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 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.
Types of Giving
Philanthropy is a critical part of fulfilling our mission
Giving is a 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Credit Card
Gifts by credit card (Mastercard, Visa, Discover, and American Express) provide a convenient and secure way to make a charitable gift.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Donate by phone at 317-931-2314.
If you prefer, you can call us directly to make a gift by credit card.
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.
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.
Learn more
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
Vice President for Advancement
Donna Brugh
Executive Assistant to the VP for Advancement and Stewardship Coordinator
