Volunteer with Community Partners
Click below to learn about volunteering with Westwood's community partners and "Cause of the Month” organizations. There is a brief overview of organizations, ways to get involved, and contact information for you to schedule volunteer activities or to learn more.
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A portion of our faith-giving is also designated to provide financial gifts and support through Westwood’s community partnerships and your valuable time!
Annual Pledging
A pledge is a financial promise made each year (in November). This allows Westwood to thoughtfully budget and plan our programs and ministries for the upcoming year.
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Here are 3 ways to fulfill your pledge once you have made it:
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Enroll in recurring giving through Pushpay, our online giving platform. Follow the prompt instructions to easily set up your account.
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Enroll in automatic giving by contacting your bank.
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Bring cash or check to Westwood each week and put it in the offering plate during worship.
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Questions or need help?
Contact Becky at b.arndt@westwood.church, 952-767-5562.
Stock gifts or QCDs
Are you looking for a creative and impactful way to support Westwood’s mission while also enjoying potential tax advantages? Here are two ways to consider.
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Contribute Using a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) from your IRA
A Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) is a mechanism that allows individuals aged 70½ or older to donate funds directly from their IRA to a qualified nonprofit organization, such as Westwood. These distributions count towards your required minimum distribution (RMD) but are excluded from your taxable income. This means you can contribute to Westwood while reducing your taxable income, a win-win situation that aligns with your financial and giving goals. For more information, click below to review the brochure from Thrivent or contact staff member Jane Severson.
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Give the Gift of Appreciated Stock
By donating appreciated stock that you've held for more than a year, you may avoid capital gains taxes that would have been incurred if you sold the stock. Plus, you can potentially claim a charitable deduction on your income tax return for the full fair market value of the stock. Donating appreciated stock is a straightforward process, and we are happy to walk you through the necessary steps to complete the donation. Before making any decisions, it's a good idea to consult with your financial advisor or tax professional. They can help you understand the potential tax benefits of donating appreciated stock based on your individual financial situation.
Disclaimer: This information is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as financial or tax advice. Please consult with a qualified financial advisor or tax professional before making any financial decisions.
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Westwood's EIN is 41-0734779 for paperwork.
Legacy & Memorial
Giving
As you think about your own legacy of generosity, and giving in memory of those you love, you may give to Westwood Lutheran Church in a variety of ways. Set up a conversation about your own legacy giving, by contacting a Westwood pastor.
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To make a one-time gift in memory of a loved one, click the button below. Your memorial gift given online will be undesignated. If you would like to designate your gift, please contact Director of Administration Jane Severson​.
Westwood Memorial Foundation
You can also make a legacy gift or a gift in memory of a loved one through the Westwood Lutheran Memorial Foundation, an endowment fund whose interest is disbursed in grants to Westwood Lutheran Church and other organizations.
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Click here to learn more about the Foundation on their website.
For other ways to give, email Foundation President Kerry Kruppstadt or the Foundation Board at foundation@westwood.church.
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Checks can be mailed to:
Westwood Memorial Foundation
9001 Cedar Lake Road
St. Louis Park, MN 55426
​In the memo, note your preferred fund and the individual you're memorializing.