On February 3rd, 2025, it was announced that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints had made a “significant financial donation” to the 2034 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, which will be held in Salt Lake City. The amount of money donated from the church was not disclosed, but it was announced that the Church has included real estate in Salt Lake City and volunteer work from its membership in its donation.
This isn’t the first time the Church has supported the Winter Games like this, as 2002’s Salt Lake City Winter Games saw a similar contribution. Church representatives have stated that through supporting the Games, they hope to support a spirit of global unity and positive cultural relationships. This fits the goal of the Church’s humanitarian work, which is to “[provide] aid and service to all of God’s children, regardless of race, gender, nationality, or religious affiliation.”
The LDS Church’s Real Estate Donations
The Olympic Winter Games 2034 president, Fraser Bullock, and Bishop Sean Douglas of the LDS Church’s Presiding Bishopric stated that the Church’s contributions included not only a financial donation, but the use of a section of Church-owned land in downtown Salt Lake known as Block 85. With its prime location in the heart of the city, this space will also be “the heart of [the] Games.” Block 85 will be used for both the medals plaza and the big air freestyle skiing venue.
Charity and Volunteer Service in the Church
Volunteer assistance from the membership of the Church is among the most significant of the Church’s contributions to the Games. In 2002, Latter-day Saint volunteers were notable for their willingness and loyalty in helping the Games operate smoothly.
This exceptional response is likely due to the fact that voluntary service and charity are critical parts of Latter-day Saint culture. Mormonism has a lay ministry, with bishops, Sunday school teachers, musicians, and other roles in local congregations being unpaid and service-based. The only clergy members who receive a stipend are leaders who serve in demanding, full-time international service, such as the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
This practice of generous volunteer work is consistent with what is Mormon scripture found in the Book of Mormon, which states, “when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God” (Mosiah 2:17).
Where the Church Gets Its Funds From
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has the means to support the 2034 Winter Games in this way partially because it is one of the wealthiest religious organizations in the world. But where does the wealth come from? Some is from the members themselves, as many of them donate ten percent of their income as Mormon Church tithing. However, the Church also owns stocks and real estate that contribute substantially to its long-term financial stability.
Responsible stewardship and preparedness for the future are some of the main values held by the Church’s financial management. Tithing funds are considered sacred, and are used to support the Church’s global mission to aid God’s children and share the message of Jesus Christ. Tithing supports the construction of chapels and temples, funds Church-owned universities, and supports missionary work and extensive humanitarian work.
Supporting the 2034 Olympic Winter Games is just one example of ways the Church is using LDS finances to foster prosperity, friendship, and peacemaking all over the world.
By Todd Noall, Source Expert
Todd Noall is an author and religious scholar at Mormonism Explained with a focus on the history and theology of religion.
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Mormonism Explained is a resource that was designed to provide objective and factual information about Mormonism, its history, doctrines, and policies. Our team of researchers consults experts and primary sources to present factual information on a variety of topics relevant to the Mormon Church.
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