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LDS Church Investment Portfolio Surpasses $100 Billion

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  Published in Stocks and Investing on Friday, February 6th 2026 at 12:25 GMT by The Salt Lake Tribune
      Locales: Utah, Idaho, UNITED STATES

SALT LAKE CITY -- The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) has revealed its investment portfolio has exceeded $100 billion, reaching $103.7 billion as of December 31, 2024. This figure, documented in unaudited financial statements filed with the IRS and released this week, represents a considerable jump from the $98.7 billion reported in 2023, and a dramatic increase from the estimated $20 billion held in 2012. The burgeoning wealth of the Church is generating renewed scrutiny regarding financial transparency, asset allocation, and the balance between investment growth and its stated charitable mission.

This isn't simply a story about a large financial portfolio; it's a narrative about a faith-based organization navigating the complexities of modern finance while attempting to maintain public trust. The LDS Church has historically been guarded about its finances, but in recent years, has begun a slow move towards greater disclosure. The release of these figures, while still unaudited, is a significant step, although questions remain about the level of detail provided.

Humanitarian Efforts and Charitable Causes: A Primary Justification

The Church consistently frames its investment strategy as a means to support its core mission: humanitarian aid, temple construction, and other charitable endeavors. In 2023, the Church published its inaugural faith-based impact report, detailing a broad range of philanthropic activities. This report highlighted substantial contributions to disaster relief efforts globally, widespread food assistance programs, and significant medical aid initiatives. The Church contends that the investment portfolio's growth allows it to expand these vital services and respond more effectively to global crises.

However, critics argue that while the reported charitable work is commendable, the sheer scale of the investment portfolio raises questions about whether these funds could be utilized more effectively or directed towards other pressing needs. Some suggest a larger proportion of the wealth could be directly allocated to alleviate poverty, address systemic inequalities, or support educational initiatives, rather than solely relying on investment returns to fund charitable programs.

The Transparency Debate: Balancing Privacy and Accountability

The central point of contention revolves around transparency. While the LDS Church has made strides in revealing its overall portfolio size, detailed information about the specific investments remains limited. Critics argue that a greater degree of disclosure is necessary to ensure accountability and to demonstrate responsible stewardship of funds. They point to the fact that many other large non-profit organizations provide far more granular details about their financial holdings and investment strategies.

The Church defends its position by citing religious freedom and the need to protect its financial stability. Officials argue that complete transparency could expose the Church to undue scrutiny, potentially hindering its ability to effectively manage its resources and fulfill its mission. There's a delicate balance between maintaining financial autonomy and demonstrating responsiveness to public concerns.

Historical Growth & Future Implications

The exponential growth of the LDS Church's investment portfolio over the past decade is noteworthy. The jump from approximately $20 billion in 2012 to over $100 billion in 2024 reflects both astute investment strategies and significant financial contributions from its global membership. This growth has been fueled by a diverse portfolio likely including stocks, bonds, real estate, and potentially private equity investments.

Looking ahead, several factors will likely shape the future of the Church's finances. Global economic conditions, market fluctuations, and changes in membership demographics will all play a role. Moreover, increased pressure for transparency could lead the Church to adopt more open financial practices. The Church may also explore new investment opportunities aligned with its values, such as impact investing focused on social and environmental sustainability.

Ultimately, the LDS Church's financial future will depend on its ability to navigate these challenges while remaining true to its core principles and fulfilling its commitment to serving humanity. The ongoing dialogue surrounding its finances will undoubtedly continue as the Church's wealth continues to grow and evolve.