Help Us Sustain the Future of UUWF
We’re reflecting on how we sustain the Unitarian Universalist Women’s Federation for the long haul. For decades, our work was primarily funded through an endowment. That model made it possible to build our foundation, but it’s not how we’ll thrive in the future. Many endowed nonprofits and donor-advised funds sit on their money, using only interest from their investments for social justice work. We’ve chosen a different path: one rooted in movement, not maintenance.
We believe that sitting on wealth while our world is in crisis goes against our values. These times require bold faith and radical risk. In 2020, the UUWF Board of Directors knew that they need not wait for a “rainy day” to spend our endowment—the time had come. The Board put their decision in motion by hiring staff and supporting the development of programming that you’ve seen unfold over the last three years. We believe that endowed funds should be spent on the work of justice, not collecting interest and dividends in perpetuity. However, we must also face the fact that our endowment will not last forever. That’s why we’re transitioning to a member-led funding model—because our most sustainable future is one powered by you.
We know this will take time. Our goal this year is to cover 20% of our staffing expenses* through donor and member support—because our people are our biggest and most valuable asset. That’s approximately $60,800.
To do that, we need your help. Here’s how:
- Give a financial gift
- Join as an individual member
- Become an affiliate
- Do a special Giving Sunday/pass-the-plate at your congregation to benefit UUWF
- Include us in your estate planning
| You’re investing in the legacy and future of UU women+’s leadership, reproductive justice, and spiritual feminism. Together, we can build a stronger, more self-sustaining UUWF that reflects our shared values of equity, justice, and collective care. |
Unitarian Universalist Women’s Federation 2025 by the Numbers
As we prepare to welcome 2026, let’s take a moment to reflect on an incredible year for the Unitarian Universalist Women’s Federation. Together, we’ve achieved so much. And we are excited to continue building covenantal relationships amongst UU women+ that equip us all to be better co-conspirators and allies in the movement for collective liberation.
- A Year of Events! From online workshops, to Black Women of the Chalice wisdom shares, to intimate community gatherings, we held 40+ online events that brought us closer together.
- Growing Our Reach! We now have 3,000 email subscribers and a thriving social media presence with 700+ followers across platforms.
- Individual Membership Growth! We officially kicked off our membership program last year, and we’re thrilled to have 100+ members join us on this journey so far.
- Affiliate Membership Launched! You asked, it’s here! We’re thrilled to welcome our first founding congregation as an official UUWF Affiliate! This marks the beginning of a growing network of UU congregations and gender justice groups dedicated to advancing reproductive justice.
- Engaging In-Person GA Activations! We hosted five in-person General Assembly events, creating space for interpersonal learning, connection, and collaboration.
- Successful Staff Retreats! Our team came together not once but twice to reflect, strategize, and continue building a supportive foundation for our work.
- Our Team is Growing! None of this would be possible without our five dedicated and compassionate staff members, who work to ensure that our mission thrives.
| Will you help us continue this work—now and for generations to come? |
Once Upon a Time, Long Ago…