Tithing and Donations Online (2024)

For members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, giving donations like tithing and other offerings is more than just a commandment—it’s also an act of faith. Although tithing has been known since ancient times, in the latter days, tithing began after Joseph Smith received section 119 of the Doctrine and Covenants. In this revelation, tithing was defined as “one-tenth of all their interest annually.” The Lord explained that this was “the beginning of the tithing of my people…and this shall be a standing law unto them forever” (Doctrine and Covenants 119: 3–4). Church donations are used to help build the Church and further the work of the Lord throughout the world. In recent times, giving these donations to the Church was made simpler with the introduction of online tithing. Now, members can pay their tithes and other offerings anytime, anywhere.

Why Church Donations Are Important

Tithing has been known since Old Testament times. As recorded in Genesis 14:17–20, the prophet Abraham paid tithes to Melchizedek. For members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, paying tithing and other donations to the Church is a sacred privilege. These funds are used to help further the work of the Lord throughout the world. They are used to build and maintain temples and meetinghouses and to support missionary work. Tithes also go to help provide education to Church members and to facilitate other aspects of the Lord’s work. Other offerings are used to help those in need, both in local congregations and around the world.

Beyond the temporal work that Church donations (also referred to as LDS donations) help to achieve, members also recognize the spiritual purposes of this commandment. Church members know that when they pay donations to the Church, the Lord has promised He will “open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it” (Malachi 3:10). By participating in Church donations, members show their gratitude for the many blessings they have received, demonstrate their faith in God’s promises, and strengthen their commitment to live in harmony with God’s commandments.

What Church Donations Help With

Church donations (LDS donations) —including tithes and other offerings—are used to accomplish the Lord’s work around the world. A council of Church leaders, including the First Presidency, the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and the Presiding Bishopric, act according to revelation to make decisions regarding how these funds are used (Doctrine and Covenants 120:1). In addition to supporting the Lord’s work by building and maintaining temples and meetinghouses, supporting missionary work, and providing education opportunities, these contributions are also used to support the Church’s welfare programs. These programs serve people around the world regardless of religion, nationality, or race. Church donations are also used to support Latter-day Saints Charities, the nonprofit humanitarian arm of the Church. This organization focuses on relieving suffering, fostering self-reliance, and providing opportunities for people to serve. Finally, Church members are also encouraged to fast (going without food) for two consecutive meals once a month. They are encouraged to give the money they saved from these meals—and more if they can—to the Church. These “fast offerings” are used in local congregations to help those in need. They help with critical needs like food, clothing, and shelter for those struggling financially.

Safely Submitting Church Donations Online

Historically, donations to the Church were done using donation envelopes and slips. All church officials throughout the world are taught and are regularly reminded of the sacred nature of tithing funds. The resources provided by the charitable giving of a church member is guarded and protected. Today, online tithing allows members to give their offerings through the online donations system. Because the Church employs the latest encryption technologies available, donations and personal information are safe and secure. The system regularly undergoes security audits and is continuously monitored. Additionally, the Church does not store any sensitive banking data from online donors. This data is stored by a trusted banking partner who also uses the latest encryption and security technologies.

Online Donations Login Process

To make Church donations online, you will first need a Church Account (formerly known as LDS account). You can pay tithing and other donations by first navigating to ChurchofJesusChrist.org and selecting the account menu on the far right of the page. In that menu, choose the Donations link. You can also navigate to the donations page directly by going to donations.churchofjesuschrist.org. You will be prompted to enter your login and password. You will then be taken to the online donations system.

Church of Jesus Christ Donations

From ancient times, faithful children of God showed their gratitude and obedience by paying tithing. That faith and obedience continues today. The opportunity to pay tithing online provides a simpler way to continue that tradition. Church donations are used to help and serve others, and to help further the Lord’s work. As we offer these gifts to our loving Heavenly Father, including through online tithing, we can trust that we will receive the blessings the Lord has promised us.