Taguchi Social Action Fund

The Taguchi Social Action Fund (TSAF) was founded in 2003 by a gift of $100,000 from Dr. James and Mrs. Til Taguchi, former members who had the vision to create a fund that could support social action projects to extend JUC’s reach into the community. Thanks to their generosity, JUC is able to fund 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. For more information on the purpose and goals of the fund, see the TSAF Charter.

Mission

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

educate and empower the JUC congregation - youth and adults - to be active participants in social responsibility;
create opportunities for JUCers to put Unitarian Universalist values into action;
promote the role that JUC plays in creating systemic social change through collective action, and
build partnerships within the larger community.

What criteria must grant requests meet?

Proposed projects must promote the goals stated in the TSAF mission. Proposals may be submitted by anyone affiliated with JUC whose project or activity is sponsored by an existing JUC group. Eligibility is not limited to the Social Responsibility Council task forces; any JUC group that envisions a social action project requiring funds is encouraged to apply.

Proposals should be for special purposes and goals not generally funded by the JUC operating budget.

Grants are not made to outside organizations as a “pass-through” of funds. However, projects or activities that involve collaboration with an outside organization are eligible for support if they are sponsored by a JUC group and facilitate involvement of JUC members in that organization’s activities.

How to apply for funds

Grant applications are accepted at any time throughout the year. The grant amounts are open. Refer to the Instructions for the Grant Process.. You will begin by submitting a letter of intent. If your project/activity is accepted you will be asked to write a formal proposal. Be aware that there are requirements for the time frame in which the money will be spent and for final reporting also detailed in the Instructions for the Grant Process.

Grants have helped to:

fund professional staffing to encourage and support expansion of social action programming at JUC
send youth to national training events and UUSC Just Journeys
support the Interfaith Music Festival of The Interfaith Alliance-Colorado
support a series of issues seminars for the GLBT community
support expenses for a Gulf Coast Relief work crew
provide funds for special activities for Family Promise and for a storage facility for Family Promise at JUC
support the position of Social Justice Community Intern for the Boulder-Denver Cluster of UU churches
sponsor a FIRE Within curriculum at Thomas Jefferson High School aimed at preventing teen suicides

Perpetuating the Fund

The Taguchis wished to establish a fund to be used for current needs--not maintained in perpetuity as an endowed trust fund. However, the fund can continue indefinitely with new contributions. If you would like to make a cash donation, contact one of the TSAF directors. Or you can donate a vehicle through Donation Line, an organization that facilitates the sale of donated vehicles and sends the proceeds to JUC.

Who administers TSAF?

The fund is governed by five directors who are nominated by the Leadership Nominating Committee (LNC) and elected by the congregation for three year terms. They are directly responsible to the congregation.

Current Directors:

Dee Ray, chair
Judy Miller (2014)
Mindy Mohr (2014)
Judy Green (2015)
Ken May (2015)

Updated 02/19/2013