giving to laumc can take many forms!

Gifts to LAUMC are graciously accepted, as they enable us to continue to serve our community and our missions.  We strive to make giving simple, and offer a variety of methods of giving to meet your personal preferences.

Los Altos United Methodist Church is a member of Candid.  Candid is a non-profit that helps ensure that non-profits are transparent and properly care for financial gifts.

Bronze Transparency 2026 award badge with orange border and Candid logo

For more information, click the button below.

give now

If you are ready to give on-line,  click the button below to be taken to a page allowing your giving to be directed to a specific mission, project, or our general fund.  On-line giving can be done by credit card, Google Pay or Apple Pay.

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ways to give:


CHECK
Make checks payable to Los Altos UMC or LAUMC. Unless otherwise noted, all gifts received in the offering plate are directed to the Operating Fund.  If you would like to give to a specific mission or project please designate it  on the memo line of your check. Checks may be placed in the offering plate on Sunday morning, brought to the church office or mailed to the church.


CASH
If you would like to receive contribution credit for your currency and/or coin gift, please place it in an offering envelope found in the pews. Write your name and address clearly on the envelope and place it in the offering plate on Sunday morning. Cash may also be brought to the church office.


CREDIT CARD

Monthly, quarterly, semi-annual and annual payments can be made by MasterCard and Visa. Complete a Credit Card payment authorization form and return it to the church office. Credit cards are charged between the 23rd and 28th of each month.



DISTRIBUTIONS FROM ACCOUNT

Recurring giving direct from your account can be established.  Please contact your financial institution for assistance in setting up.



other ways to give:

STOCK TRANSFER

LAUMC accepts donations in the form of stock transfer.  It is very important that you notify the church office before completing your stock transfer. Due to confidentiality restrictions, our bank (broker) does not provide us with donor information. It is very important that you notify us so that we can give you proper credit for the contribution and ensure that your gift reaches the proper ministries and funds.

When you contact us please provide:

  1. Your name and address
  2. Name of company whose stock you are transferring
  3. Number of shares you are transferring
  4. Specific ministries or funds to which your gift should be directed.


QUALIFIED CHARITABLE DISTRIBUTION FOR THOSE Age 70½ and older

If you are 70½ or older and have an IRA, you may be able to support the ministries of our church in a tax‑advantaged way through a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD). A QCD allows you to transfer funds directly from your IRA to a charitable organization—such as our church—without the amount being counted as taxable income.

For individuals who are required to take Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs), a QCD can be especially helpful. Instead of receiving your RMD as taxable income, you may direct up to $100,000 per year straight to a qualified charity. Many members find this to be a meaningful way to give, particularly since recent tax law changes have made itemized deductions less common.

Most major IRA custodians—such as Vanguard, Fidelity, and Schwab—as well as financial advisors are familiar with QCDs and can assist you with the process.

This information is provided for general educational purposes. For guidance specific to your situation, please consult your tax, legal, or financial advisor.


DISTRIBUTION FROM CHARITABLE ACCOUNT

Your financial institution may administer Donor Advised Funds which allow you to set aside gifts for distribution later.  Gifts can grow tax free, and donors receive an immediate tax deduction and can avoid capital gains tax when donating investments.  Speak to your financial advisor for more information.



our giving platform is called:  realm connect

Realm benefits include:

  • give directly from your mobile device
  • annual summary of pledges and giving
  • easily direct your contribution to a specific purpose
  • access to other church activities and member info


Download from your applicable app store.