How your gifts support our shared mission

2025/26 Mission-Based Budget
A mission-based budget illustrates how our giving directly supports our congregational aims. Instead of listing expenses by type, it highlights how our resources fuel the core parts of our mission & vision: worship, community, spiritual growth, and justice—reminding us that our contributions make our shared work possible.

Our Mission

Connecting in loving community to nurture the spirit and help heal our world

Our Vision

​We aspire to be a multi-generational and multi-cultural community, known for advancing justice, where all persons can find belonging, spiritual growth, and support on life’s journey

Nurturing the Spirit

Ministry & Music
Purpose: Support worship, spiritual exploration, and lifelong learning that deepen connection and meaning.
Examples of budget areas:
  • Worship services (music, supplies, guest speakers, AV tech)
  • Religious exploration for children, youth, and adults
  • Pastoral care and spiritual direction
  • Small group ministry programs
Mission connection: “to nurture the spirit”
Vision link: “spiritual growth and support on life’s journey”

Living Our Values

Service & Justice
Purpose: Live our values through service, advocacy, and partnerships that promote equity, sustainability, and compassion.
Examples of budget areas:
  • Social justice and community outreach initiatives
  • Environmental sustainability efforts
  • Partnerships with local nonprofits and interfaith coalitions
  • Donations to justice-focused organizations
Mission connection: “help heal our world”
Vision link: “known for advancing justice”

Building Loving Community

Kinship & Belonging
Purpose: Cultivate belonging, inclusion, and mutual care across generations and cultures.
Examples of budget areas:
  • Congregational life and fellowship events
  • Multicultural and intergenerational programming
  • Membership development and newcomer integration
  • Hospitality, meals, and accessibility initiatives
Mission connection: “connecting in loving community”
Vision link: “multi-generational and multi-cultural community where all persons can find belonging”

Stewarding Our Resources

Administration & Operations
Purpose: Sustain a vibrant, ethical, and transparent organization through mindful management of people, property, and finances.
Examples of budget areas:
  • Building maintenance and improvements
  • Administrative staff salaries and benefits
  • Technology and communication tools
  • Financial stewardship and governance expenses
Mission connection: “connecting in loving community” (sustaining the means to do so)
Vision link: “support on life’s journey” (ensuring organizational stability)

Expanding Our Reach

Outreach & Growth
Purpose: Share the UU message and invite others into connection through outreach and communications.
Examples of budget areas:
  • Marketing, website, and database maintenance
  • Community events and partnerships
  • New member engagement and public visibility efforts
  • Fund for new programs
Mission connection: “connecting in loving community”
Vision link: “known for advancing justice” and “where all persons can find belonging”
​Unitarian Universalists of Sarasota is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (EIN 59-0954128).
​Contributions are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.