Financial Priorities

The leadership of the seminary has established four strategic financial focus areas through the year 2012. They are:

• Operational Support through the New Life Fund (Annual Fund)
  The New Life Fund provides funding for operational support. The fund provides everything at Southern Seminary from energy bills to faculty salaries. The growth and livelihood of the New Life Fund is critical to the success of the mission of the seminary. When you give to the New Life Fund, you are providing the resources required to train women and men for public ministry. You can rest assured that you are making a difference in the lives of those who will serve to, with, and for us in the years to come when you provide operational support.

• Hillcrest Apartments Accelerated Debt Retirement
  The Hillcrest Apartments serve as great environments to foster spiritual formation while a student is on campus. Since opening in 2005, the apartments have provided excellent opportunities for spiritual growth and fellowship in a safe and comfortable environment. By accelerating the retirement of debt on the Hillcrest Apartments, the seminary can save tremendous amounts of money in interest accrued.

• Student Debt Reduction/Financial Aid
  The costs of attending seminary can be staggering to women and men as they discern their call to ministry. Without financial support and assistance, a four-year seminary student faces the potential of more than $100,000 in cost. By focusing on student aid and student debt reduction, we ease the burden of high debt in the life of a new public ministers and associates in ministry.

• Growth of the Endowment
  Income drawn from the seminary endowment supplement other operational support revenues to include the New Life Fund. A strong endowment is essential for long-term financial stability because income generated can provide money when needed in the dynamic world of theological education. Every one million dollars of endowment funds produces average annual revenue of $50,000 for designated purposes. Included in the endowment are endowed chairs which enable the seminary to attract and retain our incredible faculty.