This page describes the ‘mechanics’ of giving. UUCSH is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization and donations are deductible to the full extent allowed by law. All donors who provide address/email information will have their annual giving summarized in January for their use preparing tax returns. Further details can be obtained from the treasurer ([email protected]). 

Cash

Cash donations are accepted in the Sunday collection basket and at other events that occur in our building at 123 E. Cliff St. If you need a tax receipt, use one of the donation envelopes located in the back of the pews.

Paper Checks

Old-fashioned, hand-written checks are still good and still the lowest-cost way to give. Checks may be mailed, dropped in the Sunday collection basket, or left in the Treasurer’s mailbox by the church office. Many congregants donate by check using their bank’s online bill-pay system. Checks should be made out to UUCSH and sent to UUCSH, Attn: Treasurer, at 123 E. Cliff St. in Somerville, NJ 08876. Use the memo line to tell us what fund to apply your donation to; see the Categories of Giving page.

Online Donations

Online donations always come with fees, but the amount of fee will vary depending on how you make your donation. Making an EFT donation (using Vanco to transfer from checking) has the lowest fees for large donations, while Venmo has the lowest fees for anything under $15. Using Vanco for a credit card donation has the highest fees (~3%) regardless of donation amount.

Venmo

Our Venmo ID is @UUCSH (select the charity category button), or scan our QR code pictured here. Use the memo line to identify donation purpose (offertory, pledge, etc.)

Vanco via the UUCSH Website

The Give Now page of this website provides a secure portal for giving via our financial partner, Vanco. You can give as a guest or create an account to save your financial information for future donations. Donations can be made via credit/debit card or by direct transfer from your checking account. Choose your desired fund and an amount, and then follow the prompts. This Vanco flyer shows the three simple steps.

Vanco via the Smartphone App: “Vanco Mobile Faith Engagement”

Smartphone users can get the same functionality described above by using the “Vanco Mobile Faith Engagement” app (available for Apple and Android phones). Creating an account is required to use the app, but online access and the smartphone app both use the same account ID and password. This Vanco flyer shows the steps. (Tip: Search UUCSH to find us.)

Tax-Advantaged Donations

Donations of appreciated stock or Qualified Donations from IRAs can be a preferred way to give. Contact the treasurer ([email protected]) if you would like more information. Many congregants in this situation have found it convenient to create a Donor-Advised fund to manage these donations. Again, contact the treasurer for more information about how these can facilitate your giving to UUCSH and the other missions you support.