessary for carrying out the "programs" of the congregation. About 10% goes toward maintaining our building. This includes cleaning, utilities and insurance. The rest is split among three categories:
- Denominational Support to UUA which serves as our support toward the broader efforts for justice by UUA and to support UUA services to local congregations to which we have benefited greatly from during these past few years of transition.
- Committee Support to assist in the planning and implementation of the many programs that serve our members and the larger community.
- Program Support, which include the costs for telephone and internet services, copier maintenance, printing and postage.
If I (we) can give only one gift which goal is more important?
Both the annual canvass and the building fund goals are important to the financial health of our congregation. We welcome your support wherever you choose to designate it. Our biggest challenge, though, will be meeting the anticipated needs of our annual operating budget for 2010.
What about projects to finish the building?
As with any home we have no shortage of needs and wants for our new building. The board will address these needs through special fund raising over time. Our focus with this fund drive has to be addressing our remaining debt and increasing the level of ongoing financial support from our member community so that we can sustain programs and staffing.
Can I (we) help with the financing of the debt?
Through gifts and pledges of support from this fund drive we hope to reduce that amount by nearly half. The balance will then need to be financed. We are currently exploring financing options with our congregation's financial services provider, Members Cooperative Credit Union. We are also researching models of member financing. Let us know if you are interested.
What if we don't meet the financial goals of this fund drive?
Our Board of Directors will face difficult decisions. Not making the objectives for the operating budget means that we may be unable to fulfill our current level of programming and staff hours that we have developed through our Staffing for Growth Initiative. It may also impact our ability to attract and retain a "settled minister." Not meeting the capital campaign goal will, at minimum, increase the costs of financing the debt. It also might mean we fail to honor the wishes of the Foundation which has been so instrumental in our transition to our new home.
I (we) can't give much, will it make any difference?
Every gift, no matter the amount, will be greatly appreciated. Together, many hands will make light work of the task. Just look at what we have accomplished. Just think of what we can do. Your charitable gift does make a difference.
Can I (we) pledge a gift to the capital goal and pay it at a later date?
Absolutely; we are looking for pledges of support that can be paid anytime within the next three years.
Will a planned gift from my (our) estate help?
Yes; our goal is financial strength and security so that the congregation can fulfill its mission. There are many types of planned gift options that you can explore with your financial advisor that can support UUCD over time. Contact us for more information
How do I (we) make my gift or pledge of support?
A pledge form is available that you may use to indicate your support. Please return the form by November 1 so that the Finance Council can plan a budget for 2010. We welcome your financial support in whatever way you can best manage it.
Many members budget their pledge of support to our annual operating budget on a monthly basis. For example a $1,200 pledge would equal 12 payments of $100.
Pledges of support toward the capital goal of debt reduction can include payments spread out over 3 years (2010, 2011 and 2012). A pledge of, say, $2,700 would equal $75 monthly over that time period.
Gifts of appreciated stock and other forms of property are also welcome. Please consult a financial advisor about your personal tax implications.For questions about the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Duluth's With Two Wings Campaign, please contact Paul Borrmann at: 218-625-8396, or by email at: kdonn@cpinternet.co