First United Methodist Church
Fundraising Policy
Effective as of May 28, 2009
PURPOSE:
In recognition that First United Methodist is a total stewardship church and that all church ministries are financially supported by church members through their generous gifts, this policy has been formulated by the church leadership to define fundraising within the church’s own commitment to stewardship as a way of life.
RATIONALE:
The church does not ask members for additional gifts of support beyond their tithed gift back to God. It is recognized, however, that from time to time it may be appropriate to offer the opportunity to church members to be generous beyond their tithe. Some of these opportunities are in the approved fundraising events. At other times, it may become necessary to have a special collection or donation opportunities. All fundraising groups must be good stewards of the gifts they receive through the generosity of others.
DEFINITION:
Fundraising is defined as the solicitation of goods for sale or resale, or money for the purpose of funding or benefiting an individual, group, or cause. Fundraising is not the selling of certain items at cost. For example, the Church, Sunday School Class, Youth Group, etc. selling items at cost to facilitate its specific function (i.e. study books, T-Shirts, etc.)
POLICY:
The following is the Fundraising Policy of First United Methodist Church:
Ø Groups/Organizations must be recognized church organizations and part of the mission and ministry of First United Methodist Church.
Ø Any Group/Organization raising funds on Church property must comply with the fundraising policy.
Ø Every request for a fundraising activity must be made in writing using the church fundraising application form.
Ø Unless otherwise stated and approved in the initial approval application, fundraising requests do not carry over from one year to the next.
Ø Groups applying to fundraise must clearly identify on the application form what the funds will be used for in advance of the solicitation and must provide within thirty (30) days a public report/accounting to the church administrator which includes, but is not limited to, the following:
§ Total items sold and/or money collected
§ Total expenses, if any, for the fundraiser
§ A specific listing of how much and where the collected funds were used
§ If the fundraiser is successful enough to fund the specific activity and the balance will remain in the operating budget of the ministry until year end.
Ø All applications must be submitted to the church administrator ninety (90) days in advance of the fundraiser.
Ø Church Administrator reviews request to ensure it request is in approved budget.
o If included in approved budget:
§ The application is forwarded to Church Secretary to place on calendar.
§ Then the application is forwarded to the appropriate Pillar Leader for approval.
§ Pillar Leader will report to Church Council all approved Fundraising functions at the next Council meeting.
o If not included in approved budget:
§ The application is forwarded to Finance Committee for review of financial information to include the budget.
§ If approved by Finance Committee, see above for approved budget process.
PROHIBITED ACTIVITY:
No activity involving gambling, gaming, alcoholic refreshments, or other activities inappropriate to the Church Family shall be approved as fundraising events.
SUBSEQUENT FUNDRAISERS:
Previous granting of fundraising is not an assurance, promise or expectation that the privilege will be granted for any subsequent year.
FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH FUNDRAISING APPLICATION
Name of Organization/Group (must be a recognized church organization): [Please PRINT legibly]
______________________________________________________________________________
Contact Person: _______________________________________ Phone: ___________________
For what purpose are you raising funds (Describe in detail)? _____________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
What event or activity are you wishing to conduct? (i.e. candy or other sale, brunch, dinner, etc.)
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Date(s) desired for fundraiser: _______________________________ Time: ________________
(If the fundraiser is more than one day please enter the beginning and ending dates)
What is your goal – the total (gross) amount you wish to raise?___________________________
What is the projected expense amount (cost) of the event? _______________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
How many people will you involve in the work of fundraising? (i.e., 20 church members will cook, serve, market, set-up and clean up) _____________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Where will the fundraiser be held and will it require any church facilities or staff? (If church facilities or staff are needed please complete a Facilities Use Application attach it to this application) ____________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
How does this activity you are sponsoring reflect the mission of the church? _________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
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Does this activity fully support the funding necessary for your ministry? If no, what is your plan to obtain the additional funding? _____________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
I have read and understand First United Methodist Church’s Fundraising Policy. I further understand that this application is subject to review by the Church Council. I also understand and commit to providing all information requested in the Policy as well as am committed to stewardship as a way of life.
__________________________________________________________ ________________________
Signature of Person Responsible for the Fundraiser/Organization Date
__________________________________________________________ ________________________
Approved by Church Administrator Date
__________________________________________________________ ________________________
Calendar Placement by Date
__________________________________________________________ ________________________
Approved by Pillar Leader Date
