Welcome to the Office of Development Webpages
In 1992, Drs. Norm Geisler and Ross Rhoads established Southern Evangelical Seminary with a strict no-debt policy to insure the institution's future would be based solely on God's provision. The Seminary now owns and operates debt-free a 10.5 acre campus with over 50,000 sq. ft. of administrative and academic facilities valued at over $10 million. Each year it is the generous spirit of our friends that helps makes the Seminary possible.
This generosity is evident in countless ways, including gifts of financial support. And while giving may seem a straightforward discussion, there are many ways that friends choose to make a gift. Some careful planning will ensure that your objectives are met. Here is an overview of the most common ways to make a gift to SES and the benefits of each.
CURRENT GIFTS
The most common way to make an immediate gift is by giving a cash gift. This type of gift provides immediate liquidity for the Seminary and generates a charitable income tax deduction for the donor in the year of the gift.
To learn more about how to contribute to a specific SES fund or project, or to honor a special loved one with a honor or memorial gift, please click HERE.
Giving stock or bonds may provide greater tax benefits. If you have owned securities for more than one year and the fair market values has increased since you purchased them, you can avoid capital gains tax and receive a charitable income tax deduction equal to the fair market value.
A gift of real estate that has been held for more than a year also has the advantage of providing you with a charitable deduction based on the current fair market value, as well as bypassing capital gains tax on the appreciation.
Selected artwork, books, jewelry, and antiques are examples of gifts of personal property that can, in certain situations, be an appropriate gift. However, to ensure that any tangible personal property qualities for a favorable charitable tax deduction, contact the Development Office prior to making the gift.
PLANNED GIFTS
Sometimes called deferred gifts, the term planned gifts refers to specific strategies that (in most cases) benefit SES at some point in the future while offering immediate benefits to the donor.
The gift of a paid-up life insurance policy is a good example. By designating SES as owner and beneficiary of such a policy, you will receive a charitable income tax deduction that, in most cases, is equal to your cost basis in the policy.
GIFTS THAT GENERATE INCOME FOR YOU
The benefits of planning compound when you utilize one of a number of strategies that generate income as well as provide a number of other benefits.
The Gift Annuity is a great example of how a gift generates income for the donor. This is actually a contract between a donor and a charity that is part gift and part annuity. In addition to the annuity payment, the donor receives a charitable income tax deduction and a portion of each annuity payment may be tax-free.
The Deferred Payment Gift Annuity in which annuity payments are delayed for a number of years, offers rates that make it an attractive supplement to retirement income.
The Charitable Remainder Trust is perhaps the most versatile charitable giving tool. With the CRT it is possible to bypass capital gains tax on the sale f highly appreciated assets, generate an increase in income, receive an attractive charitable income tax deduction, and fulfill your philanthropic objectives.
Finally, next to writing a check, perhaps the best known vehicle for philanthropy is the Bequest. A bequest makes it possible for you to make your wishes known today without relinquishing needed assets during your lifetime. Bequests can transfer a specific asset. You can also give a percent of the estate after costs and taxes. Another good idea is to transfer property to a Testamentary Trust.
Thank you for your faithful support of the SES mission to train and equip men and women in the inerrant and infallible Word of God to evangelize the world through the proclamation of the Gospel and the defense of the historic Christian Faith.