The FUUN Endowment Trust
The First Unitarian Universalist Church of Nashville is fortunate to have an endowment (also known as the FUUN Endowment Trust). Its purpose is to ensure that the church and Unitarian Universalism remain vital and alive in Nashville and Middle Tennessee for many generations to come. It was started in 1984 by farsighted members of the congregation; as of Fall 2008, the value of this fund was about $150,000, with several bequests pending.
The FUUN Endowment Trust is completely separate from the operating and restricted funds used to carry out the day-to-day operations of the church. It is managed under its own set of by-laws by an independent board elected by the congregation. The trustees are responsible for managing and investing the funds donated to the FUUN Endowment Trust, educating the congregation about the endowment, and making annual distributions in the form of grants.
The 2009-2010 trustees are Steve Jones (chair), Ginger Brown (secretary), Charlie Akers, and Peg Duthie (treasurer).
To donate
Contributions to FUUN's endowment in honor or memory of an individual may be made in any amount. They are tax-deductible. Please send your check (payable to FUUN) to FUUN, 1808 Woodmont Blvd., Nashville, Tennessee 37215.
If you wish to donate shares of stock, please contact the FUUN Endowment Trust at trust@firstuunashville.org for more information.
To apply for a grant
The FUUN Endowment Trust makes an annual distribution of funds each spring. These funds customarily underwrite special one-time projects or provide seed money for new initiatives. Applications for grants may be made by any member, friend, committee, or other interest group within the congregation.
In general, projects proposed to the FUUN Endowment Trust should concern one or more of these areas:
- The history of the First Unitarian Universalist Church of Nashville
- The promotion of Unitarian Universalist principles in the wider community
- Artistic endeavors that explore and celebrate Unitarian Universalist themes
- Special programs or campaigns to benefit the church, including multi-year projects to be funded from other sources in subsequent years
The Trust has funded over $30,000 in grants since its inception twenty-five years ago. Guidelines for submitting a 2010 grant application are here. To read more about the grants awarded in 2009, see the 2009 report to the congregation.