The Unitarian Universalist Service Committee advances human rights through grassroots collaborations.
Fundraise for UUSC through Special Events
In addition to the traditional ways of giving to UUSC, people are often interested in organizing special events to support UUSC. For those interested in creative ways to raise awareness and funds for UUSC’s work advancing human rights, below are some of the most frequently asked questions about these projects. If you have a question that is not included here or an idea to share, please e-mail development @ uusc.org, and we will be happy to speak with you.
Frequently asked questions
I want to organize an event to raise funds for UUSC. Is there someone I can speak with about this project?
Yes! We are grateful to the many supporters who want to go above and beyond in their support and facilitate others’ giving to UUSC. We can send you publications, answer questions about our programs, and provide general advice. Contact us at development @ uusc.org to discuss your ideas.
I want to raise money for UUSC by participating in an athletic event. Can you help me with this?
Some volunteers challenge themselves athletically while fundraising for human rights by representing UUSC when running races, climbing mountains, and biking across states! If you would like to raise money for UUSC by having people sponsor your athletic endeavors, let us know at development @ uusc.org so that we can provide information and support, and publicize your efforts to our members.
Can I run the Boston Marathon in support of UUSC?
In 2011, three runners ran the Boston Marathon for UUSC and two more ran in 2012! While we’re not sure if this will happen each year, we encourage you to e-mail development @ uusc.org to find out whether we will have marathon numbers. We do not currently work with marathons in cities other than Boston, but this may change in the future.
How do I designate UUSC as the recipient of funds I raise through Church World Service’s CROP Walk?
Many UUSC supporters participate in the CROP Walk and choose to designate funds to UUSC through this event. On your donation envelopes from Church World Service, there is a column to list an organization to which you’d like to designate the funds donated. Simply request that your CROP Walk sponsors select UUSC in that column, and Church World Service will send a portion of the funds you raised directly to UUSC. Unfortunately, Church World Service does not provide us with a list of donors, so we can’t thank each one personally — so you may wish to thank your sponsors directly for their contributions to UUSC.
How much of the funds designated through the CROP Walk does UUSC receive?
When you designate UUSC as the recipient of funds, we receive 65 percent of the total raised. An additional 25 percent goes to local organizations designated by local walk organizers, and 10 percent goes to Church World Service for their administrative expenses.
I want to raise money for UUSC in celebration of my birthday. Can you help me organize an event or raise funds?
UUSC supporters sometimes ask their friends and family to give to UUSC in lieu of or in addition to other gifts. We can suggest online tools and in-person strategies to meet your goal. Contact us at development @ uusc.org to get started!
I’m a student who would like to raise funds for UUSC — will you work with me on this?
UUSC’s current five-year strategic plan includes a focus on working with youth and young adults on social justice issues. We welcome young people who are interested in helping us advance human rights! We can provide you with information to help you organize an event in your school, church, or community. You might also use social networking to raise awareness and ask for donations. Just e-mail us at development @ uusc.org to get started!
I’d like to plan an event to increase UUSC membership in my congregation. How do I get started?
We provide a number of resources on UUSC membership that can help you organize a membership campaign. You might choose to write letters asking for new members and membership renewal, or simply run a membership table during your coffee hour. We are here to help you meet your goals and work toward congregational awards. E-mail development @ uusc.org for help setting goals and organizing a campaign.
If you have more questions, we can assist you. E-mail development @ uusc.org.
