Perkins School of Theology is in the third year of a special University-wide effort called Pony Power. That initiative endeavors to fortify our educational efforts by raising “current use” funds. These are funds that can be expended during the same academic year in which they are received. This effort is vital to the renewed strength of Perkins.
We have set the goal for Perkins at $7.1 million over the next three years. I am happy to report that we have met our goals for years one and two! We do have a steep hill to climb in the current year because we are losing a portion of previous funding from the United Methodist Church. All of us together will need to stretch to make our year-three goal!
The most pressing needs are: first, funds for student scholarships and second, the unrestricted SMU Fund for Perkins.
Financial planners encourage us to have an emergency fund so that when unexpected expenses arise, we will have money to pay them. We all understand that is a sensible plan which we should follow. The same is true for institutions.
The SMU Fund for Perkins acts as an emergency fund for Perkins. Money donated to that unrestricted account can be used at the discretion of the Dean for various purposes that might arise. He can take money from that account to underwrite unexpected costs, start new initiatives or expand current programs.
This year our goal for the SMU Fund for Perkins is $300,000. I would love to see Perkins’ faithful donors greatly exceed that and surpass our wildest expectations.
You will be hearing more about giving to this fund as the year progresses. I hope you will join me in supporting this effort. To give to the SMU Fund for Perkins (or any of the other funds) click this link. You will notice in the “drop-down” menu that the SMU Fund for Perkins is at the top. Why not make an initial gift to that fund right now? No gift is too small or too large.
As always, I am thankful for the faithful support of Perkins donors!
With a thankful heart,
John A. Martin
Director of Development