Stewardship and Pledging

Make My Pledge Promise Pay My Pledge FAQs Contribution Guide

Stewardship Campaign 2026-2027

During our Stewardship Campaign we ask members to consider what UUCB means to them and make a written commitment of their financial gift for the year ahead. Pledges allow UUCB to make realistic plans for staffing and programs for the coming year so we can continue to create loving community, inspire spiritual growth, and encourage lives of integrity, joy, and service.

Our Stewardship theme this year is “The Fire of Commitment” based off that great hymn in the teal hymnal. We’re excited to get members and friends thinking about their passion for and commitment to UUCB, playing with the analogy of building a fire together, beginning with a SPARK and then IGNITION, on to a ROARING BLAZE and eventually arriving at SUSTAINING the BLAZE and ADMIRING the FIRE.

Here is what you can expect this year:

We’re starting early and ending late! Our kickoff and first speaker will be Sunday, January 25 with several more speakers in February and March, then Celebration Sunday on April 26, which is when we hope to have a final pledge amount to give to the Board of Trustees, who then use that to set a budget for the following year.

Remember: Stewardship is the annual task of asking each member and pledger what specific financial contribution they can commit to giving in the coming church year. If you’re new to all this or need a reminder: UUCB begins a fresh fiscal year every July 1. So much depends on our pledges, most notably paying our staff a fair wage and keeping the lights on. We have a new giving guide to share that we hope will help answer that age-old question: “How much should I give?”

Other things to note: we’re offering a one-time chance to join a small group meeting we’re calling a Fire Circle where you can reflect on your fire of commitment. We’re also planning an evening soiree for all early pledgers, wine and chocolate dipped strawberries at sunset on the patio, Sunday March 1. We hope you’ll plan to be an early pledger!

Reach out with any questions, stewardship@uucb.org

Make My Pledge Promise

Many Ways to Pledge:

Paper pledge. Click here to print a paper pledge to fill out. Pledge packets will be available for pickup at the Stewardship table on Sunday March 9th; those not picked up in person will be mailed. Pledge forms will also be available at the Stewardship table on Sundays through April 6th. You can also request a pledge form by emailing stewardship@uucb; enter “Send me a pledge form” in the subject line.
Pledge online via Breeze using this link: https://uuchurchofberkeley.breezechms.com/form/2026-2027-Pledge-Form or the form below (only the fields with an asterisk* are required)

Pay My Pledge

In an effort to make things as easy as possible, there are lots of ways you can pay your pledge, including some new options:

Breeze: we also have a secure online payment system through our church database system called Breeze.
- Click here to give directly through Breeze. Please select the appropriate pledge year for which you’re submitting your payment. For Example: “Give to Pledge 26-27”
Cash: Mail to the church office or drop into either the offering plate or through the office door slot in an envelope. Indicate on the envelope your name and that it is for your pledge.
Check: Mail to the church office or drop into either the offering plate or through the office door slot in an envelope. Don’t forget to write “pledge” in the subject line.
Stock Transfer or RMD (Required Minimum Distribution) Contact our Operations Director, Janae Heard at janae@uucb.org for more information.
PayPal:

Pledge FAQs

What is a Pledge?

A pledge is a promise to contribute a specific amount of money to UUCB over a specific period of time (typically a church year, which runs from July 1 to June 30). Collectively, pledges paid by the UUCB church community constitute over 44% of the income received by the church to fund salaries, operations and programs.

What is a Pledge Unit?

An individual or family who makes a pledge is referred to as a pledge unit.

Why and when are Pledges solicited?

UUCB operates under an annual budget prepared by church leadership and presented and approved by the congregation at the annual meeting in May. To support building the budget, a pledge drive is held in March to canvass the UUCB church community to make their pledges for the upcoming church year. The results of the pledge drive enable church leadership to project the pledge income for the upcoming church year and to set the budget accordingly.

Are church members expected to make pledges?

UUCB Bylaws state that a requirement of membership is an annual “contribution of record.” This can be done by pledging and paying off the pledge over time. Or, contributions can be made when possible at any point in the church year. Be sure to mark the contribution with your name and as a contribution to UUCB.
If financial constraints preclude doing either of these things, a waiver can be obtained from the minister.

Do I need to be a member of the church to make a pledge?

No; anyone who wants to financially support the church can make a pledge.

How many people pledge to UUCB and how much is pledged?

For the 2024-25 church year, there were 149 pledges totaling $528,928.

Can I set up automatic pledge payments?

Yes; go to the UUCB website (uucb.org) and click on the “Give” button at the top menu on the home page. You can set up monthly payments directly through your bank (no fee to UUCB), from the Breeze system (which will draw *from* your bank or card) or through PayPal.

Can I make changes to my pledge?

Yes; you can make a change to your pledge at any time. You may advise the Deposit Team by emailing DepositTeam@uucb.org or calling the main UUCB number of 510-525-0302.

Does all of the money I give to the church count against my pledge commitment?

No; only pledge payments are applied to a pledge commitment. Other money given for a Good Neighbor organization, an auction item, church events, etc., do not. Please be sure to note “pledge payment” on the memo line of your check, or write “pledge payment” in the Notes section of PayPal (with bank account or credit card). If you pay in cash, please be sure to fill out a pew envelope (also available in the office to the left of the Office Administrator’s door) so it will be applied as a pledge payment to your account.

What happens to unpaid pledge commitments at the end of the church year?

Each church year ends on June 30. The church sends out monthly pledge statements, so you may keep track of your balance. We include reminders in April, and ask you to notify us if you have a change in your circumstances. If no feedback is received, future payments are applied to the unpaid pledge commitment until it is fully paid off.