Taguchi Social Action Fund
Grant Guidelines

Mission

Inspired by the richness and diversity of the liberal religious tradition that guides us, the mission of the Taguchi Social Action Fund Program (TSAF) is to promote the influence of Unitarian Universalist principles of justice, equity and compassion by providing funds for projects and activities that:

• Enhance the understanding of social responsibility in the life of Jefferson Unitarian Church
  
  
• Strengthen the work of social justice by JUC and its members.
  
  
• Promote the role that JUC plays in creating systemic social change through collective action.
  
  
• Make Unitarian Universalism (UU) more visible in the world.

Thanks to the vision and generosity of long-time members, Dr. James and Mrs. Til Taguchi, JUC has the opportunity to share our Unitarian Universalist Principles and Purposes through social action in our own and the wider community. The Taguchi Social Action Fund seeks to fulfill this mission by funding proposals in support of social action in any of its five areas– social service, social education, social witness, advocacy for social change, and community organizing. Projects that create opportunities for active involvement of JUC members will be strongly preferred and some priority will be given to those with an emphasis on promoting systemic change.

Goals for Projects Supported by TSAF

• Promote UU values of justice, equity and compassion in the wider community by working on social issues that identify Unitarian Universalists as promoters of a just society.
  
  
• Further the understanding of our congregation of the historic and prophetic role of UUs in support of a just society and of the spiritual underpinnings of social justice and systemic change.
  
  
• Continue to develop and expand social action in partnership with community groups that have goals congruent with our UU Principles and Purposes, including other UU churches and related organizations.
  
  
• Develop our social action leadership for youth and adults through appropriate training activities.
  
  
• Provide funds to allow volunteers to spend less energy on fundraising and more on their end goals.
  
  
• Develop diverse social service projects that provide opportunities for participation by many individuals with a broad range of interests and talents.
  
  
• Provide education and meaningful opportunities for social action for youth, families, and adults
  

General Information

TSAF directors will consider grant proposals that support investigating systemic problems, providing education about social needs, supporting peace and civil liberties, protecting the environment, and promoting participation in political decisions. We also profess a deep commitment to economic justice and propose to support this ideal through social service to organizations assisting needy individuals as we strive to address the root causes of those needs. 

All proposals for support, including those from organizations outside of JUC, must have the sponsorship of a group with a recognized connection to JUC. The proposals should be for special purposes and goals not regularly funded by the JUC operating budget. Proposals may not receive funding from both the TSAF and the Endowment and Memorial Gift Trust (EMGT) during the same twelve-month period. Proposals for funds already expended will not be considered.

A. Guidelines for Small Grants ($1000 or less)

Small grants are meant to meet the need for limited funding to enable a group to address a social action need in a timely, or possibly a preliminary, fashion. TSAF directors will accept proposals for Small Grants three times a year: Sept. 30, Jan. 30, and May 30. At appropriate times TSAF will hold a one-hour workshop to go over the requirements, explain the application process, and give prospective applicants some input on the suitability of their ideas. All applicants are strongly urged to attend. Awards for successful grants will be announced no later than six weeks after an adequate proposal is submitted. Each small grant recipient is required to submit a report at the completion of the project or annually if the project extends for more than a year.

B. Guidelines for Large Grants (more than $1000)

The TSAF directors will accept applications for Large Grants once each year.  Large grants are meant to support projects that require more funding, major congregational participation or possibly involve other churches or community groups. Those submitting large grant applications are required to submit a letter of intent describing their project by April 1. Assuming that the project is deemed suitable for TSAF support, the applicant(s) will be asked to meet with the TSAF directors to discuss their project in some detail. Final large grant proposals are due on June 15. Grants will be awarded no later than six weeks after proposal deadline. Funding may be granted for more than one year. Grantees for such ongoing projects will be expected to develop plans for the long-term sustainability of their project. Detailed annual progress reports, including funds expended and objectives accomplished, are required. 

Submission of proposals

Proposal packets are available from the JUC office, (303) 279-5282 or from one of the TSAF directors (see list below).
Completed grant proposals must be delivered to the JUC office by the dates noted above.
Please submit both: One hardcopy collated in a file folder AND an electronic copy as a collated .doc file. Deliver the electronic file by email to juc@jeffersonunitarian.org with “TSAF Proposal” in subject line.

Responsibilities of Grantees

If you receive a grant from the Taguchi Social Action Fund:

The money must be used only for the project described in your application. If there are significant changes in your project, we ask that you contact us.
We expect that the project you are working on will be complete and the money spent within the timeline submitted. Any money left unused after that time must be returned, unless you request an extension in writing.
You will communicate the role that Jefferson Unitarian Church is playing in social action to the wider community. Reports will include:

1. A description of the major activities of the project, any significant changes in your activities from your original proposed plan, and if so, the reasons for the change.
   
   
2. The project's major accomplishments and the ways you met or did not meet your goals and expected outcomes.
   
   
3. A final project financial statement, accounting for all actual income received and expenses incurred for the project.

Directors of the Taguchi Social Action Fund

The five Directors of the TSAF are JUC members nominated by the Leadership Nominating Council and elected by the congregation. Efforts are made to achieve a balance among the Directors in terms of experience, education and a wide range of interests in social action.