What is the Kurt Pearson Social Concerns Fund? This Fund was established as part of the Foundation of the First Unitarian Society of Minneapolis (FUS) in 1992 in loving memory of Kurt Pearson. A lifelong Unitarian and member of FUS, with an active social conscience, Kurt's life was cut short by AIDS. He died on August 13, 1991 at the age of 29. Grants are made each year in October near Kurt's birthday.

Why should I contribute to this fund? It is the only Foundation Fund devoted exclusively to social concerns at the Society. Its annual grants reach out to needy people and groups in the community.

How can I contribute to this fund? There are different ways you can donate. If you want to honor a special person or occasion now, it can be as simple as a check made payable to the FUS Foundation with a designation for the Pearson Social Concerns Fund. You can also arrange for a donation after your death with a bequest in your will, and there are other ways as well - including an annuity during your lifetime.

Who can apply for a grant? Members and Friends of FUS are invited to nominate a worthy group or organization to receive a grant. Applications for Grants are available online and at the FUS office during the summer and early fall each year. Grant requests (to the attention of the Foundation President) should be received by the Foundation by September 30. The Grant Committee usually meets during the first week of October to consider the nominations.

• smaller organizations with limited access to other support
• organizations that have not received a previous Pearson award
• organizations that primarily work in the Twin Cities region
• projects that will likely have an impact beyond the project

How much money is awarded in the grant(s)? The amount can vary each year, depending on the monies available and the number of requests that are granted. In the past, individual grants have been anywhere from $100 to $1000 and the number of grants in a year anywhere from one to four, with total amounts in a single year from $500 (in the early years) to $2,000. Of course, as the Fund grows, so will the amount available for grants from year to year. A history of the grants is available online and at the FUS office.