Fund for Unitarian Universalist Social Responsibility

Fund for Unitarian Universalist Social Responsibility

The Fund for Unitarian Universalist Social Responsibility makes grants to Unitarian Universalist organizations working to increase the direct involvement of Unitarian Universalists in service, advocacy, and/or organizing to create justice in the larger community, link Unitarian Universalists with the larger community, and foster a generosity of spirit in all aspects of our communities.

The Panel receives 10–20 applications per cycle and makes 50 grants per year totaling $290,000. The SR Panel also makes a number of smaller grants for Get Out The Vote work and organizing around AIW initiatives.

Meetings: Each cycle contains 2 to 3 Zoom meetings, lasting 2 hours each, with in-person meetings lasting 1 to 2 days.

Qualifications: Applicants should have familiarity with UU social justice work.

Panel members are appointed by the President of the UUA and serve up to 4 two-year terms.

Unitarian Universalist Funding Panels Mission Statement

Inspired by the richness and diversity of the liberal religious tradition which guides us, the mission of the Unitarian Universalist Funding Program is to promote the influence of Unitarian Universalist principles through grantmaking. Grants are made which support the work of social justice, strengthen Unitarian Universalist institutions, make Unitarian Universalism more visible in the world, and transform gratitude for being into generosity of living.

More Details about the Unitarian Universalist Funding Panels

Panels meet twice a year to review applications and make grants (usually November/December and May/June – variable given people’s schedules). Each of the four Funds has its own mission, guidelines, and process.

Panel members read all proposals to their Fund, make comments and questions on the application platform (Foundant), and are assigned between 2 and 8 applications. They contact the applicant, introduce themselves, ask questions, and get updates on the work, making the process humane. This conversation is part of the presentation at the Panel meeting.

Panel members are not expected to advocate for the proposals they are assigned to but rather to present more information and updates. Each application is discussed with the entire Panel, and funding decisions are made by consensus. While previously meeting in person in Boston over one to three days, we now meet on Zoom in two to four meetings lasting two hours each.

Each Panel is comprised of ministers and lay leaders.