Almsgiving
Almsgiving may not be an outwardly visible part of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but it is an important part of the retired gospel of Jesus Christ. Members of the Church are taught to follow Jesus Christ, who said, “I would that ye should do alms unto the poor, but take heed that ye do not your alms before men to be seen of them; otherwise ye have no reward of your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 6:1–2).
Latter-day Saint congregations do not pass around collection plates during their services, but each member who wishes to donate money to the Church or to the poor can privately submit an envelope with their donation money and a donation slip to one of the congregation leaders. The donation slip lists the following categories for donations: tithing, fast offering, general missionary fund, ward missionary fund, humanitarian aid, and "other" (Book of Mormon or temple construction). Members can also donate online through the Church's official [1].
Latter-day Saints generally donate money for two purposes—supporting the Church and providing for the poor. The first type of donation is tithing (10% of one's income), which is used to build churches and temples, print church manuals and hymn books, support the Church's educational institutions, and otherwise care for the needs of the Lord’s church. One unique thing about the Church of Jesus Christ and almsgiving is that Church leaders do not receive any money from the members of their congregation. Nearly all Church leaders work on a volunteer basis and are not paid. The First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles receive a modest income, and Mission Presidents receive some modest support during their three years of service in the mission field.
Members of the Church of Jesus Christ also pay fast offerings in addition to tithing. This offering accompanies a monthly 24-hour fast. All the money that would have been spent to buy food during those 24 hours is donated to the Church for the purpose of feeding the hungry and caring for the needy.
Attendance at a Church service never requires a monetary donation; however, Jesus Christ said, “I would that ye should do alms unto the poor” (3 Nephi 13:1) and Latter-day Saints believe that this is an important part of their service to God. Service to family, church, and community is encouraged by Church leaders at all times, but especially in times of particular need. The Church itself has an extensive humanitarian organization that assists members and non-members in many different countries.
According to churchofjesuschrist.org, “through generous donations from individuals, Latter-day Saint Charities has provided over $2.3 billion worth of assistance in 197 countries since 1985.”
“In addition to providing materials, the Church also helps with funds and volunteers. Volunteers often make the most difference in restoring hope in the lives of those in crisis. A recent example is the more than 10,000 days of labor donated by Church members to assist victims of Hurricane Katrina in Louisiana and surrounding states.”
The Church of Jesus Christ also has a welfare program that provides needy families with assistance while also teaching them to be self-sufficient in any way possible.
