Making Sense of the "Asking"
What is the Financial Askings Policy?
The Financial Askings Policy, which has been in effect since January 2007 is one of the very first steps to help you plan a church event or activity. Think of it as a catalyst for thoughtful, careful planning and ministry church-wide. It is meant not only to increase communication between event planners and the various committees and departments impacted (i.e. Finance Committee, Worship Committee, Outreach Council), but also to ensure that the LAUMC congregation is not overwhelmed with too many "askings" on any particular Sunday.

Who needs to fill out a Financial Askings Request Form?
Church staff liaisons or event planners who have already presented their ideas to the Community Life Team should fill out a Financial Askings Request Form as early as possible in the planning process. The Financial Askings Policy pertains to the following: a) fundraisers for any church group or church-related activities; b) any event which includes ticket sales; c) special collections or donation requests; d) any time the congregation is asked to give or buy. Even non-monetary collections (i.e. clothing) need to be communicated on a Financial Askings Request Form.

When do I need to fill out the form and who do I submit it to?
Financial Asking Requests must be submitted to the Church Business Administrator at least three weeks prior to the first planned event publicity. Requests must be approved before any advertising or expenses occur and before room reservations can be finalized. Financial Asking Request Forms are available from the church Finance Office or can be downloaded from the sidebar on the right.

This policy limits the number of causes promoted on one Sunday to three, and each cause can be promoted a maximum of three Sundays. If a program has multiple fundraising opportunities for the same cause, they can be announced together and counted as a single promotion, or announced separately, subject to the three announcement limit in total. New asking requests must be submitted each calendar year for ongoing activities.

The Finance Office is available to assist event planners ("record keepers") if they have questions filling out the form. Click here for Finance Office contact information.