Grant and Funding Programs Offered by Canadian Unitarian Council (CUC)

The Canadian Unitarian Council (CUC) is the national body representing Unitarian, Unitarian Universalist and Universalist Unitarian congregations across Canada. As a registered charity, it provides leadership, connection and practical support to congregations and UU communities, with a strong emphasis on spiritual growth, religious education, and social responsibility. In addition to programmatic and pastoral support, the CUC administers a portfolio of funds, grants and subsidies that channel financial resources to congregations, individuals and partner organizations.

Through its "Grants & Subsidies" offerings, the CUC supports youth and young adults, congregational development, and ministry and leadership formation. Named funds include the Rev. Rod Fund for Youth and Young Adults, Sharing Our Faith Grants for congregational growth initiatives, the Edward Bevan Ratcliffe Subsidy for adult leadership development, Theological Education Funds for ministerial journeys, the West Trust Grants, and other targeted supports. These mechanisms help reduce financial barriers to participation in national events, nurture new projects in congregations, and strengthen leadership capacity across the UU network.

CUC funding focuses on several recurring themes: supporting youth and young adult engagement; encouraging innovative congregational initiatives; advancing justice, equity and the dismantling of barriers; and sustaining religious education and ministerial training. The "Unitarians Helping Others" funds explicitly aim to benefit UU congregations, individuals and other organizations whose work aligns with UU values. Additional funds such as the Justice, Equity and Dismantling Barriers Fund, the Refugee Fund, and CUC Special Collections are directed to social justice, reconciliation, refugee sponsorship and one-time special projects.

Geographically, the CUC serves congregations and communities across Canada, ensuring that small and large congregations can access national resources. Financial support is complemented by leadership development, resource sharing, and collaborative events, including national conferences and gatherings.

The CUC is governed by a Board of Trustees elected by delegates from member congregations at the Annual General Meeting (AGM). Each year the AGM approves minutes, annual reports, and audited financial statements, which are then made publicly available on the "Reports and Publications" page. This structure provides accountability to member congregations and to donors who contribute to CUC funds, including the "Growing into the Future" operating fund and various designated funds.

Donors are offered clear options for giving, including online donations, e‑transfers and cheques, with the ability to direct contributions to specific funds. The organization emphasizes transparency in its financial reporting, helping supporters understand how resources are invested to grow vital UU communities.

The CUC’s mission is to grow vital Unitarian Universalist communities. It acts as a beacon for UU congregations across Canada, providing leadership, support and connection as they strive to foster a just and sustainable world and to enrich spiritual lives. The Council’s work integrates worship resources, social justice initiatives, youth and young adult ministry, lay chaplaincy support, and congregational wellness services.

Task forces, study groups and committees—such as the Dismantling Racism Study Group, the Polyamory Task Force, and strategic planning initiatives like "Living into the Future"—illustrate how the CUC uses both volunteer expertise and financial tools to address emerging issues. By combining grants, subsidies, training and collaborative processes, the CUC helps UU communities live out values of interdependence, love and justice throughout Canada.