take up a collection
Pass the hat
To take up a collection is to gather money from a group, typically for a specific purpose—helping someone in need, funding a gift, or supporting a cause.
The phrase suggests passing a hat or plate: We took up a collection for Jim's family after the accident.
Common in churches, workplaces, and informal settings where pooling small contributions serves a shared goal.
- pass the hatSolicit group contributions
- chip inAdd to a group fund
- spare changeExtra coins on hand
- fundraiserEvent collecting money
- generosityReadiness to give freely
pledge drive · solicitation · contributions · mutual aid · telethon · charity · crowdfunding · donation · almsgiving · subscription · drive · gift · bake sale · auction · raffle · benevolence · good cause · benefit concert