Giving to CTS

Philanthropy is essential to the sustainability of Christian Theological Seminary and the fulfillment of our enduring mission to form disciples of Jesus Christ for church and community leadership to serve God’s transforming of the world.

All gifts increase our capacity to offer an intellectually rigorous, spiritually formative and emotionally supportive education—one that properly prepares our students to become church and community leaders in service to God’s transforming of the world.

There are as many reasons to give to CTS as there are students and alumni.

We can all take great heart in these individuals and their good works. And we can be confident that CTS helps transform not only their lives but also the lives of those they touch.

When you make the decision to give to CTS, you are offering a tangible affirmation of our mission and vision, our reach and relevance, and our capacity and capabilities to steward your valuable financial resources. CTS remains steadfast in our dedication to always be deserving of these precious gifts.

Why we giveTypes of giving

Why We Give

GIVING makes theological and counseling education possible for students who would otherwise be unable to afford it.
GIVING supports experiential learning through field education, counseling internships and residencies, and travel experiences.
GIVING advances leadership development through diverse and relevant program offerings.
GIVING helps retain and attract exceptional and diverse faculty and staff so that students can learn from and be guided by the very best.
GIVING impacts the greater community, providing affordable mental health counseling services as well as connecting and  empowering local organizations focused on mitigating poverty.
GIVING contributes to the physical teaching and learning environment, optimizing academic and social experiences.

Endowments

A strong endowment is critical to our long-term strength and sustainability. Our ability to provide rigorous, high-quality theological and counseling education—while also supporting the leaders and programs our communities need most—relies on a healthy endowment.

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Types of Giving

Philanthropy is a critical part of fulfilling our mission

Giving is fundamental to what happens at CTS—it fuels what we dream for our future as well as how we serve students and our greater community today. Our work relies on gifts made throughout the year, not just when classes are in session. CTS endeavors to inspire donors to give in any or all of the following ways:

Annual Giving

Annual gifts provide immediately available funds for the sustainability and success of the seminary and everything that makes a CTS education distinctive and meaningful.

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Planned Giving

Planned (or deferred) gifts are often gifts of assets that are established now but provide their ultimate benefit for CTS in the future.

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Special and Major Giving

Special and major gifts play an essential role in supporting current needs and creating new opportunities for CTS. Whether during a campaign or as part of an emerging funding priority, special gifts make larger investments in our work a reality.

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Ways to Give

There are a variety of giving options that can help you support CTS. The seminary welcomes gifts of all kinds.
Current gifts are those in which the assets received can be used upon receipt. Deferred gifts are gifts that can be established now for future benefit to CTS. Both current and deferred gifts are important to the viability of CTS.

How to giveContact us
CURRENT GIFTS

Gifts Making a Difference for CTS Today

Cash/Check

Making a gift of cash or check is the easiest and most popular way to give.  Gifts of cash or check are considered complete as of the date of mailing or hand delivery.

Electronic Bank Transfer Instructions

Electronic Bank Transfer (ACH) Gift

Banking Institution:
Huntington National Bank

Account Name:
Christian Theological Seminary

Account Number:
01401226770

Routing Number:
074000078

Credit Card

Gifts by credit card (Mastercard, Visa, Discover, and American Express) provide a convenient and secure way to make a charitable gift.

Online gifts can be made here
Appreciated Securities

Gifts of appreciated stocks, bonds, and mutual funds are attractive charitable giving options offering substantial tax benefits, including current income tax deductions and bypass of capital gains.

Transfer Instructions

Firm
Sanctuary Wealth

Account Number
PT8207177
Christian Theological Seminary
DTC# 0443

Contact
Please contact Amanda Clevenger with notification of your gift at 317-633-1701 or aclevenger@sanctuarywealth.com

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IRA Charitable Rollover

Donors at least 70½ years of age may directly roll over up to $100,000 from their IRA assets to qualified charities each year.  Some donors choose to make significant gifts or satisfy required minimum distributions by making a direct transfer to CTS.

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Real Estate and Other Tangible Property

Donating real estate, art, jewelry, or other appreciated assets – either now or in the future by will or trust – allows some donors to make gifts that would not otherwise be possible. Gifts of real estate may also provide additional benefits like current income tax deductions and bypass of capital gains. Although these gifts are accepted on a case-by-case basis, their impact can benefit CTS for years to come.

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Deferred Gifts

Gifts Established Today for CTS Tomorrow

Will or Living Trust

Bequests made through a will or living trust are the most common deferred gifts. These gifts are easy to execute, leave a lasting legacy, and benefit our work in the future. Sample bequest language can be found here. 

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Beneficiary Designations

Naming CTS as the beneficiary of an IRA or qualified retirement plan is a tax-advantaged and straightforward way to leave a gift. CTS receives the full fair market value of these gifts and is not subject to the significant federal income or estate tax liabilities experienced by non-charitable entities or individuals. IRAs and qualified retirement plans can also name charitable remainder trusts as beneficiaries.

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Donor Advised Funds

Donor Advised Funds allow you to make charitable gift recommendations during your lifetime and beyond, making it possible for your children to carry on your legacy of giving. 

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Charitable Gift Annuities

Donors who establish a charitable gift annuity with CTS enjoy making a gift that supports our mission, while also providing income for annuitants, donors, or other beneficiaries. These mutually beneficial gifts offer immediate benefits such as current charitable income tax deductions and favorable tax treatment.

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Please see current IRS guidelines and consult with your financial, accounting, or legal advisors before making any gift.  CTS is a qualified 501(c)(3) charitable entity, and gifts are deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. 

How to Give

Give online

For your convenience, you can make a donation electronically with our easy-to-use online giving option.

Make your gift
Donate by phone at 317-931-2314.

If you prefer, you can call us directly to make a gift by credit card.

Call now
Mail a check payable to:

Christian Theological Seminary
Office of Advancement
1000 West 42nd Street
Indianapolis, IN 46208

Please indicate designation if desired.

Give Appreciated  Securities

If you would like to make a gift of appreciated stocks, bonds, or mutual funds, please contact advancement@cts.edu.

SECURITIES DELIVERY INSTRUCTIONS

Firm
Sanctuary Wealth

Account Number
PT8207177
Christian Theological Seminary
DTC# 0443

Contact
Please contact Amanda Clevenger with notification of your gift at 317-633-1701 or aclevenger@sanctuarywealth.com

Establish a Recurring Gift

Provide seamless and ongoing support for CTS by establishing a recurring gift through your bank account or credit card.  Setting up a recurring gift is simple by going to cts.edu/give.

Initiate a Matching Gift

Multiply the impact of gifts from you or your spouse/partner through company matching gift opportunities.  To find out more, contact your human resources department to see if your or your spouse’s/partner’s employer has a matching gift program.

Remember us in your plans

Providing for CTS in your estate plan establishes a sustainable philanthropic legacy for CTS.  Please connect with us to affirm your future gift's purpose and recognition wishes.

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Recognizing your generosity

Philanthropy takes many forms at CTS, and gifts of all sizes are both valuable and valued.

We celebrate all our donors, individually and collectively, and we believe that by choosing to give, you are also expressing their faith and confidence in CTS.

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Giving Stories

Dr. Mellott with students at the Legacy Giving BreakfastEventsGivingNews
May 1, 2023

Student Gratitude at 1924 Societies Legends of Leadership Breakfast

Student Gratitude at 1924 Societies Legends of Leadership Breakfast   At the recent Legends of Leadership Breakfast held with members…
Two hands raised for receiving.GivingNews
March 1, 2023

Gratitude & Giving by Gayle

I would like to begin this month’s giving and gratitude article with a resounding thank you. During our annual Day…
EventsGivingNews
February 8, 2023

Your Passion. Our Mission. Your Gift.

By Gayle Spicer, Director of Annual Giving By now, you’ve likely seen an email or social media post announcing CTS’…

Contact us

We invite you to join us in advancing the rich legacy of Christian Theological Seminary.

advancement@cts.edu
317.931.2314

Kristin Champa headshot
Kristin Champa
Vice President for Advancement
Kinyatta Coe headshot
Kinyatta Coe
Administrative Assistant to the Vice President for Advancement