We all know how important the Unitarian Universalist Church of Buffalo (UUCB) is in our lives. It gives us so much! A place to worship, a place to gather with friends and a place to enjoy glorious music and be supported by our beloved community.
Beginning in September 2024 marks the official launch of our three year capital campaign with the fundraising goal of $1,250,000. We have named this campaign, “Carry the Light Forward,” to reflect its goal of honoring our building’s history and heritage and ensuring a bright future.
To complement our campaign, in 2023 UUCB was one of only sixteen congregations in the U.S. to receive a prestigious National Fund for Sacred Places matching grant of $250,000. This support enables us to meet the needs of our congregation and enhance our community impact while meeting all the preservation guidelines required by our National Register of Historic Places designation.
Why we need a capital campaign
For more than a century, the UUCB has stood as a beacon of progressive values and community service. It is a place where individuals have found acceptance, inspiration, and joy. Our church is a cornerstone in the community, embodying the spirit of hope and inclusivity. However, necessary repairs are needed to ensure the church’s continued service to the community.
Combined, the $1,250,000 raised for the Carry the Light Forward campaign will be used to upgrade our historic building, including important tasks to add safety and accessibility systems, repair water damaged windows, walls, and masonry, and improve the function and visibility of our beautiful stained glass windows.
Our fundraising plan
We have a strong capital campaign committee in place to lead the Carry the Light Forward campaign. This dedicated committee brings decades of church knowledge and experience in fundraising and outreach. They have devoted hundreds of hours over the last two years conducting the necessary foundational groundwork to be ready for September’s launch, including:
- Conducted a financial feasibility study (click here)
- Commissioned an architectural and engineering building survey (click here)
- Secured a $250,000 matching grant from the National Fund for Sacred Places (click here)
- Secured a $9,000 matching grant from The New York Landmarks Conservancy for our stained glass window repair (click here)
- Partnered for a UUCB Economic Halo Effect Report (click here)
- Organized town hall meetings, informational sessions, and financial planning workshops
Please help UUCB Carry the Light Forward
During September and October, more information will be provided on how to contribute, and capital campaign committee members will be reaching out personally to UUCB members to provide more information and offer opportunities for you to share your gift.
For more information about UUCB's Carry the Light campaign and its fundraising efforts, please contact members of the campaign committee (click here for committee members).
Phil Nicolai, Co-chair
Martha Malkiewicz
Carry the Light Timeline and Activities
There are many fun and informative activities scheduled to help you and the UUCB community learn more about our Carry the Light campaign and to provide opportunities to enjoy each other's company. Below is a timeline for these activities and how to participate. We look forward to your engagement!
- Sunday September 8th : Welcome back Ingathering service
- Saturday September 14th : Stewardship training session 9:30 - 12:30
- Saturday September 21st : Carry the Light Forward Campaign kickoff PARTY! 5 - 7 pm
- Sunday September 22nd : Carry the Light Forward and Annual Campaign launch day and celebration. Jake Morrill to speak at service.
Our Spiritual Home Represents Our Values
Serving the Needs of Our Community Reflects UUCB’s Mission
A Shared Community Space
- For 25 years, our kitchen has served Food Not Bombs, providing free, nutritious vegan meals for the hungry.
- Seven recovery groups meet weekly at our church, serving around 250 people.
- We host weekly classes for three dance groups: Contra, folk, and ecstatic.
- Our free monthly Casual Concerts showcase local and regional musicians.
- We provide a safe space for neighborhood Girl Scout troops.
- Our building hosts poetry classes, the Women’s Society Distinguished Speakers Series, the Banned Book Club, and crafting clubs, enriching Buffalo's curious and creative communities.
