Olympia Unitarian Universalist Congregation (OUUC) Share the Plate Application Guidelines
Who we are:
Olympia Unitarian Universalist Congregation is a 70-year-old liberal spiritual community that envisions a loving, just, and healthy world. OUUC Mission: Our spiritual principles affirm the worth and dignity of every person, and that we are part of the infinite, interdependent WEB of life. We: Welcome and Wonder, Embrace and Empower, Bridge and Become.
Seven Unitarian Universalist Principles:
- The inherent worth and dignity of every person;
- Justice, equity, and compassion in human relations;
- Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations;
- A free and responsible search for truth and meaning;
- The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large;
- The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all;
- Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.
We are focused on improving racial, economic, and climate justice through our actions and financial resources.
Share the Plate (STP) Program and what we’re looking for:
Each year, OUUC invites community nonprofit organizations to apply for funding through the Share the Plate Program. OUUC shares 50% of weekly offerings to promote Unitarian Universalist principles (see above), with an emphasis on racial, economic, and climate justice. 1/8 of that amount is directed to the Minister’s Benevolence Fund for short-term needs, with the remainder gifted to the six Share the Plate recipient organizations in two-month increments. The amount of the grants is typically $2,500 – $3,000.
Although all organizations serving the South Sound area (Lewis, Mason & Thurston counties) are invited to apply, additional consideration will be given to those organizations with budgets at or below $750,000. Specific projects of organizations with larger annual budgets are considered. A mix of direct service and systemic change organizations will also be targeted. Organizations are eligible for awards every four years.
Timeline:
- January 1 – October 31, 2022 – Applications are accepted online below.
- December 2022 – Six recipient organizations will be announced and notified. Each organization is assigned a two-month period in 2023 (starting with Jan-Feb and ending with Nov-Dec) that they will share offerings. Funds are distributed to the organizations approximately 2-4 weeks after the period ends.
Coaching:
We realize some organizations have fewer resources or experience completing grants. We want every organization to present its best side. Would you like some coaching on key things to consider in preparing your application?
If so, contact Bob Brennand.
Share the Plate Application
Please complete the application below and return by October 31, 2022, including brief and concise responses to the narrative questions. If your organization was a Share the Plate recipient in the past three years (2020-2022) you are not eligible for 2023.