LDS Church May Soon No Longer Rely on Tithing

According to new estimates from The Widow’s Mite Report, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints may soon reach a point where it no longer needs tithing to fund its global programs. The Church’s investment reserves, managed by Ensign Peak Advisors, have surged past $206 billion, with projections suggesting that total wealth — including operational assets — now exceeds $293 billion.

The Church reportedly gained $23.5 billion in investments in 2024 alone, and its reserves have grown by $70 billion over the last five years. These figures indicate that, even if member donations ceased, the Church could still cover all expenses for at least 30 years. By comparison, top U.S. university endowments like Harvard and Stanford only cover up to a decade of costs. Some projections suggest the Church’s wealth could top $1 trillion after 2040.

Widow’s Mite estimates annual tithing contributions range between $5.5 and $6.5 billion. While tithing continues, the growth of investment assets has reached what the report describes as “escape velocity,” where returns alone could sustain operations.

Even amid accelerated temple construction — each estimated at around $30 million — and higher humanitarian spending, the Church’s surplus remains vast. Charitable giving rose sharply in recent years, from $88 million in 2020 to an estimated $650 million in 2024, with plans for continued increases. Member welfare spending also remains significant, at roughly $905 million annually.

Additional acquisitions, like the $192.5 million purchase of the Kirtland Temple and historical sites, as well as the upcoming BYU medical school focused on international health, reflect the Church’s broader ambitions.

In short, the LDS Church is becoming financially self-sustaining, with investments now powerful enough to carry its mission forward indefinitely.

For more details, refer to the original article on The Salt Lake Tribune.