Under Our Roof

Boise First Congregational United Church of Christ is launching a
Capital Campaign to overhaul critical infrastructure

We believe our building is a living expression of our mission. The impacts of polarization and isolation are being felt all around us. When we come together in a safe, physical space, we experience unity and a feeling of coherence. This campaign is about more than maintaining a building- it is about strengthening the foundation of our ministry. 

Every repaired roof, every functioning heating system, every safe and welcoming room directly supports our ability to ensure that Boise First Congregational UCC can continue to be a:

  • place of radical welcome

  • home for justice partnerships

  • green steward of our footprint

  • spiritual home for diverse communities

  • space where lives are transformed

  • venue for healing and recovery

  • refuge for vulnerable neighbors

For decades, our building has served not only our congregation but the wider Boise community in powerful and tangible ways. Each week, we open our doors to:

  • Over a dozen 12-step and recovery groups

  • Two immigrant congregations that call this space home

  • Intermountain Fair Housing Council, working for housing justice

  • Furnishing Hope, providing furniture for newly housed neighbors

  • Girl Scout troops, quilting groups, and other community gatherings

  • COMING SOON —  memory care respite support to families and their caregivers

This building is not just where we gather—it is a hub of safety, compassion, dignity, and transformation for countless people. Each hour of the day, each space we share allows our church to expand our capacity for service and impact in the world. 

Questions?

  • Through this capital campaign, we will raise funds to:

    • Replace our HVAC system for efficiency, comfort, and sustainability

    • Repair and replace the roof to protect the integrity of the building

    • Upgrade windows to improve insulation, safety, and long-term cost savings

    • Address other major building systems nearing the end of their life

  • A recent facilities assessment revealed that several critical elements of our building—including the HVAC system, roof, and windows—all need to be addressed. 

    These improvements are not about luxury—our roof already makes that urgency visible during heavy rains when new leaks appear. Thanks to the perseverance of so many of our long-term members, we are blessed to have made it to the other side of difficult years that have tested our faith, shaped our community, and ultimately deepened our roots, however this deferred maintenance is the honest mark of that faith journey. 

    We are joyfully witnessing new faces joining us and we want our building to be ready to receive them. As stewards of this sacred space, we can act with intention, wisdom, and faith - so that our building can continue to serve for generations to come.

  • By acting now, we position Boise First UCC to:

    • Avoid costly emergency repairs

    • Plan responsibly and transparently

    • Engage our growing congregation in a shared vision

    • Ensure our building remains a vibrant community resource

    Together, we can ensure that this space continues to be a place where lives are changed, community is built, and hope is made visible. Ways to participate:

    • Attend an informational meeting

    • Share your thoughts during the feasibility process

    • Pray for the church and this effort

    • Consider how you might contribute financially

    • Volunteer to help with the campaign

    This is your invitation— invest in something bigger than all of us.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • A capital campaign is a specific, focused, and time-limited fundraising initiative used by nonprofits to raise substantial funds for specific, large-scale projects. 

    • Time-Bound: Campaigns have a defined start and end date, usually lasting over a multi-year period.

    • Specific Purpose: Funds are restricted to a specific, major project rather than operating expenses.

    • Phased Approach: They consist of a planning phase, a kick-off phase, a solicitation phase and a stewardship phase

    High Impact: These are often the largest fundraising efforts an organization will undertake.

  • Our capital campaign is not about cosmetic changes or our hopes and dreams for our building. This campaign will focus on addressing necessary building liabilities to ensure safety, efficiency, and longevity.

    • Roof repair and replacement

    • Replacement of the HVAC system

    • Window replacement

  • Once the feasibility study is complete and the congregation approves the campaign, there will be many ways to participate:

    • Attend an informational meeting

    • Share your thoughts during the feasibility process

    • Pray for the church and this effort

    • Consider how you might contribute financially

    • Volunteer to help with the campaign

  •  Yes, the roof has needed multiple repairs as new leaks appear and the HVAC has consistently required 4-5k in repairs the last few years.

    The assessment makes clear that several other systems are also aging and will require replacement within the next several years. Addressing all of these needs at once allows us to plan wisely and avoid emergency repairs

  • Waiting would likely mean:

    • Higher costs due to emergency repairs

    • Additional damage or harm created by failing systems

    • Disruptions to worship and community use

    • Added stress and urgency for leadership and congregation

    Planning ahead allows us to be proactive, thoughtful, and financially responsible.


  • Our building is not just for Sunday worship—it is a vital community hub.

    Each week, it is used by:

    • Over a dozen 12-step recovery groups

    • Two immigrant congregations

    • Intermountain Fair Housing Council

    • Furnishing Hope

    • Girl Scouts, quilting groups, and other community gatherings

    • A soon-to-launch memory care respite program

    Maintaining our building ensures we can continue offering space for healing, justice, and community connection

  • The high estimate of repairs has been $600,000. The final campaign goal will be set based on the information provided by the Feasibility Study and approved by the Congregation before the campaign proceeds.

  • Phase ONE — conduct a Financial Feasibility Study to ensure the campaign reflects the voice and capacity of the congregation.

    • Gauge congregational readiness

    • Gather input and feedback

    • Identify concerns or questions

    • Help shape the final campaign to determine a realistic and achievable goal

    The main thrust of the Financial Feasibility Study will be interviews with a diverse group of 20–50 people, including:

    • Church leadership

    • Long-time and newer members

    • People of different ages and backgrounds

    • Those who support the campaign and those who may have concerns

    What happens after the feasibility study?

    • Results will be shared with the church council

    • A campaign goal will be set and approved

    • The timeline and plan will be voted on by the Congregation

    • Once approved, congregants will be invited to participate as the campaign proceeds

    Phase Two Under Our Roof Campaign Kick-Off - TBD

    Phase Three Pledge Solicitation - TBD

    Phase Four Ongoing Pledge Stewardship - TBD


  • We will offer multiple opportunities to learn and ask questions, including:

    • Informational meetings after worship

    • Gatherings during the week at different times

    • Written materials and updates

    Our goal is to make sure everyone feels informed and included.


  • Yes—this will be a community-wide effort Everyone who uses our building or benefits from our work is encouraged to participate in a way that is meaningful and appropriate for their financial situation. Every gift matters.

  • Our regular giving (pledges and offerings) supports the day-to-day ministry of the church.

    This capital campaign is specifically to collect  one-time or multi-year gifts focused on the major building improvements we have outlined above.


  • Together, we can ensure that this space continues to be a place where lives are changed, community is built, and hope is made visible. There are many ways to participate:

    • Attend an informational meeting

    • Share your thoughts during the feasibility process

    • Pray for the church and this effort

    • Consider how you might contribute financially

    • Volunteer to help with the campaign

    This is your invitation— invest in something bigger than all of us. 

    How will you stand Under Our Roof?