As an unrestricted fund, Bethlehem University Foundation Annual Fund serves three purposes: 1) to make grant funding available to Bethlehem University for annual use, 2) to fund the needs of Bethlehem University Foundation, 3) to make future grants available to Bethlehem University by investing in the endowment.
The Bethlehem University Foundation Annual Fund sustains both the University’s core mission and the Foundation’s essential work: supporting academic programs, strengthening faculty excellence, and providing the scholarships and resources students need to continue their education despite the economic pressures facing families in the Holy Land.
Donors who wish to provide a sustaining and lasting future for Bethlehem University may do so by establishing an Endowed Fund or Endowed Scholarship through the Bethlehem University Foundation.
The Foundation invests each gift in the United States and uses the earnings to provide annual, ongoing support for the designated purpose.
Accounting Major/Marketing Minor
Abdalrhman lives in Hebron, the second largest city in the West Bank, about 14 miles southwest of Bethlehem. He is an accounting major with a minor in marketing. Upon graduation, he aspires to put his “full potential into his business and also help his father with his wholesale businesses.”
In reflecting on what he has learned from his father and grandfather about success, Abdalrhman wishes to emulate them, “I was taught that the money we earn does not belong completely to us, it belongs to the less fortunate people, they are the priority, not your bank account, and I want to grow this seed in the family.”
Bethlehem University has given him both education and experience, but he notes that the University, “grows your personality and social life, your networking skills, and how you attract people that could help you. It’s the environment and the diversity of students that means so much.”
Creating an Endowed Scholarship at the Bethlehem University Foundation is a perpetual gift that each year covers the tuition of a student in need at Bethlehem University. An Endowed Scholarship, named after an organization or in honor/memory of an individual, is a “forever scholarship,” allowing Bethlehem University Foundation to invest your gift and send the annual income to Bethlehem University.
A full list of Endowed Scholarships and Funds can be found here.
Scholarship recipients are selected by Bethlehem University based on need and academic merit. With a gift of $30,000, you can establish an Endowed Scholarship. An Endowed Scholarship is fully funded at $100,000 and will cover the full costs associated with educating one student at Bethlehem University each year. With an initial payment of at least $30,000 accompanied by a signed Pledge Agreement, an Endowed Scholarship will be established by the Foundation.
Endowed Funds have been established to underwrite specific Faculties (Schools) or programs at the University, to provide general support to the University, to fund educational development, to underwrite programs at the Foundation, or other uses as specified by the donor. Endowed Funds are managed by the Board of Directors of the Foundation and are invested with T. Rowe Price. With an initial gift of $30,000 and a pledge of at least $100,000 payable over 5 years, you can establish an Endowed Fund at the Bethlehem University Foundation. Please note that many Endowed Funds are created by individuals or organizations pooling donations.
If you would like to partner with BUF and establish an endowed scholarship or fund, please contact Kathy Carver, [info@bufusa.org] for additional information.
An Annual Scholarship provides one student with the gift of education. Annual Scholarships are $4,000 per year, for four years. While that might not seem like much, it is very expensive for a Palestinian student where minimum wage is roughly just over $500 a month in the West Bank.
By committing to the four-year education of one student, you will be able to follow your student’s progress and learn a little bit about their life and dreams.
One of the most impactful ways you can support Bethlehem University is to sponsor a student, whether that be a full scholarship or a portion of a scholarship.
Students who are accepted to Bethlehem University automatically receive a 50-60% scholarship. We need your help in making sure that all students receive the necessary support to receive an education at the only Catholic-Christian university in the Holy Land.
In the form below, next to “Designate,” drop the arrow down to select the fund to which you wish to contribute. Thank you.