Funding Policy - Weston u3a

Weston-super-Mare U3A method of operation

Having looked at different methods of funding the activities of this U3A it was decided that there needs to be a “modest” annual subscription.

Groups are formed to promote educational, cultural, recreational and other interests and there is no limit to their number.

One member may belong to any number of Groups. Some Groups meet in the homes of Leaders and others meet in Halls and other suitable locations.

For these the rental of the Halls is paid by the U3A and every participant pays a fixed amount each time they attend.

In setting the annual subscription and the amount of the attendance fee the U3A balances the books by taking the total rental costs and calculating to receive a percentage (currently 70%) back from the total fees paid across all the Halls.

Because of the varied nature of activities, some Groups bring in more and others less than this percentage, which is an average, not a mandatory, figure. However, sometimes Hall rentals do become excessive for a particular activity and the Group is then encouraged to find a cheaper location.

Requests by Group Leaders for the purchase of equipment and other items are passed to the Weston U3A Committee where they are considered as part of the general operation of the U3A and its Groups, not as part of what is mistakenly thought to be the financial position of that Group (there is no such thing, there are no profits or losses).

When a member has arranged to join a fresh Group there is usually the facility to attend the first meeting as a “sampling” session. After this it is expected that the member will attend the vast majority of the Group meetings.

Members with ideas for the formation of new Groups should discuss them with members of the U3A Committee. Existing Group Leaders should do the same if there are any problems arising with attendance at their Group meetings.

Reviewed July 2023 - October 2012