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Thank you for your interest in supporting Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary. Friends just like you, willing to make a difference in eternity right now, have made it possible for us to train and prepare thousands of men and women to go “to all the world for Jesus’ sake.”
CASH GIFTS
An overwhelming majority of our donors choose to give cash gifts. Many friends find it most convenient to send monthly gifts throughout the year. Not only does this help the Seminary to plan our budget, but it also allows our donors to spread out their donation. Postage paid envelopes are sent to you after each gift for your convenience. Many other friends simply give an annual gift, and that is perfectly acceptable. Cash, personal or company checks, and even automated direct debits (forms available from the Development Office) are all acceptable forms of giving. A form for making cash gifts is available here.
Gifts of Stock Instructions
ON LINE GIVING
We are also able to accept on line gifts. Friends of the Seminary may now make their contributions electronically through the Seminary web site. All transactions are protected with the most advanced security features available. Donations may be made by Mastercard, Visa or direct ACH transfer. You can even set-up recurring monthly donations or monthly e-mail reminders.
PROPERTY GIFTS
Although cash gifts are preferred, gifts of real estate, collectibles, stock, and other tangible assets are acceptable ways to support the Seminary. We will acknowledge to the donors receipt and condition of any gifts of property at the date of the gift, but we cannot attest to a fair market value of non-cash gifts. Securities and other non-cash gifts received by the Seminary will be promptly negotiated if it is in the best business interest of the Seminary. No real estate may be received without Trustee approval following proper environmental reports as necessary. Contact the Development Office at Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary (800-968-4508) with any questions about non-cash gifts.
PLANNED GIVING
Although most friends of the Seminary choose to give regular cash gifts, there are many other instruments available for supporting the ministry of Mid-America.
Charitable Remainder Trusts
The Charitable Remainder Trust (CRT) is an excellent way for a donor with highly-appreciated assets to:
- Benefit Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary
- Avoid capital gains taxes
- Greatly increase his/her current income stream
- Receive an instant income tax deduction
- Substantially reduce estate taxes
The CRT gives donors a chance to convert some highly appreciated assets into cash flow generators for the donor for the rest of their life. After that, the “remainder” passes to Mid-America. Speak to your financial advisor, or call the Development Office at Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary (800-968-4508) for more information about Charitable Remainder Trusts.
Charitable Bequests
Remembering Mid-America in your will is a great way to make a lasting contribution to the ministry of the Seminary. After you have provided for your loved ones, charitable giving through a last will and testament creates a legacy that will last for generations. You don’t have to be rich to remember Mid-America in your will. Your gift will be blessed and multiplied as God honors your heart for seeing the Gospel taken to all the world. The key to making charitable bequests is to make the change in your will while you are able. Speak to your financial advisor, or call the Development Office at Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary (800-968-4508) for more information about Charitable Bequests.
Life Insurance
Making Mid-America the beneficiary of a life insurance policy allows you to make a sizeable donation upon your death by making small (usually less than 4% of the gift), annual contributions now. Mid-America would receive the full amount of the life insurance benefit whenever death occurs. The full value of your estate, however, would remain for the benefit of your family. Speak to your financial advisor, or call the Development Office at Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary (800-968-4508) for more information about gifts through Life Insurance.
APPLICATION OF GIFTS
The Seminary has three primary areas of application for gifts. The first area is our general fund. Approximately 60% of the Seminary’s operating budget is funded through gifts to the general fund. Since tuition levels are set at less than 25% of costs, the general fund acts as a scholarship fund for all students. This is the recommended area for most gifts.
The second area is endowment. The money given to endowment will never be removed from the account but used to accumulate interest. The interest will then be used to lower the tuition the students pay through the general fund. About 6% of the operating budget is provided through endowment interest.
The third area is quasi-endowment. The money designated to this fund is used for endowment and the interest is used to fund the operating budget. The only difference between Quasi-endowment and Endowment is that quasi-endowment can be accessed by trustee action to be used in the general fund for emergency situations.
How can I be involved?
Pray for us. Our greatest need is more prayer support. We believe that the people who pray for this school supply the funds for the school. Would you pray about getting involved in Mid-America Seminary? For information about becoming a friend of Mid-America contact Dr. Gary Redding @ 901-751-3066 or email gredding@mabts.edu.
The Seminary has three primary areas of application for gifts. The first area is our general fund. Approximately 60% of the Seminary’s operating budget is funded through gifts to the general fund. Since tuition levels are set at less than 25% of costs, the general fund acts as a scholarship fund for all students. This is the recommended area for most gifts.
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