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Like other organizations, the church needs money to carry out its
programs. Traditionally, churches have relied on the regular offerings of their members
and adherents, given out of gratitude for the message and support of the church. However,
for a variety of reasons, churches and church groups engage in special fundraising
activities. These activities should be coordinated so that they do not interfere with the
primary source of support or with one another. The Constitution of Christ Church places the responsibility for overseeing "all fundraising activities except those of
the United Church Women" with the Church Support Committee.
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The ongoing and essential programs of the church are to be funded by income from
offerings, service fees, and investments.
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Fundraising campaigns to increase the level of giving, and other fundraising activities
to supplement the normal income of the church are to be approved by the Church Council.
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Fundraising for special projects requires authorization by the Church Council (and the
Congregation, for major projects). Guidelines are set out in Appendix A.
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While the UCW (United Church Women) is run as a separate financial operation, there
should be a dialogue between the UCW and the Church Council prior to major fundraising
projects regarding timing and the use of funds raised.
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Other groups in the Congregation wishing to approach members and adherents for support of fundraising endeavours are to obtain the approval of the Church Support
Committee.
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Outside groups wishing to use Christ Church facilities for fundraising activities
require the specific approval of the Church Council.
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Gambling in all its forms (lotteries, casino nights, bingo, etc.) and contests played
for prizes are unacceptable methods of raising funds for or in Christ Church.
A member is a person who is in full membership and whose
name appears on the Roll of Christ Church.
An adherent is a person who is attached to the Congregation and
who contributes regularly to its life and work while not being a member thereof.
- The Constitution of Christ Church, May 2003
The Church Support Committee is responsible for keeping this policy
up to date and for recommending changes for the approval of the Church Council.
- The Church Council will limit the number of such projects in order to recognize the dollar
demands on the Congregation.
- The promoters of the project must demonstrate that a general interest in the project
exists among members and adherents of the Congregation.
- The project must be properly planned and include a reasonable estimate of costs.
- The manner of raising necessary funds (i.e. solicitation of funds) should be presented
as well as indicating the committee who will assume responsibility for the project.
- Projects need not be limited to capital items. Programs in support of social needs (e.g.
refugee support) would also be acceptable.
- Where there is expected to be a significant demand being proposed to the Congregation,
the Church Council should assess the support for the project by obtaining approval via a
motion to proceed with the project from the Congregation.
- The Church Council should ensure that the size and timing of the project does not conflict
with previously approved projects or with programs of the Church Support Committee.
- The campaign must emphasize that project contributions are incremental to regular
pledges and funds are not to be solicited as an alternative to regular givings.
These guidelines are derived (with minor changes) from Report on
Financial Management for Christ Church United, Billing, R.C. et al, March 31, 1987. Adopted by
the Official Council April 13, 1987.
Approved by the Church Council, April 20, 2004
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