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In 2026, we are launching the UUSJ Lavona Grow Fund—we are honored to announce this new initiative created to carry forward the bold, values-rooted advocacy that defined Lavona Grow’s life and leadership. Lavona passed away in January 2026, yet she leaves a legacy of impact to celebrate.
This fund reflects our commitment to ensuring her spirit of grounded, justice-driven leadership continues to shape UUSJ’s future. Gifts to the UUSJ Lavona Grow Fund will honor your generosity by extending UUSJ’s capacity to do what Lavona modeled so powerfully:
- Build national advocacy coalitions
- Train and equip UU advocates across the country
- Advance environmental and economic justice
- Support strategic initiatives that grow the UU justice ecosystem
We launch this fund, with gifts of $15,000, from UUSJ members and peers of Lavona, and a goal of $100,000 to expand capacity. With this fund we honor Lavona’s memory by investing in the future she envisioned: a vibrant, prepared, values-driven corps of UU advocates making meaningful progress at the federal and state levels.
Success with the fund will help ensure engagement on near-term important matters and a strong, long-term foundation for our work, granting UUSJ the flexibility to be responsive to the changing needs and circumstances of the country and the urgency of federal engagement.
Whys and Ways:
“I had never been much of an activist, but the past eight years have taught me that complacency is not an option—and UUSJ has helped me to act.“
– Teresa DeSousa (NJ)
“Volunteering with people who share my values has been wonderful.“
– Dee Ellison (VA)
“I am a retired educator, and my involvement with UUSJ allows me to support and participate in education based on Unitarian Universalist values.“
– Dan Schneider (OH)
“For many years I have been involved in progressive causes, so the UUSJ Advocacy Corps was a perfect fit for me.“
– Emily Koechlin (MD)
“Lavona believed in the purpose and power of UUSJ to help make the world a better place by addressing injustice. She loved the energy and commitment of UUSJ volunteers to take their message to their elected representatives and
make their values and their voices heard.“
– Bob Denniston (VA)
UUSJ is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization (Tax ID/EIN #: 52-2288304), and as such, contributions to the UUSJ Lavona Grow Fund are eligible for tax benefits. We strongly encourage you to consult with your tax advisors when considering a gift to the fund.
To make a contribution to the UUSJ Lavona Grow Fund, please make checks payable to: Unitarian Universalist for Social Justice, include “UUSJ Lavona Grow Fund” in the memo line. Checks can be mailed to:
7750 16th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20012-1462
Other Ways to Give:
For those considering making their generous support for the UUSJ Lavona Grow Fund a part of their life’s story, their legacy of advocacy and power building – our staff can help begin to answer questions regarding a giving method that best serves your wishes, financial goals, and possible tax benefits, such as:
- Designating UUSJ as a beneficiary in your estate planning
- Disbursement of Retirement funds
- Life Insurance
- Securities, stocks, bonds, mutual funds
- Real estate and other assets
- Bequests
Donate Now!
If you'd like to make an immediate donation by credit card, please use the donation interface below.
Steps:
- Define the amount.
- Add your information.
- Proceed to confirmation.
- Receive email receipt.
Instantaneous Results:
- Feel good about your impact.
- Further the movement.
- Celebrate a legacy.
- Help build capacity.
UUSJ is a tax-exempt non-profit organization, under the section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, and all charitable donations are deductible to the full extent allowed by law.
For charitable, IRA, and donor-advised fund distributions our Tax ID/EIN #: 52-2288304
Thank You!
We appreciate your generous donation to the UUSJ Lavona Grow Fund.
We are grateful you join us in celebrating Lavona’s legacy and supporting the work that will continue in her name.
A donation receipt will arrive in your inbox shortly.
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