This year, the number of missionaries serving for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has reached a record high of approximately 84,000, up from 80,000 in 2024. With the recent announcement of an additional 55 missions worldwide (effective July 2026), full-time missionaries will be able to serve in 506 mission areas, speaking upwards of 60 languages in more than 150 countries.
Before a missionary sets foot in his or her service area, there are upfront costs that can add up quickly. The Deseret First Charitable Foundation aims to assist missionaries who may be facing financial hardship. Through its online portal at dfcu.com/foundation, people can donate to support young men and women, and senior service missionaries, in their efforts to fulfill a mission.
Through Giving Tuesday (Dec. 2), the foundation is encouraging donations of $25 to the program, which allows missionaries to receive up to $1,000 to purchase clothing, luggage, shoes and more.
Scan the QR code to donate to the Deseret First Charitable Foundation’s Empower Missionaries project.
“They’re always so appreciative,” Deseret First Charitable Foundation President Trena Anderson said. “They’re always thankful that we’re helping. There’s an essay portion that tells why they need the funding, and it’s amazing. You get people who say they’ve got a brother already out, or I’ve had a few sets of triplets who could use some help.”
Returned missionaries can also apply to the foundation to receive up to $1,000 for higher education tuition assistance.
Last year, the DFCF awarded more than 300 recipients with mission or education funds. More than 160 were new missionaries and 151 were returning missionary students. Anderson knows money is tight this year, so any donation is appreciated.
“Some of them need a bike. Some of them need, typically, luggage, shoes and clothing,” she said. “There have been a few that have needed to get a visa, or needed medical attention or dental work before they leave. Once they have their mission call, they can apply.”
While most of the award recipients are from Utah, any missionary can apply on the dfcu.com/foundation page and although the donation campaign runs through Dec. 2, online donations are accepted all year long.
Deseret First Credit Union celebrated its 70th anniversary this year and organized the missionary support program in 2016. DFCU serves members and employees of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, providing accounts, loans, mortgages, credit cards, IRAs and more.
The DFCF program has helped hundreds of missionaries over the past nine years and Anderson said it’s a way for the credit union to help its members who have supported the organization since 1955. To learn more about DFCU financial services, visit dfcu.com.
“It’s not like we’re going and taking care of all of their needs for their whole mission,” she said. “It’s just to help get them outfitted and get out the door. That’s really how it started. We wanted to help new missionaries who are getting ready to leave and are having financial hardships. It’s the same goal with some assistance for a college scholarship. We’re not going to pay for four years. No, we’re just trying to help get them in the door of college and start their education.”