Donor Commitment Sustains Bethel

Fiscal year-end results show that Bethel University donors sustained their support.

Summer 2009

A down economy, but a high level of commitment! Fiscal year-end results show that Bethel University donors sustained their support.

“Even though everyone has felt the constraints of the recession, our donors have been generous,” says President Jay Barnes. “Contributions to Bethel exceeded expectations! I am so grateful for those who have stood beside me and Bethel throughout the past year.”

Concerns about the economy did affect Bethel in ways similar to other educational institutions and many churches. However, while others suffered a considerable percentage drop, Bethel’s Annual Fund was only down 17 percent, ending at $2,500,000. Furthermore, total receipted giving, including gifts to the Annual Fund, various restricted projects, endowment, and capital gifts exceeded $9.3 million at the close of Bethel’s fiscal year on May 31. This makes 2008-2009 Bethel’s third-highest year in terms of total giving.

Royal Heritage Society + Bethel’s endowment (as of June 30, 2009): $28,122,139 + New gifts to endowment since March 31, 2009: $199,555 + Number of Royal Heritage Society members: 757 Royal Heritage Society members are Bethel friends who have provided a planned gift to Bethel or have included Bethel in their estate planning. For information about the Royal Heritage Society, or how to become a part of it, contact Dan Wiersum, associate vice president for development and director of planned giving.

For receipted gifts, 13 households gave $100,000 or more; 41 gave $25,000 or more; and 91 gave $10,000 or more. “We recognize the steadfast generosity of Bethel’s committed donor community in providing this extraordinary level of giving during a difficult economic environment,” says Bruce Anderson, Bethel’s vice president for development. “Brushaber Commons is complete, and we are confident that donors will continue to fulfill their campaign commitments for this and other projects. We are indeed grateful for strong support and look forward to inviting alumni, parents, and friends to sustain Bethel’s vital educational mission in the coming year.”

Looking Ahead

Next year’s Annual Fund goal is set for $3.025 million, the level sustained by donors in three of the past four years. The 2009-2010 fiscal year holds numerous key objectives. First, Bethel must continue to provide adequate financial aid to families who are feeling the affects of the tough economy; this, in turn, will keep Bethel’s student retention rate high. Second, facilities must be maintained, and in some cases, upgraded. This includes the Seminary St. Paul campus. Unfinished projects, such as expansion on the Seminary San Diego campus as well as retrofitting of older buildings on the St. Paul campus, must be completed as well. Third, endowment, which will support student access through scholarships and enhanced programs, must grow.

“The real bottom line is transformed lives. That’s why we’re here,” says Barnes. “I am inspired and encouraged by the students and by the commitment of Bethel friends. I am looking forward to the year ahead to see what God will do.”