Fund for UUism

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.

Panels meet during one or two grant cycles/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 the proposals to their Fund, and write their evaluations, scores, comments and questions on the application platform (Foundant). Each Panel member is assigned applications – for these, they contact the applicant, ask questions, get updates on the work, make the process humane. This conversation is part of the presentation/discussion 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. Panel members may belong to an organization seeking funding, but must recuse themselves from the grant decision. Each application is discussed with the entire Panel and funding decisions are made by consensus. While we used to meet in person in Boston over one to three days, we now meet on Zoom in two to four meetings lasting up to two hours each.

Each Panel is comprised of ministers and lay leaders and we always aim to reflect the full diversity of the Association, especially in regard to historically marginalized communities.