The Board of Trustees is pleased to announce the start of its partnership with the Unitarian Universalist Common Endowment Fund. As of April 1 UUCGL’s endowment will be managed by the Unitarian Universalist Association’s dedicated endowment program, as part of the UUA's Investment Office.

UUCGL will join over 400 other UU congregations in a $300+ million fund managed by the national UUA. This arrangement will better align UUCGL’s endowment fund with UUA values.

The UUCEF screens all investments based on environment, social and governance characteristics, and prohibits investments in tobacco, weapons, private prison operators, carbon energy producers, and other areas deemed not aligned with UU values, as determined by the UUCEF's Investment Committee and approved by the UUA Board of Trustees.  

The UUCEF also targets 15% of its portfolio to specially selected community and private "impact" investments that make purposeful investments in UU aligned areas like climate-change solutions, BIPOC led new business ventures, and youth work-talent development. (The dollar allocation to these targeted investments may change depending on UUCGL’s selection of fund options provided by the UUA.)

UUCGL’s control of its endowment fund remains unchanged. The use of the endowment is controlled by bequests and church votes, with 23% of the fund supporting non-profit and charitable purposes.

Special thanks to the Finance/Investment Committee for recommending this transition to the Board of Trustees, which approved it in January. Based on recent investment returns (after fees) the Finance/Investment Committee believes the rate of return of our endowment will be equal or better. The Finance Committee will also dedicate less time and expertise resources managing investments and be able to focus more energy on evolving UUCGL financial operations.

If you have questions or comments, please contact the Board of Trustees by email at board@uucgl.org.

Dave Innis, President

Evan Katz, Treasurer

For the Board of Trustees

Cliff Charney, Chair

For the Finance/Investment Committee