April 11, 2012

To The Congregation:

As you will recall Kay Crider of the UUA was in Lincoln March 13-19 to conduct a feasibility study as to whether we would be likely to have a successful capital campaign in order to realize our building and renovation plans. Attached is Kay's report. The UUA takes great pride in conducting these feasibility studies and therefore strive to be as accurate and objective as possible. I strongly urge everyone to carefully read this report.

I will not give any personal opinion of the report but I have been asked to give you a summary of the report (only by quoting from that report) to encourage you to read the whole document:

"The results of the financial feasibility study are very positive and show that you should be able to raise between 3.5 and 4 times your annual giving, which is a healthy range for this type of project. The study results indicate that the congregation should be able to raise between $1,125,000 and $1,250,000 during a three-year capital campaign. Additional dedicated building funds of approximately $155,000 given in the last few years were not included in the financial projections for a capital campaign and would supplement funds raised in a campaign. Potential use of some portion of undedicated Foundation funds, and consideration of a reasonable loan could further increase the total funding package for the building project. That total depends on additional decision-making by the church."

"The Unitarian Church of Lincoln has substantial support to fund the renovation of your church home. Ninety percent of the study participants indicated some level of financial support for the building project being considered. Study projections indicate that a well-run campaign with support from the remainder of your congregation should result in at least 3.6 times your annual giving. The level of energy and enthusiasm for proceeding forward is high, and there is trust and confidence in Team 2016’s work as well as your board and ministerial leadership."

"TOTAL capital fund, including a successful campaign, existing building funds, some Foundation funds and a loan = $1,830,000 to $1,955,000."

Team 2106 and the Board are moving forward to determine next steps after carefully considering Kay's report. However, we very much need to hear your input, your suggestions, your concerns, and your feedback. Please contact me (or any other Board member) personally by email, phone, or in-person to discuss this important matter.

Sincerely,

David M. Williams

Board President

CLICK HERE to download or read the Financial Feasibility Study Report