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History

In 1956, George L. and Bessie Jackson bequeathed a large sum from their estate to the then Unitarian Church of Ann Arbor. The Jacksons strongly believed in the principles of the First Amendment, and through their bequest they enlisted the Unitarian congregation in this cause.

The Jackson Social Welfare Fund has remained fully invested and is currently managed by the Investment Advisory Committee of the congregation. Each year a portion of the fund's earnings is distributed to selected nonprofit organizations.

Oversight Committee

The Investment Advisory Committee of the congregation is appointed by the Board of Trustees to oversee the investment of this and other funds of the congregation. Once each year, the Investment Advisory Committee recommends the amount to be distributed by the Jackson Social Welfare Fund Committee in the coming year.

The Jackson Social Welfare Fund Committee has eight members: two members of the congregation are appointed each year, serving three-year rotating terms, and there are two representatives from the Ann Arbor Society of Friends. This Committee solicits applications, reviews requests for funding, and submits its recommendations to the congregation for approval. In recent years the American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan, the Interfaith Council for Peace and Justice and many other nonprofit organizations have received grants.

2010 Request for Proposals

The Jackson Social Welfare Fund of the First Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Ann Arbor provides funding for "... advancing the understanding and acceptance of the great principles of the First Amendment ... and for the promotion of the use of reason and understanding in ... solving in a peaceful manner domestic and international difficulties and conflicts."  The First Amendment reads:

The Jackson Social Welfare Fund Committee will consider the funding of proposals which satisfy either of the above criteria. In addition, the Committee is interested in whether a proposal has potential for long-term impact, such as providing a publication or curriculum guide or leadership training. The Committee is also interested in whether the proposal has potential to enhance the understanding or involvement of youth regarding First Amendment issues or issues of conflict resolution as outlined above.

The Committee expects to allocate $24,300  in 2010.  Last year, grants of varying amounts were given to local, regional, and national organizations.

A written proposal is required for organizations to be considered for funding. The proposal should be about two pages in length and include a description of the specific project, the projected time line and anticipated outcomes, the projected budget, and a description of how the project relates to the mission of the Jackson Social Welfare Fund which is stated above.

If your organization received funding in 2009, please include with your 2010 proposal a brief (one page or less) report of how the 2009 grant was used.

Questions may be addressed to Joseph G. Walls, Chairman, Jackson Social Welfare Committee, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

We strongly encourage you to email your proposal to the Chairman of the Committee: Joseph G. Walls, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

If you wish, you may mail your proposal to:
Jackson Social Welfare Fund Committee
First Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Ann Arbor
4001 Ann Arbor - Saline Road
Ann Arbor, Michigan 48103

Proposals should be received no later than 5:00 PM on August 10, 2010.

You will be notified in early September and checks will be mailed out as soon as possible thereafter.