Make a Donation

Gifts to support the mission of Western Theological Seminary can be given through a variety of means and can be designated to support the Seminary Fund (annual operating costs), a specific endowment fund, or a special project. Gifts to Western Seminary are tax deductible.

Please note that gifts from Michigan residents qualify for the Michigan tax credit.

Cash and Checks

If you would like to donate by giving cash or through writing a check, please send your gifts to:

Western Theological Seminary
Advancement Office
101 East 13th Street
Holland, MI 49423

Please make checks payable to Western Seminary.

Stocks/Securities

A substantial tax advantage may be available if you give securities which have appreciated significantly in value, as the probable avoidance of capital gains taxes is considered.

Gifts of securities can be given in three ways:

  • You may hand deliver the securities to the Western Seminary Advancement Office.
  • You may transfer the securities to the Western Seminary account at: Robert W. Baird & Co. Attn: Lynn Smith 157 Central Ave. Holland, MI 49423 (616) 392-7186
    (Please contact Lynn Smith or the Western Seminary Advancement Office for routing instructions.)
  • You may send unendorsed stock certificates by registered mail directly to Western Seminary accompanied by a transmittal letter indicating your name and address as it appears on the certificates. A stock power should be sent separately with a copy of the transmittal letter. All materials should be sent to Western Theological Seminary, Advancement Office, 101 E. 13th St., Holland, MI 49423.

Securities are credited at the mean value between the high and low trades on the date they were hand delivered, mailed (postmark date), or were placed in Western's name.

Real estate

If you own a home or other property you no longer need and you would like to make a charitable gift, giving real property may be an efficient way to meet both goals.

Property that has grown in value:
If you sell real estate that has increased in value, you will likely be faced with a significant capital gains tax. By gifting the property to Western Seminary, you will receive a charitable income tax deduction for the full value of the property and will avoid capital gains taxes. This essentially produces a double tax savings.

Property that has decreased in value:
In this situation, it is generally better to sell the property outright and give the cash proceeds. By giving the property, you may only receive a tax deduction for the fair market value. In selling it, you may be able to establish a capital loss that can then be deducted from your taxes, as well as receiving a charitable deduction for the amount of the cash gift.

Giving property, but retaining the use of it:
It is possible to make a gift of a home or vacation property and continue to enjoy it for as long as you wish. A tax deduction is allowed for the eventual gift in the year the gift is arranged.

Charitable gifts of real estate can provide substantial benefits to you and Western Seminary, but they generally involve more tax and other legal complexities than other types of donations. Please contact us at advancement@westernsem.edu or (800) 392-8554, or contact your legal advisor to learn more about giving real property.

EFT

Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT) is a monthly electronic banking service designed to make your support of Western Seminary more convenient and cost effective. If you already use direct payroll deposit, ATMs, electronic bill payments, and other electronic banking services, you understand the advantages of completing transactions the easy way - electronically.

How do I get started?

  1. Simply select the amount of your monthly contribution (minimum of $10)
  2. Print the authorization EFT form (requires Adobe Acrobat Reader)
  3. Mail the completed form to:
Western Theological Seminary Advancement Office
101 East 13th Street Holland, MI 49423

 

Then What?

  1. We will notify you when the first transaction will occur. Transactions take place on the 15th of each month until your pledge is paid or until you make a written request to stop.
  2. We will send a receipt and letter of thanks for your total contribution at the end of each calendar year.

If you have questions about Electronic Fund Transfer, please contact us at advancement@westernsem.edu or (800) 392-8554.

Credit Card

To make a gift using Mastercard or Visa or Discover, simply call the advancement office at (800) 392-8554. Be prepared to give your card type, name as it appears on the card, card number, and expiration date. You can use Online Donation form to make a gift. It is a high security site.

Corporate matching gifts

More than 1,000 companies help to increase the gifts of their employees (and sometimes retirees) by matching their gifts. For every dollar you give to Western Seminary, your employer may match it.

What do I need to do?
Simply fill out a matching gift form from your employer and send it with your gift to Western Seminary. We will complete the form and process it through your employer. They will in turn send a donation to Western if the gift matches their qualifications.

Does my company participate?
To learn if you work for a matching gift company, contact your employer's human resource office.

If you have questions about how to give a gift, or would like to learn more about specific needs, please contact the advancement office at advancement@westernsem.edu or (800) 392-8554.