Created to honor the 32 years of service of Rev. Richard and Joyce Gilbert to our church and community, The Gilbert Spirit Fund will lend support to programs/projects that reflect the special interests of Richard and/or Joyce Gilbert, giving preference to fresh ventures and new initiatives with existing endeavors.

The funded programs/projects will:

Contribute to social or economic justice; or

Promote art and music as integral parts of a responsible search for meaning in life; or

Build or revitalize partnerships that support the goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all

Groups receiving funds must be nonpartisan and not-for-profit with 501(c)(3) status. Requests for approximately $500-5,000 will be considered. The fund will make at least one substantial award annually to an endeavor that fulfills the criteria outlined above, giving preference to ventures that engage a significant number of First Unitarian Church congregants of all ages. The goals of the funded programs/projects must be specific, measurable, achievable, and congruent with the interests, commitments, and vision of Joyce and/or Richard Gilbert and with Unitarian Universalist values.

Proposals must focus on social service, social education, social witness or social action. Examples of activities funded in the past include expansion of youth programming, purchase or repair of equipment, advocacy services, and conference costs.

Requires that the activity or project promoting peace through international understanding include a program that occurs locally.

Criteria for applicants to either fund include the organization being local (Greater Rochester area), nonpartisan, and not-for-profit. Applicants must be 501(c)(3) corporations.