Introduction

As organizations largely staffed by volunteers who may not have a business or accounting background, congregations will want to establish systems, policies, and procedures to reinforce financial health and vitality.

It’s also vital to prevent the opportunity for mistakes or malfeasance by any volunteer or leader—no matter how loved and trusted they may be. It is unfair to put people in situations where their reputation is their only protection against accident or allegations of dishonesty. Instituting checks and balances protects both staff and volunteers by preventing the opportunity for misappropriation of funds.

See the UUA’s Becoming a Safer Congregation Guide for detailed guidance for financial safety:

Financial Safety

From Safe Congregations Handbook

Practices to help your congregation avoid mistakes, theft, embezzlement, and fraud, including scam email and text messaging.

Financial Safety for Congregations

Of course, no system will completely protect a congregation from possible financial loss.