Charitable Giving

A pledge is a promise to donate a certain amount of money to UFP within our fiscal year (January 1 to December 31).

The pledge campaign runs in November is critical to our operation and survival. When members and friends pledge, the congregation can establish a realistic operating budget for the coming year. The funds collected through the annual pledge process support our programs, services, staff, and facilities.

If you missed making a pledge, we welcome your commitment at any time of the year.

How do I know if I have fulfilled my pledge?

Those who pledge receive written acknowledgement of contributions (quarterly statements) to use for their own budgets and tax purposes.

Do I need to be a member to pledge?

Anyone can make an annual pledge. You do not need to be a member to pledge.

Do I have to pledge to be a member or friend of the congregation?

Everyone is welcome to attend our services, with no financial obligation. However, we believe that financial support is one of the responsibilities of all congregants, if they are able. We strongly encourage you to live your values by making a pledge consistent with your individual circumstances.

How much should I give?

The Canadian Unitarian Council suggests that a pledge of 3% of gross annual income is a good target. By way of example, a $1,500 pledge represents 3% of a $50,000 annual gross income.

When should I pledge?

The fall pledge campaign is the best time to pledge, allowing us to plan for the following year. If you missed the pledge campaign, you can make a pledge at any time.

How do I follow through with my pledge?

You can fulfill your pledge by:

1. Arranging for monthly automatic withdrawals (easiest!). Contact our Treasurer to get set up.

2. Providing post-dated cheques in-person to the Treasurer (payable to the Unitarian Fellowship of Peterborough).

3. Mailing a cheque(s) to171A Rink Street, Suite 266  Peterborough, ON K9J 2J6

4. Sending an e-transfer to bookkeeper@peterboroughunitarian.ca

5. Credit card, PayPal or Google Pay through our page on Canada Helps

Will I receive a bill or statement?

Regardless of how you pay your pledge, you will receive a quarterly statement indicating how much you have pledged for the year and how much of that pledge has been received.  Receipts for income tax purposes are sent out by February 28 of the following fiscal year.

How are pledged funds allocated within the Fellowship?

Coinciding with the pledge campaign in November, UFP committees provide an estimate of revenues and expenses for the next fiscal year (January 1 to December 31).  At the end of the pledge campaign, the Board reviews our pledge commitments (anticipated income) and the various committee budgets (proposed expenses) and develops a budget for the upcoming year; making decisions about programs and services for the coming year.  The congregation votes on the budget at a congregational meeting.

How does the pledge relate to the weekly collection during Sunday service?

Some people fulfill their pledge by placing a cheque or cash in the weekly collection plate in an envelope.  Other funds collected during the services also go into the general revenue stream of the Unitarian Fellowship of Peterborough. We occasionally have special collections that are announced and separate envelopes are provided.

Pledges are very important relative to the weekly collection because the commitments made in advance of the congregational year allow us to plan, whereas weekly donations are difficult to predict.