Give by Serving
Search and sign up for serving opportunities at Westwood by clicking the button below. We have plenty of opportunities to serve at Westwood but also beyond our doors and into the community!
Once your interests are submitted, a staff member will follow up with you! See all of the ways you can serve at Westwood!
Annual Pledging
A pledge is a promise we make each year (in November), telling Westwood how much we intend to give so the Westwood budget can be set accordingly.
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Here are 3 ways to fulfill your pledge once you have made it:
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Enroll in automatic giving through Westwood Connect, our online database. Create a profile and click on the “GIVE” tab.
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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.
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.
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, review this brochure from Thrivent.
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.
Memorial & Legacy 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 contact Senior Pastor Tania Haber.
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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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For more information on the Foundation and how to give, email Foundation President Chris Finseth or the Foundation Board at Westwood.memorial.foundation@gmail.com.
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Checks can be mailed to:
Westwood Memorial Foundation
9001 Cedar Lake Road
St. Louis Park, MN 55426
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In the memo line, select your preferred fund and name the individual you're memorializing.