Giving Stories

Thoughtful Planning: Three Examples

1.  After a visit to campus, an alumnus from the class of 1952 was motivated to contact his classmates by letter.  He encouraged them to include the seminary and its scholarship funds in their estate plans and, in particular, encouraged them to direct memorial gifts given at the time of their death to Lancaster Seminary.  To ensure that his wishes are followed, the alumnus has put this directive in his last will and testament.

2.  Over a ten-year period, an alumnus of the Class of ’48 established six charitable gift annuities, designating the remainders to the Class of 1948 Scholarship Fund.  While the initial monies used to establish the annuities were modest, the results of those gifts upon his passing tripled the size of the scholarship fund.

3.  Recently Lancaster Seminary was the beneficiary of an estate gift from a member of the class of ’89 –1889, that is!  In his will, the alumnus provided for several family members by establishing a trust that paid them an income every year of their lives.  He also directed that after the lifetime of the last survivor, the remainder of the trust be directed to the seminary.  It was 73 years after the death of the donor that the seminary received his generous gift.  With careful planning and prudent investing, the donor was able to care for his loved ones and make a significant contribution to an institution that he cherished.

Creativity in Bringing Others on Board for Support

Dorothy Gentry Kearney, Lancaster Seminary

trustee, passed away on July 27, 2005.  Her generosity to the seminary has left a legacy that will continue into the future.  Dorothy found a unique way for her friends to celebrate significant events with her - and to help Lancaster Theological Seminary at the same time.  Dorothy's family and friends continue to send gifts to this fund in her memory.

In 2002, Dorothy wrote: "When my sister honored me with a birthday celebration three years ago, several people, instead of a personal gift, sent a monetary contribution to Lancaster Theological Seminary where I serve as a Trustee.  Since that time, I have established the 'Dorothy Gentry Kearney Scholarship Fund' for African American students at Lancaster Seminary who may need financial aid as they answer their call to ministry."

Please consider a financial partnership with Lancaster Seminary through standard methods of giving or be creative!

For more information about giving to Lancaster Theological Seminary, call the Advancement Office at (717) 290-8729, or (800) 393-0654, ext. 8729, advancement@lancasterseminary.edu.