Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Whidbey Island

Joining & Giving

We openly welcome people of all races, ethnicities, sexual orientations, and belief systems. Anyone who agrees to promote the 7 UU principles is welcome to become a part of this congregation.

When joining this congregation, members make a commitment to share in its work. A representative of the Membership Committee will guide newcomers through the simple process of completing census and pledge forms and will answer any questions.

Members are asked to share their time, effort, and financial resources to the extent that they are able. Inability to make a financial commitment is not an obstacle. Donations of money or items, whether as part of a pledge or as a special gift, are tax-deductible. Members and friends can print and complete a Volunteer Interests Questionnaire to indicate which areas of volunteer effort interest them. Completed forms can sent to our , who also can put you in contact with our Membership Committee. Please see our Contact Us page for additional ways to get in touch with us. We welcome your inquiries.

Legacy Giving

We Unitarian Universalists want to be effective trustees and stewards of our great liberal religious heritage. We want future generations to inherit and enjoy this free faith, and we know financial support is vital to this hope. You can now make a "legacy gift" to the UUCWI and/or the UUA.

The most common type of legacy gift is a bequest, also called a testamentary gift, by including in your will, language such as the following: "I give _____ [$ amount, description of property, or % of estate]____ to the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Whidbey Island, a church located in Freeland, Washington, for its unrestricted use." When your estate is settled, upon your death, UUCWI will benefit from your generosity.

Another type of gift is a "life income gift" such as a charitable gift annuity. A charitable gift annuity is one type of arrangement whereby you contribute cash or stock now in exchange for a pledge by the UUA, as trustee, to pay one or two people a guaranteed income for life, at a rate based on the age(s) of the annuitant(s). The UUA invests the funds in socially responsible investments and handles all the mechanics. Upon your death, UUCWI will receive what remains of your gift. If you are planning for retirement or want to increase income, reduce capital gains taxes, secure a fixed income, and make a significant gift to the future of Unitarian Universalism, then you may wish to consider this option.

There are several other life income gift options; check them out at UUA Planned Gifts This site also has contact information for questions and application forms.

You should talk to your estate planner and tax advisor to clarify the tax benefits of legacy gifts. Consider leaving a legacy of generosity to support and inspire succeeding generations. Your gift to UUCWI can keep the chalice fires burning.