HOW IS BTSR FUNDED?

BTSR has strong ties with a number of larger Baptist entities. Our single largest supporter is the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, which provides funding for scholarships and the general budget. However, daily and future needs of the seminary cannot be met by denominational bodies alone. The participation of thousands of congregations and individuals is necessary in order to provide for a full range of educational needs. While the seminary has prospered with the help of a number of generous friends who share its outlook, new supporters are needed everyday for BTSR to carry its mission forward. To learn more about how you and others can help BTSR thrive, continue reading and contact any development representative.

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Would you or a friend like to begin receiving periodic letters and updates from BTSR? To join our list, just contact Lisa McGehee with your request and mailing address.

THE FUND FOR BTSR

The Fund for BTSR, the annual giving program of Baptist Theological Seminary at Richmond, is a lifeline of support helping to meet the day-to-day operating needs of the seminary.  Gifts to The Fund support every area of education: from the classroom to the library; from technical support to student life; from capital improvements to faculty and staff support.  Gifts through The Fund for BTSR address current needs and…click here for donor stories and more.

CAPITAL NEEDS

BTSR is located in the historic Ginter Park neighborhood of Richmond, housed on an attractive campus that formally served as home to the Presbyterian School of Christian Education. The seminary is currently engaged in a complete renovation of the Virginia and Kramer Halls and the Lamont Building as part of Building Our Future...Together, The Campaign for Baptist Theological Seminary at Richmond. Creating state-of-the-art instructional space while maintaining historic architectural integrity requires considerable resources. Opportunities are available to honor and recognize deserving individuals with named buildings or portions of buildings. For more information and to join others in Building Our Future...Together, contact Lisa McGehee or any BTSR development representative.

The Cochrane Challenge (.pdf document)

FINANCIAL AID FOR STUDENTS

Beyond the necessity of current support, the most urgent ongoing need that BTSR faces is financial aid for its students. The seminary has had an increased enrollment each year of its operation and now boasts over 300 students. Although BTSR makes every effort to keep its tuition fees as low as possible, with every increase in enrollment comes an equal increase in demand for financial aid.

FACULTY SUPPORT

Among BTSR's greatest assets is the strength of its faculty. Since its founding, the seminary has sought talented, experienced, recognized, and exemplary scholars for its teaching staff. BTSR is fortunate to have several faculty positions underwritten by endowment funds provided by and in honor of outstanding Baptist families and individuals. More are needed. Also needed are funds to supplement faculty research projects, sabbatical opportunities, and professional expenses.

UNRESTRICTED ENDOWMENT

The seminary is fortunate that, in its relatively brief existence, it has secured a substantial endowment. The endowment fund is professionally managed, and earnings each year are used in support of various aspects of the seminary. A majority of the fund is restricted by donor designation to financial aid for students and faculty support. Additional unrestricted endowment funds are needed, the earnings of which can be used for different purposes from year to year, as determined by the seminary's trustees as areas of greatest need.

OUTRIGHT GIFTS AND PLANNED GIVING

Outright gifts to the seminary of cash, appreciated securities, and gifts-in-kind are the most readily usable and can be immediately applied to the seminary's needs. The BTSR Development Office has in place procedures to receive, acknowledge, and account for gifts without delay. The seminary also has in place resources to receive and manage bequests and other estate gifts. Through its Planned Giving Program, BTSR can provide a variety of trust arrangements. For details, please contact John Bryan.