Financial Support

Membership Is Key!

The members of LWMS pay dues to cover most of the operational expenses of the organization. The remaining budget is covered by additional donations to the Working Fund. LWMS needs financial support in two categories. One category is the mission money and the other is operational money.

Missions receive 100 percent of the mission money given by individuals, congregations, and circuits! For a better understanding of how our missions are selected, please see the missions projects seletion page. Indviduals, groups, and congregations can also donate to missions through the LWMS Legacy Fund and the Rakow Fund.

Most of our operational budget comes from the annual dues of member congregations. However, contributions to the Working Fund and Special Gifts and Memorials Fund help with the operational budget of LWMS. Our Wish List contains items that may not be funded under our operational budget.

Mission Funds

Mission Projects Offerings

Congregational and Individual members are encouraged to give generously to the mission projects selected for the ballot each year through the circuit rallies. Members contribute through their circuits to fund not only the projects for the ballot, but also the projects selected at the circuit level. Please see your individual circuit for more information on specific deadlines. Anyone interested in contributing to the mission projects but not part of a circuit should send a check marked "Mission Offerings" to the LWMS Central Office, 11200 W. Greenfield Avenue, West Allis, WI 53214 to arrive no later than May 25th each year. All mission money, sent individually or through a circuit, is presented at the annual convention. 

Legacy Endowment Fund

This fund was established by the LWMS Board in 2015 from a portion of the Mission and Ministry Endowment fund to be a restricted fund held by the WELS Foundation to ensure the long term support of mission fields. Additional contributions are welcome. Each July a foundation determined percent (currently 4%) of the total value of the fund is distributed to a project from the LWMS Home and World Missions Projects booklet. To donate to this fund, send a check marked for “Legacy Fund” to the Central Office, 11200 W. Greenfield Avenue, West Allis, WI 53214. 

Rakow Endowment Fund

The Frieda E. Carow (nee Rakow) & Irene R. Cudworth (nee Rakow) Endowment Fund was established by a donation in December 2016 in order to support WELS Home Missions and WELS World Missions through Lutheran Women's Missionary Society. The fund honors Frieda Carow and Irene Cudworth as a restricted endowment fund held by the WELS Foundation to ensure the long term support of LWMS mission fields. Additional contributions are welcome. Each July a foundation determined percent (currently 4%) of the total value of the fund is distributed to a project from the LWMS Home and World Missions Projects booklet. To donate to this fund, send a check marked for “Rakow Fund” to the Central Office, 11200 W. Greenfield Avenue, West Allis, WI 53214.

Operational Funds

Working Fund Endowment 

The Working Fund Endowment (formerly know as Mission and Ministry) was established many years ago from a large gift bequeathed to LWMS from a member through her estate.  In 2018, the name and purpose of this fund has changed. This fund will now ensure the operation of LWMS for many years to come if needed. This fund is an unrestricted endowment and all proceeds are currently being reinvested to the fund. Additional contributions are welcome.  Donations can be made to this fund. Send a check marked for “Working Fund Endowment” to the Central Office, 11200 W. Greenfield Avenue, West Allis, WI 53214.



Working Fund

Operational money or the working fund is used to keep LWMS functioning. It comes from the yearly dues, calendar sales, and donations. The working fund pays for office rent, salaries, insurance, mailings, board meetings, etc. At times expenses will exceed the amount of money taken in and the board will make special requests for donations to help cover expenses. The board of directors has also developed an underwriting list that individuals, congregations, or circuits can select to underwrite through donations to help LWMS. Send a check marked for “Working Fund” to the Central Office, 11200 W. Greenfield Avenue, West Allis, WI 53214.

Special Gifts and Memorials Fund

Additionally, we have the Special Gifts and Memorials Fund. Money from this fund is used to purchase computers, copiers, and other office equipment for the Central Office and to keep the equipment of the organization in good repair. The operation of this equipment is imperative for communication to and with the LWMS membership. Money from this fund is not used to support world or home mission projects. Send a check marked for "Special Gifts and Memorials" to the Central Office, 11200 W. Greenfield Avenue, West Allis, WI 53214.

You may make a donation to the LWMS Working Fund by clicking "Donate Online" on the top menu. For more information on donating to any other fund, please contact the LWMS Treasurer or Endowment Fund Coordinator.

Other Giving Opportunities

LWMS Wish List

The following items are projects that the Board of Directors would like to use to promote and enhance the organization. Some of these items will be carried out using the Working Fund if funding is not procured through the Wish List.

  • Dinner for the Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary senior class. This event is used to inform future WELS pastors of the purpose and programs of LWMS.     $2,000.00
  • Dinner for the Martin Luther College senior class. This event is used to inform future WELS called workers about the purpose of LWMS and how they can use LWMS programs in their ministry.      $5,000.00
  • Stipends for Convention registration and meals. This would allow the Board of Directors to provide an opportunity for someone to attend an Annual Convention that otherwise may not be able to.      $200.00/each
  • Standing and Ad Hoc Committee meetings on the day prior to the convention at the convention site. This is the only opportunity the committees have to meet with the Board of Directors throughout the year. It also gives the committees an opportunity to meet face-to-face to discuss any items for the upcoming year.     $3,000.00
  • Board of Directors visits to all 60 circuits. Board members have currently visited over 3/4 of the circuits. These visits are being used to share information about LWMS, train circuit officers and reporters in LWMS policies, identify women who are willing and able to serve on the Board or committees, and encourage a stronger relationship between members and the Board of Directors.     $20,000.00
Send funding for Wish List items to:
Lutheran Women’s Missionary Society
11200 W. Greenfield Avenue 
West Allis, WI  53214-2240
Please make checks payable to LWMS and note which Wish List item you are supporting. Partial support can be given to any of the projects. Full amount is not necessary.

Thrivent Choice Program

Eligible benefit members of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans can now help choose where Thrivent Financial distributes a portion of its charitable funds through Choice DollarsSM, part of the organization's new Thrivent ChoiceSM charitable grant program.

Here's how Choice Dollars works:
  • Eligible benefit members received a letter in the summer about their designated Choice Dollars for the current year.
  • Designated Choice Dollars are based on qualifying insurance premiums, qualifying contract values and Thrivent Financial volunteer leadership.
  • Choice Dollars can be directed to the Lutheran Women's Missionary Society by visiting Thrivent.com/thriventchoice or by calling 800-THRIVENT (800-847-4836) and saying, "Thrivent Choice." Potential amounts range from $25 to $500 for each eligible benefit member.
Help support what matters most to you by directing Choice Dollars