Board Brief – July 2025

What’s going on with our Board of Trustees?  Here’s an update from our last meeting:

 

Finance Report

The financial update for May reflects both encouraging trends and areas to monitor:

Good News:

• Year-to-date (YTD) rental income exceeded budget by $34.2k!
  • Bolstered by repeat clients, weddings, and corporate bookings.
• Investments continue to outperform the broader market.
• YTD expenses were $7.7k below budget.
• Our YTD net loss is $5k better than projected.
• Tithe discretionary expense was $5k higher in May, reflecting 10% accrued from the Endowment Fund.

Opportunities:

• YTD total revenue (tithes, rentals, other) was $2.6k below budget.
• Tithing income is down $25.8k YTD, at 81% of budget.
• AV tech expenses were elevated in May due to livestream development costs.
• Higher equipment/software costs in May were due to PC upgrades for Karen R. and Masanda.

Financial Review:

The board is pursuing a third-party review of Seattle Unity’s finances to ensure ongoing transparency and compliance with Unity national standards and best practices.

For more details, contact Diana Suzuki, Board Treasurer.

 

🌱 Legacy Giving Campaign Update

Each year, a portion of earnings from the Endowment Fund helps balance our operating budget. This is made possible through the vision and generosity of past congregants. In their honor, we are launching a Legacy Giving Campaign to provide all members—regardless of income—the opportunity to create a lasting impact.

Campaign Launch:

Mid-August with the unveiling of the Legacy Tree Sculpture in the lobby.

Highlights:

• A $10,000 giving level—achieved via a will, life insurance policy, retirement account, or real property designated to the Endowment Fund—qualifies a donor for recognition with a Legacy Leaf on the giving tree.
• Financial education classes led by Greg Rupert will be held in September, with Legacy Giving featured as a key topic.

 

Ministry & Community Updates

Unity Northwest Regional Conference 2025

Bellingham, WA |  9/17–9/19
Registration is still open. Register online

Mary’s Place – White Center

The White Center facility is undergoing a major expansion. The board has encouraged the Outreach Team to explore deeper engagement—just as we have so beautifully done with Mary’s Place Seattle.

Heartfulness Workshop

The board expressed enthusiastic support for the Heartfulness Workshop. Heartfulness is an educational and volunteer-based non-profit organization focused on meditation, relaxation, yoga, and spirituality. While not formally affiliated with Unity, its mission aligns closely with our commitment to inner awareness and spiritual growth.

📅 The workshop will be held after the Service on 7/20.

 

Keep an eye out for more updates from your Board of Trustees!

 

Holly M Kemery

Board Member

 

 

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