Pledge a Gift

Click here to Pledge a Gift for 2026!

Your Pledge = Your Gift

Click the image to read our 2026 Brochure!

October 2025

Dear Members and Friends,

Nearly 160 years ago, Mary Frazar and Sarah Burrage’s bold vision wove the initial threads of our justice-centered and spiritually diverse congregation. For seven generations people like you have continued weaving the tapestry of our community by giving fully of your hearts and spirits, talents and resources.

Today, we carry this vision forward. As we enter our Season of Giving 2026, we invite you to reflect on what this church means in your life and to practice generosity as a way of strengthening our shared community.

Each gift is a thread in the fabric we weave together: a fabric strong enough to hold us through change, and big enough to embrace the future.

Right now, in our sanctuary, week after week, we are serving as a source of resilience and hope for people of all ages. Right now, we are responding to the call to show up for immigrants, trans beloveds, and our houseless neighbors. Right now, our newly formed Democracy In Action team encourages us all to rise up against anti-democratic authoritarianism. Whether you show up at a rally, write letters, provide meals, help shape policy, or contribute in other ways—your action matters.

In recent years, we’ve practiced careful stewardship, investing in some ministries while scaling back in others. Though we’ve gone without certain positions we hope to restore, our community has continued to grow through Souper Sunday, more classes for adults, and expanded outreach on Facebook and Instagram. We’ve achieved this with fewer staff and in ways that are hard to sustain. Please consider increasing your pledge—or making one for the first time—to help us maintain these ministries and move toward long-term sustainability.

It’s important that you know though that we are facing a challenge connected to our financial wellbeing. This summer we learned that Northwest Academy and Outside In would have to reduce the amount of space that they rent from us. We are already feeling the loss of nearly half of our income from tenants. As we are a church that is 70% funded by pledges and donations, that income is vital to our operations. Staff and volunteers are working diligently to bring in new tenants, but this shortfall is actively impacting our budget.

For 2026, our goal is $1.475 million. Achieving it will require the full support of this community, each of us offering what we can. This is a significant increase over what we raised last year with our Season of Giving 2025 plus the successful Match 2025 campaign that followed. This ambitious goal is to ensure our core ministries and functions are fully funded.

Now is the moment for each of us to do our part.

Every gift, no matter the size, helps us move forward with courage and hope. Please join us in weaving a future filled with love and possibility—something more important now than ever.

· If you are able, consider increasing your pledge by 10% – 25% or more. Your generosity will open the door to new possibilities for us.

· If you maintain your gift, you help us remain steady and strong.

· If you need to give less this year, know that every gift offered matters.

Together, we are creating a vibrant, compassionate, justice-seeking church—a tapestry of love and hope.

With deep gratitude,

Rev. Alison Miller & Rev. Thomas Disrud

[To see our complete pledge packet, click here.]

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For those new to pledging, you’ll want to know that a pledged gift is a non-binding sum you plan to donate to the church over a calendar year. 

We ask everyone who has been touched by First Unitarian, whether it be a sermon, the music, our social justice work, our support of young adults coming up in the world today, or something deeply personal, to make a pledge of support.

Our goal is always 100% participation among our congregants. It takes all of us to fund the work of the Church. Let your gift be an expression of your spiritual journey and know that it is deeply cherished. Thank you for supporting First Unitarian.

Annual Giving FAQs

Have a question? Click for the answer!

What Is the “Season of Giving”?

Each autumn, First Unitarian asks its members and friends to make a promise of financial support (a Pledge) for the coming calendar year. These funds support the Church’s programming, services, ministry, social justice efforts and staff.

Our goal during this time is to give everyone an opportunity to reflect on:

  • what brings you here,
  • what keeps you coming back,
  • the commitments both personal and spiritual we are all held to here,
  • and the spiritual practice that is giving joyfully.
What Is a Pledge?

A pledge is a promise to give an estimated amount of money to the church for the coming calendar year. You pledge a gift ahead of time and then pay on that gift over the calendar year. It is a statement of intent; it’s not a legally binding obligation. Pledges can be adjusted in times of shifting resources.

What Is a “Sustainer” Pledge?

A “Sustainer Pledge” is an indicator that you would like your pledge to renew from year-to-year without your needing to fill out additional pledge forms or contact the church every time.

You will still receive a pledge packet each year including the option of increasing or changing your pledge. To join the 400 households already signed up for a “Sustainer Pledge” please indicate that intention by check marking the “Opt-In” box on your Pledge form.

Is a Pledge Like a Membership Fee?

No. Many of us are members of OPB, the ACLU, and other such organizations; but First Unitarian membership is different. We expect the church not only to provide worship and religious education for us and our families, but we also count on the church to be here for us in intensely personal ways:  when we celebrate, when we grieve and when we work for justice. The church strives to be a Beloved Community which supports us throughout our lives. The Annual Fund Drive is the time of year when we ask that you consider what financial support you can offer the church so that it is here when it is needed most.

Who Should Pledge?

Members who sign the membership book, as well as non-members or friends of the church are ALL invited to pledge! If you have found services, solace, support or meaningful work here, don’t hesitate to make a pledge. This allows us to extend those same things to more and more people in our community and beyond.

Do I Have to Pledge?

Making and fulfilling an annual pledge deepens our faith and sustains First Unitarian for the benefit of us all and the wider community we serve.

*To be a voting member and receive a ballot, you must sign the Membership Book and fulfill a pledge each year. This requirement is a reflection of our shared responsibility to sustain the church.

When Should I Make My Pledge?

We welcome your pledge anytime, but traditionally each autumn our members and friends are asked to make financial pledges to support the work and mission of First Unitarian for the coming calendar year.

New Members and friends who join us at other times of the year are invited to make a financial pledge for the REMAINDER of the current calendar year.

How Much Does It Cost to Run the Church?

Our annual budget is just over $2.3 million — pledges and gifts account for almost 70% of that budget — which “keeps the lights on” for our block-sized downtown campus, supports our staff and pays for the rich array of programs and worship services we offer.

How Much Should I Pledge?

Everyone’s circumstances are different. We recognize and deeply embrace the financial diversity of our congregation. To make this a church for all, we ask those who are able, to carry a greater financial commitment to our beloved community.

The requirement, set by our Board of Trustees, asks congregants to “pledge generously within their means.” Or, as one congregant describes it “Give until it feels good.” We each are asked to reflect on what that amount might be.

Is There a Minimum Annual Pledge?

There is no minimum annual pledge. However the standard, set by our Board of Trustees, asks congregants to “pledge generously within their means.” We each are asked to reflect on what that amount might be.

What Does It Mean to “Give Generously Within Your Means”?

Our policies ask that members pledge “generously within their means.” We each are asked to reflect on what that amount might be. It is the sense of open-hearted generosity that we ask you to find. One person described this as “Give until it feels good.”

Let your gift be an expression of your spiritual journey and know that it is deeply cherished.

Can I Pledge to a Specific Program or Fund Instead of to the Operating Fund?

All special designated gifts are certainly appreciated. But it is much more helpful to the church if gifts from our congregants can go to our Operating budget because that’s what supports our programs from year to year. We need those funds to ensure that the church runs properly from every angle.

How Will My Pledge Be Used?

Pledges and gifts account for almost 70% of the churches budget each year. Our annual budget of over $2.3 million “keeps the lights on” for our block-sized downtown campus, supports our staff and pays for the rich array of programs and worship services we offer.

What Are My Payment Options?

Pledge payments can be made on a monthly, quarterly or annual basis using any of the following payment methods:

  • Direct Debit (church initiated and controlled)
    At no cost to you or the church we will automatically deduct funds from your account according to your preferred schedule of monthly, quarterly or annually. Just attach a voided check to your pledge form or send one to the church “ATTN: Accounting”. Debit entries are made on the 20th of the each month for monthly payments and the 20th of March, June, Sept. and Dec. for Quarterly payments. 
  • Bank Bill Pay (congregant initiated)
    You the congregant would need to go into your online bank account and set-up a payment to the church using your bank’s Bill Pay feature.
  • Pay online with a Credit or Debit Card using “Vanco” our payment processor
    Please Note: 3% of your pledge will go to the credit card company instead of the church. You can pay your pledge online through our secure payment center Vanco at: tinyurl.com/giveFirstUpdx
  • Check or Cash
    Many of our congregants choose to mail in checks or drop checks and/or cash in our Sunday plate. Just make sure your name and the word “pledge” is indicated somewhere. Checks can be sent to the office at:
    ATTN: Accounting
    First Unitarian Portland
    1034 SW 13th Ave
    Portland, OR 97205
What If I Cannot Pay My Pledge?

Financial hardship should never be an obstacle to church participation. Through good times and bad, we are all in this together!  Please contact the Stewardship and Accounting office at 503-444-4044 or email stewardship@firstunitarianportland.org to change your pledge details.

Is My Pledge Tax Deductible?

Because First Unitarian Church is a 501(c)3 non-profit religious organization, recognized by the IRS, your contribution are tax deductible. Our office issues end-of-the-year tax letters showing total contributions made. If you donated anything to us you will get a letter in January letting you know what you gave.

Can Plate Offerings Be in Place of Pledging?

While gifts of all kinds and amounts are appreciated money put into the plate on Sundays isn’t enough to pay for the church’s expenses. In fact, Sunday offerings represent just 3% of First Unitarian’s income, and are shared with other worthy causes.

What About the Time I Spend Volunteering?

Members and friends of the church are encouraged to give regularly of time and talent as volunteers. Without our volunteers doing much of the church’s important work in the world, our paid staff budget would be much higher. But the church also requires financial support in order to fund our many programs and pay our bills. Volunteered time is highly valued in its own right, but can never replace financial contributions.

Congregants or organizations can send checks to the office at:
ATTN: Accounting
First Unitarian Portland
1034 SW 13th Ave
Portland, OR 97205

For additional questions, please contact Erin Tafuri in Stewardship and Accounting at 503-444-4044 or email stewardship@firstunitarianportland.org