Annual Giving

“For it is in giving that we receive.”
– St. Francis of Assisi

An elderly woman in a wheelchair waters a plant on a windowsill with a small watering can, nurturing life and embracing the simple joys that come with giving opportunities for growth.

What is Annual Giving?

Throughout the year, United Church Homes offers a variety of giving opportunities to our friends and supporters. Everyone who donates is recognized in our annual report.

United Church Homes is a registered nonprofit organization. All donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by the law.

Donors Making a Difference

United Church Homes received hundreds of gifts-in-kind from individuals, church groups, civic groups, organizations and local government agencies for residents during the pandemic.

Community partners across the country partner with us to provide United Church Homes support.

Annual Fund Appeals

Employee Giving Campaign

Our Employee Giving Campaign leads the way as our largest Annual Fund Appeal. Nearly two-thirds of UCH employees are donors. It’s gratifying to see United Church Homes employees making an impact in our communities.

Gifts-in-Kind

Friends of United Church Homes may donate gifts-in-kind that are needed to fulfill our mission. These gifts-in-kind can include, but are not limited to, items such as office equipment, supplies and products, services, furnishings, food and supplies for special events or other items that align with the fulfillment of our mission.

One recent example: United Church Homes received hundreds of gifts-in-kind from individuals, church groups, civic groups, organizations and local government agencies for residents during the pandemic.

Please note: For IRS purposes, all gifts-in-kind must be valued by the donor.

Annual Appeals Options

You can designate a gift to a particular community or program through a variety of annual appeals, including:

  • Church Appeal
  • Spring Appeal
  • Resident or Community Appeal
  • Volunteer Leaders Appeal
  • Christmas Appeal

Honor, Memorial or Tribute Gifts

Would you like to support UCH by honoring the memory of someone special? Honorary or memorial gifts can be made anytime of the year. Designate your gift to a particular program or community — or make a general, unrestricted donation.

Giving Circles

Our Giving circles recognize the generous contributions of our donors while honoring those individuals who have helped shape United Church Homes into what it is today.

Ruth F. Parker Circle – $10,000+

Honors Ruth F. Parker, the founder and benefactress of The Parkvue Community in Sandusky, Ohio. Ruth was deeply devoted to the residents of Parkvue and the community of Sandusky. Ruth supported both over many years with her generous contributions.

The President’s Circle – $5,000-$9,999

Honors a group of friends who join the president of United Church Homes annually with their contributions at this generous giving level.

Robert & Eleanor Diller Inaugural Circle – $2,500-$4,999

Honors Rev. Dr. Robert Diller, the first president of United Church Homes, and his wife, Eleanor. Rev. Dr. Diller also served as the administrator at the first United Church Homes community, The Fairhaven Community, in Upper Sandusky, Ohio. Eleanor worked as Fairhaven’s dietician and activities director.

The Herbster Circle – $1,000-$2,499

Rev. Dr. Benjamin M. Herbster and his wife, Elizabeth, were generous supporters of United Church Homes. Rev. Dr. Herbster was the first president of the United Church of Christ and served as a Board member for United Church Homes. He asked 10 of his friends to make an annual donation of $100 or more and then invited their friends to join them in this mission. This society later became known as the Society of Stephen. Rev. Dr. Herbster and his wife were also residents at Trinity Community in Beavercreek. The Herbster Circle honors these UCH visionaries.

Matthew & Jane Smith Founders Circle – $250-$999

Honors our founders, Matthew and Jane Smith. Matthew and Jane shared a common vision to create a community that would care for older adults. Their bequest – a farm – was sold to purchase the Barnhouse property in Upper Sandusky that was later known as The Fairhaven Community.

Donors Make a Difference

From individual donors who support a UCH community or cause to the community partnerships UCH has forged across the country, our “Annual Giving Nation” makes a powerful, lasting difference in the lives of thousands of older adults.

For more information about annual giving at United Church Homes, please contact the advancement and fundraising office.

An elderly couple walks arm in arm in a garden, both wearing hats. The man uses a cane, and both are smiling and dressed casually.