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Established in 1891 by the African Methodist Episcopal Church (AMEC), Payne Theological Seminary stands as the oldest independent
African-American seminary globally. Our mission has remained steadfast: to advance education, foster religious values, and promote morality by preparing individuals for the Christian ministry and missionary work in Africa and beyond.

Over the past 125+ years, Payne Theological Seminary has been a crucible for nurturing world-renowned leaders in ministry. Today, we stand at the forefront of continuing this legacy. However, to sustain our impact, we need your support.

The financial challenges faced by our students are significant, but they pale in comparison to the invaluable service they provide to communities locally, nationally, and internationally. We appeal to you to stand with us in supporting Payne Theological Seminary. Your contribution will not only enhance the lives of our students but will also fuel the growth of our programs and initiatives for generations to come. Make a difference today.

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WHERE TO GIVE

Your giving matters and it makes a difference.  Because of our many donors, Payne Theological Seminary has been developing ministerial and servant leaders for more than 125 years.

Current Scholarships

• Edmund D. Cooke Sr. Scholarship Award
• The Peter and Heartha Kampen Memorial Scholarship for Academic Excellence
• The Donald W. Thompson Memorial Scholarship
• Rev. and Mrs. Wesley E. Wharton Scholarship
• The Dr. Jamye Coleman Williams and Dr. McDonald Williams Annual Scholarship in Memory of Rev. F. Douglass Coleman, Sr.
• The Rev. Cornelia Wright Memorial Scholarship
• The Reverend Henry McNeal Brown Memorial Scholarship
• Victor E. Bibbins, Sr., Ph.D. Scholarship

Annual Fund:  By giving to the annual fund, your gift supports Payne’s greatest needs which can include student financial aid, faculty program and instruction, library resources and other operational needs.
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Scholarships: Master of Divinity Program or Doctorate of Ministry Program.

Student debt for our Seminary students is a significant challenge for those committing to a life of service and ministry.  Your gift towards student scholarships will help to decrease that burden, and a degree at Payne Theological Seminary more accessible.

Faculty Programs & Initiatives:  Our faculty are very essential and devoted members of Payne’s mission.  However, expenses that can be incurred for presenting and/or development can create a challenge. Your gift in this area could provide assistance with cost for travel and training.

Seminary Programs & Initiatives:  As Payne Theological Seminary continues to grow, different financial needs will occur to facilitate that growth. Your gift of support in this area could allow for providing speakers, seminars, or other initiatives to support Payne’s needs.

Donor Bill of Rights

The Donor Bill of Rights was created by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), the Association for Healthcare Philanthropy (AHP), the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), and the Giving Institute: Leading Consultants to Non-Profits.  It has been endorsed by numerous organizations:

The Donor Bill of Rights

Philanthropy is based on voluntary action for the common good.  It is a tradition of giving and sharing that is primary to the quality of life.  To assure that philanthropy merits the respect and trust of the general public, and that donors and prospective donors can have full confidence in the not-for-profit organizations and causes they are asked to support, we declare that all donors have these rights:

1. To be informed of the organization’s mission, of the way the organization intends to use donated resources, and of its capacity to use donations effectively for their intended purposes.
2. To be informed of the identity of those serving on the organization’s governing board, and to expect the board to exercise prudent judgement in its stewardship responsibilities.
3. To have access to the organization’s most recent financial statements.
4. To be assured their gifts will be used for the purposes for which they were given.
5. To receive appropriate acknowledgement and recognition.
6. To be assured that information about their donation is handled with respect and with confidentiality to the extent provided by law.
7. To expect that all relationships with individuals representing organizations of interest to the donor will be professional in nature.
8. To be informed whether those seeking donations are volunteers, employees of the organization or hired solicitors.
9. To have the opportunity for their name(s) to be deleted from mailing lists that an organization may intend to share.
10. To feel free to ask questions when making a donation and to receive prompt, truthful and forthright answers.

SHARE YOUR STORY

We want to learn more about your story and connection to Payne Theological Seminary.  We know that Payne has touched many hearts and minds resulting in support by countless friends, alumni, faculty, staff and friends with their time, talents and treasures.  Your story is the story of Payne Theological Seminary.

Tax and Legal Information

IRS Determination Letter of Tax Exempt Status