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The First Unitarian Congregation
of Ottawa
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FirstU's Annual Pledge Campaign
Our annual Pledge Campaign is the most important source of revenue for our FirstU congregation, representing more than half of our annual income.
There are various ways to participate in the Annual Pledge Campaign, as outlined in our Pledge Campaign Brochure and on the webpage below.
Your pledge is vital because the congregation is entirely self-funding. There is no higher authority that sends us money. The money we raise during our annual Pledge Campaign is used to fund our mission and our events and activities, operate our church, pay our staff, and maintain our building. Actual payment of your contribution will be made in 2027, on a schedule that suits your finances.
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The title of this year’s campaign, Strengthening Our Ties, is meant to capture the current spirit of the congregation, as we look forward to learning and growing with Rev. Lara Cowtan, and with each other.
Your pledge for 2027 ensures we can continue offering vibrant worship – both in person and online – with engaging Religious Exploration and uplifting music. Your pledge enables inspiring Adult Education such as our Journey Groups, and meaningful Social Justice actions, such as our Ajashki program, Food Cupboard, refugee sponsorship and environmental awareness initiatives. Together, we’re building a more compassionate, inclusive world.
We are seeking a 5% increase in pledge totals this year, to reflect our growing congregation and to accommodate our rising costs. For this we need your help, if you can afford it. Proper funding allows our congregation to achieve our many goals: liberal religious exploration, social justice action, refugee support, and community building. There are many ways to support your church - monthly donations, legacy giving, one-time donations, and more.
Have Questions? Call our Finance Manager Michelle Jackson at 613-725-1066 X 222 OR:
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Why We Pledge
Words from Our Members on Supporting Our Church
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You may be wondering why people give financially and how they determine an amount that is right for them. Listen to some of our members share their feelings and experiences about the Congregation and their annual giving experience.
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"I give so there is a place
for truth and hope to grow."
~ C.T. (FirstU member since 2001)
Making Your Commitment to Give in 2027
There are various ways to participate in the Annual Pledge Campaign, as outlined in the Pledge Campaign Brochure and our Guidelines for Giving.
Other Ways to Support Our Mission
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One-Time Donations
Perhaps you'd like to make a donation in memory of a loved one, or to support a particular cause we are championing. Thank you. Visit our Donations page, call the office at 613-725-1066 X 222, or email our Finance Manager, for details.
Tax receipts are issued for amounts over $25.​
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Funding Programs
Annual giving is supplemented by other ways of supporting the church, including Planned Giving, also known as Legacy Giving, and the Endowment Fund. If you would like to know more about Legacy Giving and bequests read about Legacy Giving here, or call the church office: 613-725-1066
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What Your Generosity Supports
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Your pledge for 2027 ensures we can continue offering vibrant worship – both in person and online – with engaging Religious Exploration and an uplifting music program. It allows us to pay our staff and maintain our building.
Your support also helps fund programs like Odayanhaway, our affordable housing and reconciliation project, ​and the Ajashki Project as well as our ongoing Refugee Support. We are rebuilding our Religious Exploration and Adult Learning and Growth programs. We will continue to meet the spiritual needs of existing members and newcomers by offering opportunities for spiritual development to our thriving, growing community.
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Who Should Give?
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We enthusiastically invite everyone who is part of the FirstU community – whether or not you are a member –
to pledge your financial support. Contributions from Pledgers enable the financial sustainability of FirstU and our mission.
If you are part of the FirstU community, but not yet a member, you can contact the Welcome & Membership Team
to find out more about the benefits of the stronger connection that membership brings.
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When and How Do I Give?
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Giving Regularly
For your own budgeting, you may prefer regular monthly donations. We encourage this, as it helps with FirstU’s budget too! There are several ways to donate, including Pre-Authorized Chequing (PAC), Credit Card, Etransfers and postdated cheques. You can also donate regularly by Sunday Service plate offerings, either in person or electronically. See the Pledge Form for details and contact Michelle Jackson at fm@firstunitarianottawa.ca to set up a payment plan that suits your needs.
Giving a One-Time Gift
You may prefer giving by an annual one-time cheque. We require donations for the 2026 Pledge Campaign to be post-dated for 2026. Note that all donations are receipted in the year in which they are received though, of course, we encourage donations at any time. You can also donate publicly-traded shares. Michelle Jackson has special forms to accomplish this in a tax-efficient manner.​
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How Much Should I Give?
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How much to give depends on your personal situation. It is often much easier for someone who makes $100,000 a year to give a certain percentage of their income than for someone who makes $20,000 a year to donate the same percentage. We encourage you to donate what you can without harming yourself or your family. If you would like some guidance, please see the Suggested Monthly Pledge Chart, below.
We encourage everyone to make a pledge that fits with their personal circumstances and commitment to the congregation. Consider your UU values and place yourself along this continuum:
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Supporter: The congregation is a helpful part of my spiritual and intellectual life, It supports my spiritual growth.
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Sustainer: The congregation is my central community; I am committed to sustaining the programs and ministries of my congregation.
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Visionary: My commitment is a clear demonstration of the unique importance to me of this congregation and of my spiritual principles. I am committed to its present and future growth
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Suggested Monthly Pledge, by Annual Income
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Consider Increasing Your Monthly Gift
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​​If you are already donating monthly by PAC or credit card, we thank you for your commitment.
​This is an ideal time to consider increasing your monthly donation in 2027 to reflect the increase in cost of living.
