Southern Seminary’s Fall Giving Day, Heritage Golf Classic, and Year End Giving Campaign combined to raise $1,560,000. The fundraising success came at a time when higher education was facing a crisis.
Vice President of Communications Edward Heinze was thankful for the loyalty of the SBTS donor base.
“Our core donor base has stood with us through this tumultuous season.” He said “They saw the unique needs of our students and increased their financial support to help ensure that economic pressures didn’t result in a decline in graduates.”
Southern hosts three main fall giving campaigns:
- The Heritage Golf Classic (August 24) raised $220,000
- Fall Southern Giving Days (September 17–18) raised $567,000.00 [The previous record was $304,000 in 2018]
- The Year-End Giving Campaign (December) raised $773,000.00
The combined collections are designated to the Southern Fund which helps tuition rates remain as low as possible.
“We like to state that every dollar raised in the Southern Fund is one less dollar our students have to pay in tuition” Heinze said “It’s a vital revenue source that has a significant impact on our students and the cost of their theological training.”
Proclaiming eternal truth in changing times has been Southern’s mission. The donor base, according to Heinze, is committed to seeing SBTS train ministers of the gospel to fulfill this mission.
“Our donors are looking at the culture and the need for the gospel domestically and internationally. In response, they have increased their financial support of our students.”
Graduates from SBTS are trusted. Heinze recognizes that the biblical fidelity of Southern’s faculty give its supporters confidence. “Because they have a high regard for our faculty and the training provided in our classrooms—they see graduates as a highly effective way to advance the gospel to a world in need.”
Finances didn’t disrupt the progress of students. While institutions across the nation are struggling to keep their doors open, Southern is achieving record enrollment. Between the 15 percent tuition reduction and the increased giving from the donor base, graduation numbers are projected to hold steady.
“They are looking at our commencement ceremonies each May and December with delight and hope” Heinze said. “This year, while producing numerous challenges, will still end with trained ministers heading out to serve the church and advance the gospel.”