Local Unit Budget Instructions (Stake Presidencies, Bishoprics, and Clerks)

Policy and Principles

Every stake and ward prepares a budget to manage their funding throughout the year. The stake president manages the stake budget, and the bishop manages the ward budget. Each may assign a counselor or clerk to supervise and monitor the budget.

Funds are sent from Church headquarters and received by stakes and wards. Most stakes and wards receive budget funds every three months. Stakes determine the distribution of the entire budget amount for the stake and all its wards unless directed otherwise by area authorities. Stake presidencies and bishoprics begin preparing budgets well before the beginning of each calendar year as follows:

1. Review the amounts spent during the previous year to make sure that recurring expenses are considered.
2. Ask organizations to estimate their amounts needed in detail for all approved activities for the year.
3. Compile the budget, using wise budgeting practices, being equitable, and ensuring that projected expenses do not exceed anticipated budget allowance funds.

The budget allowance program provides general Church funds to pay for the activities and programs of stakes and wards. It eliminates the need to receive budget contributions from members. Faithful payment of tithes has made the budget allowance possible.

LCR Procedures

Local Unit Budget Instructions for Organization Leaders

This is detailed in the Local Unit Budget Instructions document for organization leaders.

Budget Summary

The “Budget Summary” tab is divided into two sections. The first section shows a number in boldface representing the amount remaining of the assigned budget. The graph represents the percentage spent of the assigned budget.

The second section shows the unit and organization’s assigned budget, transactional information for each budget, current balances, and percentage spent. Amounts are based on the dates selected (“Current Year” is the default).

To see the budget summary, do the following:

1. On the LCR home page, click the Finance tab.
2. Click the Budget tab.
3. Click the icon next to a category to see subcategories.

Budget Details

“Budget Details” displays the details of a specific category. The balance available for the selected budget and the percentage spent are displayed. Expenses and income for the budget are itemized, showing the date, reference number, category, description, type, and amount. The reference number is linked to the expense detail of that item. The current year is the default time frame.

To see the budget details, click a category on the budget summary.

Prepare Annual Budget

This tab allows unit leaders to prepare annual budget amounts to various categories within the unit. This is detailed in the Prepare Stake and Ward Budgets document.

Allocation Percentage

Budget amounts calculated are estimates based on the Quarterly Report and membership records.

The stake allocates the percentage each unit keeps by allocating a percent for different categories (sacrament, Young Men, Young Women, Primary, and young single adults). This table shows the amount per attendee, attendance, the total budget allowance, and the unit deposit.

This is detailed in the Budget Allowance document.

Manage Categories

“Manage Categories” displays the budget categories and allows users to set permissions for each category. “Add Unit Subcategory” allows for the creation of new subcategories under a category.

This is detailed in the Prepare Stake and Ward Budgets document.

Budget Reports

You can print the Budget Summary Report or a Budget Details Report.

To print a budget report, click Print, select the desired report, and click Print.