A formal collection or fundraising effort, whether for taxes, religious offerings, or charity. Paul uses it twice in rapid succession (1 Corinthians 16:1-2) about the collection for Jerusalem's impoverished believers. He's organizing a coordinated relief effort across multiple churches—each community setting aside money systematically. The Greek term could refer to tax collection, voluntary contributions, or religious donations. Paul's careful instructions show this isn't spontaneous generosity but organized stewardship.