FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

We get many questions about various topics and we wanted to share some of the most common ones with you. Don’t see your question? Please contact us and we’ll answer any other questions you may have.

Is Cascadia Growth Fund part of the PWR (Pacific Western Region) or the UUA (Unitarian Universalist Association)?

No, we are an independent registered non-profit that funds Unitarian Universalist Congregations in the Pacific Northwest. We support the UUA and have a covenanted working relationship with PWR Staff.

Is Cascadia Growth Fund for Unitarian Universalism a tax exempt non-profit?

Cascadia Growth Fund is a US registered tax exempt non-profit as noted in the footer of this page. It is not registered in Canada as a non-profit.

What's the difference between Cascadia Growth Fund and Cascadia Chalice Lighters?

Chalice Lighters is a unique self-sustaining funding model used in several regions in the US. Cascadia’s program is the original Chalice Lighters Program, has subscribed donors and raises funds for three projects per year. Chalice Lighters is managed by a volunteer Coordinator (s) and an Advisory Group selects the projects.

Cascadia’s Growth Funds operates in the traditional way: fundraising and responding to proposals from congregational applicants. The Cascadia Growth Fund Board raises the funds, reviews the proposals and makes funding decisions for the funds.

How do congregations qualify for Cascadia funding?

To qualify for Cascadia Growth Fund funding, congregations must be recognized by the Unitarian Universalist Association. Requirements for each fund can be found on its specific page.

To qualify for Chalice Lighter funding, congregations must be UUA Fair Share congregation and 30% of the congregation’s members (per UUA certified numbers) must be active Cascadia Chalice Lighter donors.

What does Cascadia fund?

It’s easier to say what Cascadia doesn’t fund: permanent Staff positions and normal or deferred maintenance/operating costs.

Who makes the decisions about funding?

Growth Fund funding is decided by the volunteer Board.

Cascadia Chalice Lighter recipients are selected by a volunteer advisory group. Decisions are approved by the Growth Fund Board.

How do I apply for funding?

For information about Growth Fund funding, you can visite the Growth Fund Steams page. For Chalice Lighter grants, you can find more information on the Chalice Lighters Grant Application Information page.

Can individual UUs apply for funding?

All Cascadia funding including Chalice Lighters is for congregations. Programs and projects must be approved and supported by the congregation’s Board and, in some cases, the congregation.

Does Cascadia fund Staff positions?

We do not fund regular, permanent Staff positions. Time-limited contract positions for specific initiatives are considered.

How long do funding decisions take?

Emergency funding can be decided in a matter of days. Regular funding is usually decided within weeks.

Does Cascadia fund expenses to attend the UUA's General Assembly or the Regional Assembly?

While we strongly encourage participation in these gatherings, Cascadia funds congregations, not individuals.

Congregations seeking to create a targeted event in the Pacific Northwest should apply to Cascadia for funding.