About the UGN
The Underground Network (UGN) is a 501(c)3 organization. We want to see vibrant families of Jesus in close reach, culturally and geographically to every person in Chicagoland. Members of the Underground Network engage sanely on the journey at the various levels of Christian community including the house church (or small group) level, the “where two or three are gathered” (aka the level of intentional friendships), the personal prayer life, the ongoing study of God in the world throughout time/geography and the city-wide network of house churches (or small groups).
GIVE
You can make one time or recurring gifts online or via check. Make checks to the Underground Network and mail to:
UNDERGROUND NETWORK
PO BOX 257404
Chicago, IL 60625
Also, there is a very convenient way to give: give online! We have an assortment of one-time and recurring gift buttons on the ever present sidebar (on the right)!
Choose one of the preset amounts from below. We use Paypal, so you can stop or change your amount anytime.
FAQ
1. I want to talk about money in our group. Any suggestions on how to do that?
We created this pledge card template that helps start the conversation and serve as a tangible reminder about giving. Also, consider exploring 1 Corinthians 9 together as a topical study. It’s an under read passage in the context of building one another up.
2. Is it better to give by mailing a check or paying online?
Both have their strengths and weaknesses, and it comes down to preference. Some have said that they like writing checks, because it reminds them to pray for harvest workers. They like the mindful ritual of taking the time each month to write, remember and reflect. Writing checks helps the UGN avoid payment processing fees (~3%), so that is another upside.
Others prefer to automate the gifts online, so they keep the commitment without fail. They also like the convenience of giving online. It is easy for the UGN to manage online funds, since it cuts down on administrative work. Giving online also saves trees, and we like trees.
Again, giving is giving is giving. Whether you do it by check or online is your choice!
3. Why support local leaders?
We want to invest in those financially who are investing in us spiritually. (1 Cor 9:11)
It is our belief that we can fund a sustainable movement that will ultimately lead to the start of many more vibrant families of Jesus when we “buy the time” of those in our church network who want to plant churches.
4. How does the UGN manage funds received?
Because our income varies dramatically from month to month, we have developed a scaled budget. Essentially there are three separate budgets to be used based on the amount of income in a given month.
The logistics team allocates each gift into certain budgets based on the amount of the gift given. This helps us to avoid unnecessary bloating in certain categories and adequately fund the areas of importance. For example, if one gives $250 a month, the funds are broken down by percentage into the categories below (see the breakdown “% at $200-999). The design emphasizes the values of the network. Note: We allocate larger gifts with an emphasis toward leader support (30% of gifts over $1000 go to supporting leaders and leadership development.)
| UGN BUDGET |
% at $1-199/mo |
% at $200-999/mo |
% at $1000 and up /mo |
|
| MAINTENANCE |
30% |
15% |
5% |
|
| FIRST FRUITS |
10% |
15% |
15% |
|
| LEADER SUPPORT |
5% |
15% |
30% |
|
| EVENTS |
15% |
15% |
10% |
|
| NEEDS |
20% |
20% |
20% |
|
| SAVINGS |
20% |
20% |
20% |
|
Descriptions of Budget Labels
FIRST FRUITS refers to income set aside for Kingdom related work outside our network. From this budget, we give a monthly donation to a specific cause or organization outside the network.
LEADER SUPPORT refers to the support given to our in-network local leaders. This helps them put food on the table, meet with people for prayer, coffee, encouragement, coaching and other network-related / kingdom-related activities.
MAINTENANCE is a boring category for things like website bills and other organizational costs.
EVENTS represents money intended for use in providing network functions. We use this money for food, rented space, retreat costs, guest speakers, and generally anything having to do with the costs involved in doing things together.
NEEDS is a savings based category to be used as philanthropic needs arrive both inside and outside the network. This is our money for “orphans and widows”, crises situations and other urgent situations.
SAVINGS is income set aside for future network needs. This is a general savings fund that can be used to further the Kingdom however the network sees fit.
5. My family gives to large nonprofit organizations (currently World Relief and Compassion International.) Are you suggesting that we give to the UGN [at the MACRO level] instead? We don’t have a lot of money.
Great question! We love what God is doing throughout the world, and supporting these organizations is a great way to make a difference, meet new friends and continually get feedback from the front lines. Much like these organizations, we are interested in accomplishing God-tasks locally. We want to see vibrant families of Jesus throughout Chicagoland. If God is calling you to financially support the leaders who are nurturing the next wave of Jesus followers in Chicago, great! If not, support in prayer! Remember to pray to God for harvest workers (Luke 10:2b). Bottom line: Listen to God, and do what He says. We are not here to micromanage your finances. We trust you and we trust what God is doing through you.
6. I’ve heard about the Catalyst Plan. Can you tell me more about it?
This is the plan that catalyzes healthy leaders our network, via Mark Willis’ Catalyst Plan (Mark prayerfully designed this in concert with Ignite Church Planting).
7. Are donations tax-deductible?
Yes! The UGN is 501(c)3 Organization, so you can write off gifts on your taxes.
8. Who actually manages the dollars and cents?
Sean Durbin & Alan Boyle will check the bank account independently at the end of each month and allocate the finances according to this budget. They will each keep a record of the accounts. Please contact them with any questions, concerns or if you are interested in helping with the finances.
NETWORK GATHERING!
Our next network gathering is Sunday, January 29, 2012 from 1:30pm to 3:30pm at 1015 W. Polk Street, Chicago, IL. The gathering is on the 3rd floor, there is parking to the east of the building (via alley access), and we ask that participants bring either drinks and/or appetizers to share. The building is a quarter-mile walk from the Halsted/UIC Blue Line stop. We’re excited to see everyone! The group from Elgin will be facilitating our gathering! Special thanks to Ben and Christy Toh for their generous sharing of their space with us.
