Westminster Seminary California (WSC) has a beautiful campus in the hills of Escondido, 30 miles north of San Diego. From this strategic location WSC has prepared more than 1,200 graduates who are serving as pastors, church planters, missionaries, teachers, scholars, counselors, and leaders worldwide.
Although the construction is complete, the funding is yet to be completed. A 10% shortfall remains to cover the costs of building this beautiful residential village that has blessed the students and their families. We pray that God’s people will continue to provide the resources to reduce the $3 million debt that remains on this initiative.
As students live, learn, and grow together in their knowledge of Reformed theology and love of the Lord, they will experience what we have always believed and practiced at Westminster California—that iron sharpens iron—that students learn best face-to-face in the classroom and students confirm what they believe peer-to-peer, in a community of faith.
“It is a blessing to live in a place where community happens so naturally and spontaneously; as well as making it affordable to attend the best Reformed seminary on the continent! We are excited for this year, and thankful for all who have made it possible.”
“We are blessed to be in such a supportive and God-fearing community of believers and are happy to be a part of this multi-generational work that has remained committed to its mission since its founding.”
“It has been an enormous blessing to call the Westminster Village home during my time at seminary. My seminary experience truly wouldn’t have been the same without this community. Not to mention, the walkable “commute” to my classes and on-campus job in the Front Office is pretty tough to beat!”
Hear testimonies from the first round of students and their families to live in the Village.
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In September of 2016, WSC began the process of building brand-new, affordable on-campus housing for our students and their families. In June of 2018, after nearly 2 years of building, the first wave of students and their families began arriving at Westminster Village loaded with anticipation, as well as furniture, books, bikes, books, dishes, toys, and more books, excited to settle it all into their new homes. Since then, the community in Westminster Village has thrived. So much so that we needed to build a 9th building, which began housing students for the 2023–24 school year. Today, with 9 buildings that contain 72 units, we are able to provide affordable housing for approximately 80% of our students. This is all made possible through your generosity.
If you would like further details about the WSC building campaign, read the the FAQ’s below. For any further questions or help, please contact us at 888.480.8474 or [email protected].
HOUSING CAMPAIGN
Westminster Seminary California (WSC) is a Christian institution seeking to glorify God through graduate theological study. Its primary responsibility is to educate future pastors for Christian churches, especially for Presbyterian and Reformed denominations. It also provides theological education for others who will serve in the Christian community and the larger society.
(Westminster Seminary California exists for a marvelous purpose: to glorify Christ, to teach his gospel, to serve his church.)
This campaign is designed to meet several current needs of the Seminary and secure the Seminary’s future. The campaign’s top priority is to fund the construction of 72 student apartments on the newly-acquired 9.5-acres of land adjacent to the existing 10-acre campus. Other important priorities for the future sustainability of the seminary include construction of a new academic building for increased classroom space and endowments for scholarships and faculty support.
The campaign’s base goal of $28 million is the amount needed to fund the construction of 72 student apartments on campus. The campaign’s challenge goals include additional funding to build a new classroom building and fund endowments for scholarships and faculty support.
No. Because WSC is a private education institution, it does not qualify to receive state or federal funding. WSC receives no denominational support except from those individual congregations that include WSC in their annual budgets or periodic offerings.
Tuition: 39% | Gifts: 55%
Instruction: 71% | Administration: 16% | Fundraising: 13%
The Seminary’s annual operating income pays for the ongoing daily costs of operating an academic institution. Beyond the operating budget, the Seminary must raise funds independently for capital projects, such as building new facilities or renovating existing ones.
To aid in our vital student recruitment efforts, the new student housing complex would enable WSC to offer housing that is as affordable as that in other parts of the country. This complex of 72 apartments would provide quality housing in a residential village for more than 100 students. It would also create a community of faith, where education, fellowship, and families flourish.
Yes, all cash gifts will be accepted, though pledge commitments are preferred. Pledge commitments provide donors the opportunity to plan the best gift possible and to give beyond the level of a one-time cash gift.
Most gifts to WSC are used promptly to meet current educational needs. Endowment gifts are different. Endowment gifts are invested so that in the future the seminary may have a regular source of income to support particular needs.
Endowments may provide a solid financial base that can actually help a seminary remain faithful by easing the pressure of fundraising. Endowments are a great blessing to the seminary because they stabilize our finances, ensure future income and make it easier for us to plan for the future without compromising our commitment to our mission.
There are specific times and events in your life when planning your gifts can benefit both you and your favorite charities greatly. Important events include the sale of appreciated assets, sale of a business, or retirement. These are excellent times to consider a planned gift. Types of planned gifts include:
Planned gifts may be made either during your lifetime or at death. They usually involve the assistance of professionals such as your accountant, attorney, or financial planner. Please contact Westminster Seminary California at (888) 480-8474 or The Barnabas Foundation at (888) 448-3040 for more information about structuring and implementing your planned gifts. WSC pays an annual membership fee to The Barnabas Foundation so our constituents may access this professional planning assistance without a fee.
Yes. All gifts to Westminster Seminary California are deductible to the maximum amount allowed by law. WSC is registered with the Internal Revenue Service as a 501(c )(3) organization, with the identification name Westminster Theological Seminary in California and number: 95-3457731.
At the end of the year, you will receive a statement from WSC indicating your gift amounts that you may use for tax deduction purposes.
Any questions concerning the campaign, Building On A Firm Foundation, may be directed to:
Development Office Westminster Seminary California 1725 Bear Valley Parkway Escondido, California 92027 (888) 480-8474 ext. 130 or 135 Email: [email protected]
