Garrett Seminary Launches $125 Million Abundant Spirit Campaign
The Evanston seminary's campaign aims to expand financial aid, education, and partnerships, with $81 million already committed by donors.
Updated on Nov. 14, 2026 in Scholarships
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Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary has launched a $125 million campaign called Abundant Spirit: Garrett's Next Century. Donors have committed $81 million to the effort so far.
Why it matters
The seminary says the need for theological education has not diminished even as the ways people learn, lead, gather, and serve have changed. The campaign is intended to support students and programs in Evanston and beyond.
The campaign is allocated $40 million to accessible, $55 million to essential, and $30 million to enduring priorities. Donors have committed $81 million toward the $125 million goal, and the timeline for completing the remaining amount was not disclosed.
The players
Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary
A United Methodist-related seminary located on the Northwestern University campus in Evanston, Illinois, that has trained church and ministry leaders for nearly 175 years.
The details
The campaign will expand financial assistance and create educational opportunities across different geographies, languages, life stages, and vocational contexts. It will also fund partnerships, faculty research, and collaborative learning with congregations and communities, with endowment investments intended to sustain faculty, scholarship, and formation over the long term.
Timeline
Nearly 175 years of preparing leaders for service
1853: Garrett becomes historically related to the United Methodist Church and is located on the Northwestern University campus in Evanston
November 13, 2026: Public phase of the campaign is announced
Season Trajectory
The campaign extends the seminary's nearly 175-year record of preparing leaders under its 1853 United Methodist affiliation into a new fundraising push. It positions the institution to adapt its scholarship and programs to how people now learn and serve.
Prospective seminary students may see expanded financial assistance as the campaign's accessible priority funds take effect. Residents of Evanston and church communities may also benefit from new partnerships and collaborative learning programs.
The takeaway
Expanded scholarship funding can lower financial barriers for students preparing for church and ministry careers. Readers interested in supporting theological education can review the campaign's priorities directly.
Further reading
Explore more about scholarships available to seminary students in Evanston.
More information
Learn more and support the effort at the Abundant Spirit campaign website.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Religion News Service.
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