Social gatherings/activities such as confirmation recognition and Easter social breakfasts are considered locally supported chapter activities. There are times when Thrivent Financial congregational service teams would like to hold these types of activities, which are not funded through the Care in Congregations® or other chapter Care programs.

For a social gathering to qualify for funds from one of the chapter Care programs, it must be held in conjunction with another chapter Care program activity. For example:

• Add a fund-raiser element.
• Add the element of assembling kits such as school kits or health kits (hands-on service activity).
• Add a collection (cash or in-kind) and/or appeal, with the funds being used to meet an identified recipient’s need.

Congregational service team tips for funding social gatherings
Congregational service teams are encouraged to plan and budget their Care in Congregations® activities for the year, ideally in collaboration with staff from the congregation. If the team determines that social activities could enhance member involvement and eventually lead to more successful Care in Congregations® activities, the team should determine how to fund these social activities. Here are some ideas:

• The congregational service team can hold social activities in conjunction with Care in Congregations® activities (e.g., encourage the confirmands to do a hands-on service activity such as assemble kits in conjunction with a confirmation recognition social activity). As research with our members validates, people are pressed for time. Combining events and using people's time efficiently will increase participation and satisfaction of those involved.
  
• The congregational service team could solicit contributions to fund social activities, making sure donors are aware their donations will be used to fund social activities.
  
• If the congregational service team raises more funds than anticipated through a Care in Congregations® activity, the team could earmark a modest amount of the extra funds to cover social activities.
  
• The congregational service team could hold the main social event as part of the fall election cycle. The chapter leadership board has operating funds designated to help attract people to the election. Perhaps having an election site at the congregation in combination with a social activity would be a good way to get members involved.
  
• The congregational service team could request that people who are participating in the social events contribute through a free-will offering in order to continue activities.
• To help fund the social gathering, the congregational service team can contact the chapter's congregational service team director to request some chapter operating funds. The chapter leadership board will decide whether to grant or deny the request.

Additional topics
Confirmation recognition
Hands-on service activity - what qualifies?
Nonfunded (locally supported) activities - how to report