Gift Club

Hood Theological Seminary has provided theological education since 1904. Until very recently, the operating budget of the seminary was supported in large part by the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, the Seminary’s sponsoring denomination. Today, however, the school operates from three sources of income:

• Tuition and fees from students
• Annual grant from the AME Zion Church, and
• Income generated from Fund Raising

Fund Raising is essential, therefore, to generate income for the Seminary, we have established the following funds:

• The Annual Fund
• Capital
• The Endowment
• The Library, and*
• Scholarships

The Annual Fund

The Annual Fund provides modest revenue for the operating budget. The goal of this fund this year is$250,000. (The fiscal year is July 1 through June 30, so there is still time to support this fund.)

To aid you in deciding the level of your annual gift, we offer seven gift clubs to which your contributions may be applied. The clubs are as follows:

• The Visionary Circle, $100,000+
• The President’s Council, $50,000-99,999
• The James Walker Hood Society, $10,000-49,999
• The Wm. Orlando Carrington Club, $5,000-9,999
• The W. J. Walls Club, $1,000-4,999
• The Earthen Vessel, $500-999, and
• The Crimson and Gold Club, $1-499

As the Development Program grows, adjustments will be made to the gift ranges and additional clubs established. For now, you may make your unrestricted gifts with an eye toward membership in one of the seven gift clubs.

Do not forget to check with the Human Resource Office of your current or former employer about matching gift programs. Many corporations provide matching gifts to theological schools, and we encourage you to maximize your dollars.

Gifts for Capital Improvements

Capital improvements at Hood Seminary include technology upgrades, renovations to the current site, (the W.J. Walls Center) and costs associated with relocating the seminary. Since the focus of giving for most corporations and foundations is no longer bricks and mortar, institutions like Hood Seminary rely increasingly on individuals like you for gifts for capital improvements.

Gifts for the Endowment

A substantial endowment helps to secure the future of institutions like Hood Theological Seminary. It is essential, therefore, that major gifts be generated to build the Hood Endowment. The primary method of building the endowment is through planned or deferred gifts, such as those received from bequests, trusts, and the sale of stocks and bonds. Toward that end, Hood Seminary encourages you to consider endowing a scholarship or chair as follows:

• A minimum contribution of $50,000 for an Endowed Student Scholarship
• A minimum contribution of $500,000 for an Endowed Faculty Chair

You may take three to five years to complete payment of your pledge. Gifts for the Hood Endowment are invested and held in perpetuity. Only a portion of the interest earned is used to cover the cost of the item designated in the gift.

Gifts for Increasing our Library Collections

In addition to monetary gifts, we accept gifts of select libraries to increase and upgrade our library collections. We prefer, however, to discuss the contents of such gifts prior to receiving them. For further information, contact the Director of the Library, Reverend Cynthia D. Keever, (704) 636-6840; ckeever@hoodseminary.edu.

Gifts for Scholarships

The fund for endowed scholarships is also placed in the restricted endowment of the Seminary. To date, there is one fully endowed student scholarship at the Seminary, the Margaret C. Woodson Hood Theological Seminary Endowed Scholarship. The First Presbyterian Church of Salisbury and the Connectional Lay Council of the AME Zion Church have endowment funds for scholarships in progress. You too may start building such an endowment. For further information, contact Dr. Albert J.D. Aymer, President, at 704.636.6823.

Here is what you will receive for your annual support of Hood Seminary:

• Satisfaction in knowing that you are helping to sustain one of the most promising theological schools in the nation and participating in the preparation of women and men for effective Christian ministry;
• Satisfaction in knowing that a Christian faith-based institution is anchored by individuals like you;
• A listing in publications acknowledging donors (unless anonymity is specified), such as the Honor Roll of Donors and the Hood’s Herald;
• A tax deduction. Hood Theological Seminary is a 501(c)3 IRS recognized public charity, federal tax ID# 56-2231069.

Should you have questions about making a gift to Hood Seminary and/or you desire to meet with the President, contact the Office of Development at 704.636.6545 or fcorriher@hoodseminary.edu.