California Baptist University is excited to continue our matching program to support the growth of the university’s donor-funded endowments. The program provides matching funds for qualifying endowment gifts of $25,000 or more, meaning that a gift of $50,000 will create a $100,000 endowment fund. 

The university is challenging and inspiring members of the CBU family, including trustees, alumni, parents, faculty, staff, and friends, to create their own philanthropic legacies through endowments to benefit CBU students and the academic programs at the university. This campaign will enable the creation and significant growth of endowments to provide long-term sustainable funding of needed scholarships and academic programs. We invite you to consider being a part of this opportunity, either individually or by combining your funds with others, to make a significant gift that will then immediately double in size and effect. To learn more about how this program works, please click through to see frequently asked questions.

For additional information or to get started, please contact  Kim Cunningham, Senior Director of Development, University Advancement, at (951) 343-4227 or kcunningham@calbaptist.edu.  

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California Baptist University reaches its
$40 million endowment challenge ahead
of schedule

Riverside, Calif. (Sept. 9, 2024) – The start of fall semester at California Baptist University was buzzing — and not just because students were back in session. The university also announced the successful early completion of a five-year $40 Million Endowment Challenge. The challenge began in March 2021 when a generous donor committed up to $10 million in matching funds toward various School of Christian Ministries endowment opportunities. Thanks to the support of the CBU family — trustees, alumni, parents, faculty, staff, friends, churches and a university institutional match — the challenge concluded in just 3.5 years.

“Finishing this five-year endowment challenge early is a direct reflection of the Lord’s favor on CBU and the School of Christian Ministries,” said Dr. Ronald L. Ellis, CBU president. “We are eternally grateful for the vision and generosity of our friend who started this campaign with his transformational commitment, and those who, with incredibly generous hearts, contributed to the successful completion of the challenge.”

The funds raised will help these students become Christian leaders in their chosen vocations and impact their local churches and the world.

“These endowment funds are a special gift, providing long-term sustainable funding for scholarship and academic programs,” said Paul J. Eldridge, J.D., vice president for University Advancement. “The impact these gifts will have on the School of Christian Ministries will continue for generations.”

Over $24.8 million was committed to double major endowed scholarships, over $10 million to Bachelor of Applied Theology Scholarships, and over $1.6 million was committed to the School of Christian Ministries Excellence Fund (funding excellence of scholarship, presentations, writings, relationships, and matters the dean determines will bring excellence to the school). Over $3.5 million also was committed to various School of Christian Ministries-related programs and projects, including lecture series and other scholarships.

“God continues to do far more abundantly than all we can ask or imagine (Eph 3:20-21),” said Dr. Chris Morgan, dean of the School of Christian Ministries. “By God’s grace and through so many generous friends, students are blessed, churches are strengthened, and God is glorified. What a privilege to experience God’s hand in all of this!”

Each year, CBU’s University Advancement works with generous donors who commit funds to the university for a variety of purposes. In the past two years, over $67 million has been committed to CBU to further its mission.