Making a Commitment. Making a Difference.

What is a commitment of support?

At Live Oak Unitarian Universalist Church, a financial commitment is making a monetary donation for a specific amount.

Why is it important to make a commitment to support Live Oak?

By making a commitment to Live Oak, you are supporting community outreach, social justice, lifespan religious education, liberal religious values, and our spiritual home. You are making a difference.

How much should I/we pledge? Is it like a tithe, where you give a certain percentage of your income?

The decision about how much to give is a very personal one. You know your financial situation best and can best determine how to balance your commitment to Live Oak with your other commitments. Your ongoing financial contribution is a requirement of membership and you are encouraged to also contribute your time and talent to our Mission.

The UUA suggests that you donate 5% to the church and 5% to other charitable causes.  On average, it costs $160/month per member to successfully run the church, not counting building expenses which are currently offset by rental income. That being said, Live Oak does not set any expectations around the amount of your commitment.

How do I make my financial commitment?

When you become a new member you will be asked to complete a financial commitment form. By completing this form, you are agreeing to make a cash donation in support of the church.

Live Oak Financial Commitment Form

Can I change financial commitment?

At any time, you can increase or decrease your financial commitment by submitting the same form.

How do I fulfill or change my financial commitment?

Live Oak takes many forms of payment including cash, checks, and credit cards. In addition, you can set up automatic deductions from your checking or savings account through your bank’s bill pay. You also have the option to set up payments by having Live Oak UU automatically draw money from your credit card or checking account. If you have questions or want to change your payment options, please contact administrator@liveoakuu.org. Your contributions are 100% tax-deductible.

Can I view my donation history?

You can access your donation history any time at louu.breezechms.com

If you don’t yet have a login to this system, please contact administrator@liveoakuu.org.

Are there other ways to meet my obligation?

Giving through an IRA: Qualified Charitable Deductions

Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD)?

Sometimes referred to as an “IRA Charitable Rollover,” a QCD can help you support our mission while providing tax advantages by helping meet the required minimum distribution for those 73 years old or older. Talk with your tax and/or financial advisor when deciding whether a QCD is right for you and consider these factors:

The IRS allows donors 70 1⁄2 or older to transfer up to $100,000 directly from their IRA to charity each calendar year. Gifts via QCD may satisfy all or part of a required minimum distribution. You pay no federal income tax on amounts you donate using a QCD. The transfer generates neither taxable income nor a tax deduction, so you can benefit even if you do not itemize deductions on your federal tax return. You can make an outright gift or make a payment on an existing pledge.

To donate via QCD, contact your IRA plan administrator and specify that you want to make an IRA Qualified Charitable Distribution. Please also notify us! Advance notice helps us properly credit your gift if the funds will be sent directly by your IRA administrator. When making transactions you maybe asked for the church’s IRS Tax ID number which is  74-2684987

Appreciated stock or securities

Donations of appreciated stock held more than one year offer two unique advantages:

  1. A gift of stock to the church avoids capital gains tax for you on the increase in the value of the stock over the cost basis
  2. You receive a charitable tax deduction for the full market value of the stock at the time of the gift to the church.

Check with your qualified tax advisor for specifics related to your personal situation.

The church has a brokerage account that was established for the sole purpose of accepting contributions in the form of shares of stock. Any brokerage firm will be able to initiate a stock transfer with the following information.

Brokerage account is at Charles Schwab
Account name: Live Oak Unitarian Universalist Church
Account: #3741-6063
Broker transit number (DTC): #0164

When you plan to transfer stock, please send an email to: DonateStock@liveoakuu.org so that the sale of the stock can be completed and your pledge accurately credited. You also can direct any questions to DonateStock@liveoakuu.org