Planned Giving
Your actions today can help the Sierra Foothills Unitarian Universalist community prosper in the future as a beacon of love, learning, hope, and service. For many of us, this congregation is where we have found a spiritual home, life-long friends, and ways to participate in social justice activities. If we want SFUU to be available to future generations, we can ensure our values live on by making a planned gift to the Carol Arvay Endowment Fund.
The Birth of the Carol Arvay Endowment Fund
In 2013, SFUU member Carol Arvay made a gift that began our endowment fund. The purpose of the fund is to support SFUU forever by allowing the withdrawal of only a small percentage of the total—usually not more than 4% annually—so the principal keeps growing. Endowment money must be used for specific activities and projects approved by the Board of Trustees and sometimes the congregation, not for regular operating expenses.
In 2026, to honor the fund’s first donor, SFUU’s fund was named the Carol Arvay Endowment Fund. The money in the endowment fund is managed by the Unitarian Universalist Association’s Common Endowment Fund, which is a socially responsible investment fund overseen by the UUA.
How to Make a Planned Gift
There are many ways to give to the Carol Arvay Endowment Fund, many of which have tax advantages. Click on the links below to learn more about different ways you can create your legacy through generosity.
If making or planning a gift to the endowment fund, please fill out the planned giving intention form so SFUU knows to look for and honor your legacy gift.
Becoming a Legacy Donor
By making a planned gift to the Carol Arvay Endowment Fund either during or after your lifetime, you become a Legacy Donor at Sierra Foothills Unitarian Universalists, a special designation for members and friends who want to ensure their spiritual home survives forever as a beacon of Unitarian Universalist values in this region. Legacy donors will be honored by an invitation to share their SFUU story in a Legacy Donors book. Donors can also choose to remain anonymous to the wider SFUU community.
Let Us Know!
It is very important that Sierra Foothills Unitarian Universalists know about your gift so they are best able to honor your wishes. Please fill out the Planned Giving Intention Form below to communicate your plans.