Social Justice Endowment Committee

The purpose of the Social Justice Endowment is to promote the social application of Unitarian Universalist religious principles. In accord with the policy of the Board of Trustees that discourages contributions toward specific, ordinary items in the operating budget, proceeds from the Social Justice Endowment could support the following programs and activities:

Participation by Church members or youth in social justice programs operated by the Church;
Participation by Church members or youth in programs operated by the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee;
Participation by Church members or youth in programs operated by other groups which are largely in sympathy with the social application of Unitarian Universalist religious principles;
Proportional compensation for any Church staff member for whom social justice work is a primary responsibility;
Expenses incurred by the Church in connection with providing space for meetings and other activities of social justice groups or social service groups from the larger community;
Social justice conferences or workshops sponsored or hosted by the Church;
Social justice lectures or speeches or presentations or sermons sponsored or hosted by the church;
Training for church members or youth to enable their participation in organized social justice efforts;
Other programs and activities that could be classified as 'extras and externals.'

Members of the Committee are:
Maria Lauro (December 2020), chair
Margaret Stevens (December 2021)
Irma Tani (December 2022)
Rev. Connie Grant, ex officio
Kyle Gracey, ex officio

The Social Justice Endowment Committee offers the following statement with regard to their grant-making process:

Social Justice Social Justice refers to the concept of a society in which justice is achieved in every aspect of society, rather than merely the administration of law. A just worlds affords individuals and groups fair treatment and an impartial share of the benefits of society, regardless of class, gender, race, ethnicity, religion, age, sexual orientation, ability, or health.

Purpose The purpose of the Social Justice Endowment (SJE) is to promote the social application of Unitarian Universalist religious principles:

The inherent worth and dignity of every person;
Justice, equity and compassion in human relations;
Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations;
A free and responsible search for truth and meaning;
The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large;
The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all;
Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.

A Framework for Proposals: The SJE will make grants that are focused on high-impact projects that are aimed as seeding and achieving social justice. Proposed projects should create tangible shifts and/or systemic solutions to current injustices. There are several key features to systemic change. Most notably, systemic change:

Changes ideas, assumptions, attitudes, and behaviors;
Reaches beyond the immediate project or First Unitarian Church;
Is sustainable: change continues to occur even after direct intervention ends; and
Requires the use of multiple and coordinated strategies and activities.

Below are three indicators of social change, which the SJE Committee will use to evaluate all proposals. Does your project aim at achieving at least one of the following indicators?

Changing how people are thinking and talking about an issue.
By the conclusion of your project, you will have raised awareness, introduced new language, and reframed the discussion of the social justice issue you are addressing among both program participants and community members (the community may be defined as the church or the wider community).
Engaging people and communities in civic action.
You will have inspired people and communities to engage in civic action to eradicate or improve the issue your project addresses. You will have moved the community to join First Unitarian Church in ending a form of social injustice.
Developing or changing public or corporate policy.
Systemic obstacles to social justice will be overcome through the adoption of new laws, policies, or practices. These new policies, aimed at increased fairness and opportunities for individuals and groups in Pittsburgh, will be a result of your efforts.

Criteria:

The project must address a social issue that has been ignored by, or not impacted by, current efforts or traditional approaches.

Priority will be given to projects that involve:

Participation by Church members or youth in social justice programs operated by the Church;
Participation by Church members or youth in programs operated by other groups which are largely in sympathy with the social application of Unitarian Universalist religious principles;
Social justice conferences or workshops sponsored or hosted by the Church;
Social justice lectures or speeches or presentations or sermons sponsored or hosted by the church;
Training for church members or youth to enable their participation in organized social justice efforts;
Other programs and activities that could be classified as 'extras and externals.'

The SJE will fund projects in which objectives are defined and their accomplishment will be measured. These objectives may not be as widespread as the elimination of social injustice, but could instead address intermediate objectives of drawing attention to the problem, tackling one aspect of it, or preparing for a larger, more sustained effort.

Types of Support:

Small grants (up to $250)
Support for time-sensitive change projects; must be submitted 30 days prior to event or project.
Project support grants (up to $1,000)
Support for large-scale initiatives aimed at achieving social justice; must be submitted 90 day prior to event or project launch.

Apply for a Grant

To apply from a Social Justice Endowment grant, please fill out and submit the form below.

* Indicates required field

Name *

First

Last

Email *

Please indicated your connection with First Unitarian Church. *

I am representing a committee. I am representing an affinity group or covenent group or performing arts group. I am a paid staff member. I am a church member or friend pursuing a project on my own.

Please provide a title for your project. *

Please provide a summary of your project, including the following points: (1) What (2) Why (3) When (4) How (5) Who (6) Where *

Systemic change goal: What indicator of social change do you aim to achieve? Who or what will be changed? How will you know if the project has worked? *

Evaluation: How will you evaluate or measure the outcomes of your project? *

Continuity: How will you or others build on the outcome of your project? *

Additional information (optional): Please provide any additional information you would like the Social Justice Endowment Committee to have about your project. *

Budget: Please provide a short budget showing expected expenses. *

Please specify the type of grant for which you are applying. *

Small (up to $250) Large (up to $1000)

Please specify the amount of money you are requesting. *

Submit

Come, open to be moved. Come, be held in mutual embrace. Come, engage the world.
Come and be made whole.

First Unitarian Church of Pittsburgh

605 Morewood Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
(412) 621-8008 Map and directions

Worship Services

10:30 AM
Sunday

Office Hours

9:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Tuesday - Friday