UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST CHURCH OF

URBANA-CHAMPAIGN

SHARED OFFERING FAQs

2019/20 Church Year

Each fall, the Social Action Committee organizes UUCUC’s monthly shared offering program that is collected and disbursed to organizations that share our values during the following calendar year.  Organizations are nominated in October and then voted on during a special November meeting after church on a Sunday in November. Through this program our congregation is able to become aware of many more organizations doing good work locally and beyond.

How do I nominate an organization?

• You can find a nomination form online in the E-News and on the church website during October and November. Just fill it out and send it in electronically.

Do nominations need to be local, community groups?

• No they do not. Shared offering choices are optimally divided among local, state, national  and international organizations
• Ideally, organizations should represent different categories, such as housing; environment; food; children, medical care/health; peace; immigration; racial justice; and other social justice concerns.

Can an organization be nominated for two years in a row?

• Yes, it can be nominated again if it was not selected in the previous year.
• Organizations receiving funding in 2020 were:

• Champaign County Bailout Coalition
• Salt and Light Ministries
• Randolph St. Community Gardens
• Rape Advocacy Counseling and Education Services
• Sistering CU
• Uniting Pride Center
• Wesley Food Pantry
• Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense
• CU Trauma and Resiliency Initiative
• Cunningham Township Angel Fund
• Unitarian Universalist Service Committee

Does an organization have to be 501(c)3, or have a fiscal sponsor?

• While 501(c)(3) not-for-profit status (or one with a fiscal sponsor that has such status) is preferred, it is not required. The Social Action Committee recognizes that there are start-up organizations; groups that are working in other countries; and initiatives that come together quickly to address an environmental or social justice concern that also merit funding.
• The Social Action Committee will strive to check nominated 501(c)(3) organizations through one of the charity rating services to verify its effectiveness (% overhead, efficiency in meeting goals, etc.).

Who can nominate an organization?

• Nominations for UUCUC’s shared offering program should come from a member or friend of the church (“friend” means someone who is active in UUCC or a regular attendee).
• Nominations from persons not affiliated with UUCUC are not allowed.
• There are many organizations supported by members and friends at UUCUC. While not prohibited, it is preferred that someone other than an officer, director, employee, or board member take responsibility for nominating that organization.

Is there a limit to the number of organizations that can be nominated, or a limit to the number of organizations that one member can submit?

• There is no limit to the number of organizations that can be nominated.  Of those proposed, eleven will be selected.  December’s offering is reserved for our partner churches.
• While there is no limit, we ask that you use your discretion.  Our goal is to encourage “whole-church” participation.

When will nominations be discussed and voted on?

• Nominations will be considered and voted on by those present at the special Social Action Committee meeting after Church on Sunday November 22.  Attendance by church members and friends is encouraged, whether or not they have nominated an organization.
• All nominations received by November 10 will be assembled into an electronic packet and made available no less than 7 days before the November 22, 2020 meeting.

Who can present a nomination on behalf of an organization?

• Presentations should be made by the church member or friend who nominated the organization (or willing surrogate) only.  Organizations will not be allowed to make their own presentation, but may be present to answer questions.

Who can vote for organizations nominated for the shared offering program?

• Members and friends of the church can vote at the special November 22, 2020 Social Action Committee meeting.
• At this time, there is no process for either proxy votes - or absentee ballots.
• Other guests, such as representatives of nominated organizations who might be present, may not vote.

How will months be assigned to the selected organizations?

• Month assignments for the 2021 calendar year will be made by the shared offering task force. If a selected organization has a strong preference for a certain month they may state this preference.

Still have some questions?  

Feel free to contact Jim (jwhannum@gmail.com) or Sandy Hannum (smhannum@gmail.com).