FAQ: Paperless, no-signature-required transfer and withdrawal process

Our two-signature process for withdrawals is not practical with the coronavirus lockdown.

Three methods are available:

  1. Traditional method – modified to limit paper handling
    1. Withdrawal and Transfer requests must begin with the online form – anyone can fill this out, save it as a pdf, and email to the authorized signers.
    2. If able, authorized signers may print the document.
    3. Sign their name and date.
    4. Then scan, fax, email or mail the forms to our office
    5. If two signatures are required, we will pair up the forms. Signers may each sign their own form, and we will put them together as we receive them. We will not send money until all required signatures are  obtained and verified.
  1. Optional email method, no printing required
    1. Withdrawal and Transfer requests must begin with the online form – anyone can fill this out, save it as a pdf, and email to the authorized signers.
    2. Authorized signers may forward the email indicating their approval with the attached form to the foundation office.
    3. The email must come from the personal email belonging to the authorized signer’s record.
    4. No corporate emails, like finance@first_umc.org or treasurer@my_church.com, will be accepted as an authorized signer if using this process.
  1. Optional: phone method
    1. Call the office and request for withdrawal or transfer.
    2. Tell us the names, current emails, and phone numbers of the authorized signers we should contact.
    3. We will independently verify the phone number of record and contact the authorized signer to gain verbal approval.

INTERNALLY:

Record keeping: All forms with email replies will stored as a complete record.

Phone approvals will include which staff member called, phone number called, date, time, name, the last four of the social security number, and the approval of the withdrawal request.

If there are any questions or changes regarding who is in authority to make these decisions, we will confirm the leadership team with the senior pastor.

All withdrawal requests made in the process of option 2 or 3 will be directly deposited into the church’s bank account. No paper checks will be issued.

We will never mail a check payable to a church to an individual’s home address.

Forms: