Fundraising

All recognized First Parish committees, groups and social justice taskforces can seek support for their activities from the congregation at large. Activities not done under the umbrella of a committee, approved group or social justice taskforce will be considered rentals and are covered under the rental policies.

All fundraisers need to be approved in advance and follow appropriate procedures. It is important that fundraisers are scheduled in such a way that they do not conflict with each other or with the Annual Stewardship Fund or regularly scheduled fundraisers such as the Annual Community Auction, the UUSC Guest at Your Table and the annual Fred Small concert.

Fundraising for outside groups and organizations can only take place if it is a project of a First Parish social justice taskforce, program group or committee. It is not okay for people for solicit for their favorite causes during social hour or church events. If you want to organize a fundraiser, a social justice taskforce, program group or committee needs to be the sponsor. All fundraising needs to be consistent with First Parish policies. The fundraising policy, check and cash management policy and forms are available at the bottom of the Resources for Leaders page. Also a reminder that you need to sign up in advance for a table in social hour. See "How to Publicize Your Activities" also on that page.

It is understood that the Annual Stewardship Campaign is the only First Parish fundraising event in which ALL members and friends are expected to participate. Members and friends of First Parish will choose other activities to support according to their particular interests.

The Annual Community Auction takes place each November. A silent auction, it builds community through members offering dinners and events and sharing skills ranging from massages to computer assistance to yard work to music lessons. Funds raised from the Community Auction support the operating budget. The Auction Committee organizes the event. No other fundraising events can take place on the Sundays of the Community Auction. The 2011 Auction will take place on November 13 and 20. Here's a complete list of items for Auction 2011.

Between Thanksgiving and New Years, First Parish members can participate in the UU Service Committee (UUSC) “Guest at Your Table” program. Funds raised support human rights work of the UU Service Committee. First Parish donated $1,040 for the 2010-2011 Guest at Your Table. Children in the Religious Education program help publicize the program each year. First Parish encourages members to also become members of the UUSC. Information about UUSC is available at www.uusc.org.

The Annual Fred Small Concert supports the First Parish Beloved Community Fund (for diversity and accessibility). A Concert committee supports the event including ticket sales; staffing the evening; organizing a raffle; and selling refreshments, cds and other items during the concert. The next concert is May 20,2011.

In addition to fundraising for groups, First Parish shares half of the undesignated weekly offering with a non-profit community group through the Shared Offering.