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First unitarian Society of Madison

Financial Stewardship Council Charter

Name of Group:
Financial Stewardship Council (FSC)

Effective Date:
Immediately

Mission or Purpose:
To ensure the financial viability and well-being of
First Unitarian Society (FUS). To develop and
implement a fundraising structure that will ensure
that sufficient funds are available for the Society
to meet the spiritual, programmatic, and physical
facilities needs of its members in the short and long
term through the cultivation of a sense of stewardship
on the part of all members in which members come to
understand and feel that financial support of our church
is a part of their spiritual experience and in service of
their spiritual development.

Responsibilities:
• Form and maintain a team defined herein to develop and execute a comprehensive plan to fund the congregation’s strategic annual and long-range plans intended to maximize the financial resources available to the church,
• Advise the Board of Trustees on matters relevant to the accomplishment of the Development Plan. Communications with the Board shall be 1) via a monthly report presented by the Board Liaison, 2) At the request of the Board, and 3)Once/year via an annual report presentation to the Board,
• Accomplish its goals within the budget provided,
• Keep a written record of its meetings which shall be circulated to Council members FSC Chair, and copies forwarded to church office for filing
• Recruit, train, support and supervise leadership of sub-teams(?) to accomplish the goals outlined in the comprehensive development plan,
• Carry out the work of the FSC in a manner consistent with the mission, values, vision and ends of FUS.
• Work with the Ministers, Administration, Board of Trustees and other councils to ensure complete coordination of means among program, administration and development departments
• Leadership development

Composition of Council:
Co-Chaired by lay members of which at least one must be knowledgeable in Finance/Accounting and may be the Treasurer and the other shall be knowledgeable about Development. In its membership, a balance of skills, experience and gifts will be sought to include:
• Leadership at a policy making level including the Board Liaison, Co-chairs and Treasurer if not a co-Chair, Clergy Liaison and Administrator, Audit Committee chair
• Linkages with stakeholders including representation by the President of FUS Foundation and the President of the Friends of the Meeting House or their designees, chairs of all committees related to fundraising including but not limited to the Emeritus Funds Development Advisory Board (EFDAB), Annual Campaign, Planned Giving, Cabaret/Other Events, Capital Campaign, and a minimum of four additional lay members with the following:
1. General and/or specific fundraising knowledge and expertise,
2. Market research and communication skills,
3. Experience in volunteer recruitment, training, support and supervision.
Reporting Relationships: Committee chairs and EFDAB report to the FSC Council, and the FSC Co-Chairs and/or Treasurer reports to the Board.

Sources of Financial Support:
Depending on the nature of the expense funded either by the Operating budget if related to annual or planned giving or from the Capital Funds Budget if related to capital campaign funds solicitation.

Board Liaison:
The FSC shall have a designated Board Liaison. The Treasurer shall be a member of the Board. FSC co-chairs shall be present on any ad hoc committees or task forces with the potential to impact the budget or strategic objectives of FUS

Clergy Liaison:
Parish Minister or their ministerial designee

Staff Liaison:
Church Administrator, and Program Assistant for Congregational Giving

Date of Charter Approval by Board:
September 29, 2004

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