Fair Share Giving Guide
A compassionate community of free religious thought, inviting all people to rest, grow, and serve the world.
From you I receive, to you I give …
The Suggested Fair-Share Giving Guide offers an interesting perspective to help tackle the question of “how much is right for me?”
The guide is progressive i.e. once your basic needs are met, it’s a case of the more you have, the more generous you can afford to be.
Using the Giving Guide is a Simple 3-Step Process
Step One: Determine your financial resources
Often we think about our financial resources as a monthly or annual amount and budget our financial commitments accordingly, but you may calculate on any time frame that works for you. For convenience, the guide shows both monthly and annual income levels. Determine what your financial resources are: $_______/month or $_______/year.
ADD to your income any periodic or unusual income, such as inheritances, business income, anticipated investment income, etc.
SUBTRACT any unusual expenses, such as large medical expenses, care of a parent, or a large financial expense, etc.
Result: $_________ This is your Adjusted Monthly/Annual Income.
Each of us will have our own unique circumstances to consider in making this calculation. The flexibility to include meaningful and unusual exceptions in your financial life (income and expenses) is what makes the Guide fair and useful. This is a tool for you to use in the spirit of the Congregationalist tradition; we are individually and collectively responsible for resourcing our movement and our congregations. This is an honor system; only you know your circumstances.
Step Two: Consider your commitment and connection to the Westwood community and its activities
In making your decision, review the four commitment levels below and how they relate to your membership. Consider your UU values in thinking about your income and your financial commitment to the congregation, as expressed in the four levels below. Note that within each commitment level, the guide is progressive, with giving levels rising as financial capacity rises.
Supporter: The congregation is a significant part of my spiritual and intellectual life and I want to support it. My fair share financial commitment starts at 2% of my income and rises to 6% as my income and capacity rise.
Sustainer: The congregation is a central part of my life; I am committed to sustaining the programs and ministries of my congregation. My fair share financial commitment starts at 3% of my income and rises to 7% as my income and capacity rise.
Visionary: My commitment is a clear demonstration of the unique importance of this congregation and of my spiritual principles. My fair share financial commitment starts at 5% of my income and rises to 9% as my income and capacity rise.
Transformer: I am deeply committed to the congregation; my contribution provides fuel for transformation and is part of my spiritual practices in living out my UU Principles. My fair share financial commitment represents 10% of my income.
Step Three: Locate your suggested pledge on the chart
From the Adjusted Monthly Income column, move to the right to find a suggested giving level that you are ready to support, between 2% and 10%, depending on adjusted income and level of commitment. Interpolate between guide levels if needed.
| Supporter: 2-6% of Income | Sustainer: 3-7% of Income | Visionary: 5-9% of Income | Transformer: 10% of Income | ||||||
| Adjusted Monthly Income | Approx. Adjusted Annual Income | Suggested % of Income | Monthly Pledge | Suggested % of Income | Monthly Pledge | Suggested % of Income | Monthly Pledge | Suggested % of Income | Monthly Pledge |
| $1,000 |
$12,000 | 2% | $20 | 3% | $30 | 5% | $50 | 10% | $100 |
| $1,500 | $18,000 | 2% | $30 | 3% | $45 | 5% | $75 | 10% | $150 |
| $2,000 | $25,000 | 2% | $40 | 3% | $60 | 5% | $100 | 10% | $200 |
| $3,000 | $36,000 | 2% | $60 | 3% | $90 | 5% | $150 | 10% | $300 |
| $4,000 | $50,000 | 3% | $120 | 4% | $160 | 5% | $200 | 10% | $400 |
| $5,000 | $60,000 | 3% | $150 | 4% | $200 | 6% | $300 | 10% | $500 |
| $6,500 | $80,000 | 3% | $195 | 4% | $260 | 6% | $390 | 10% | $650 |
| $8,500 | $100,000 | 3% | $255 | 5% | $425 | 6% | $510 | 10% | $850 |
| $10,000 | $120,000 | 3% | $300 | 5% | $500 | 6% | $600 | 10% | $1,000 |
| $12,500 | $150,000 | 4% | $500 | 5% | $625 | 6% | $750 | 10% | $1,250 |
| $17,000 | $200,000 | 4% | $680 | 6% | $1,020 | 7% | $1,190 | 10% | $1,700 |
| $25,000 | $300,000 | 4% | $1,250 | 6% | $1,500 | 8% | $2,000 | 10% | $2,500 |
| $40,000 | $500,000 | 4% | $2,400 | 7% | $2,800 | 9% | $3,600 | 10% | $4,000 |
Ready to Make or Update a Pledge?
For considering what Westwood means to you and how that transforms into a financial commitment.
If you have any questions, please contact our Treasurer at treasurer@westwoodunitarian.ca or other members of the Board. board@westwoodunitarian.ca.