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Giving in the Franciscan Spirit

Educating for justice, peace, and care for creation.

Your generosity at work

At the Franciscan School of Theology, we believe Jesus took on human life out of love—and that all creation reflects God’s presence. Rooted in the Franciscan tradition, we form a community grounded in mutuality, humility, and respect, committed to walking with those on the margins of society and the Church.

When you give, your generosity becomes formation in action.

Your support helps educate and form students who go on to serve as ministers, theologians, educators, chaplains, and leaders in communities across the world.

Through your gift, students are shaped academically, spiritually, and pastorally to bring compassion, justice, and care for creation wherever they are called.

Your generosity ensures Franciscan values continue to shape the world. You are not simply sustaining an institution—you are investing in people, and your impact extends far beyond our campus.

Support Our Mission

Choose to make the greatest impact through our Annual Fund for immediate needs, or direct your gift to a Restricted Fund aligned with your priorities.

Annual Fund

By making an unrestricted gift in any amount to the Annual Fund, you entrust the Franciscan School of Theology to apply your support wherever it is needed most. Your gift ensures the vitality of the institution by providing the resources necessary for FST to deliver an outstanding student experience, well-equipped classrooms and technology, faculty support, and efficient campus operations. Some of the areas your gift will support the school are:

  • Upgrading technology and platforms for the FST YouTube Channel – FST EDU1
  • Providing retreats, social gatherings, and prayer services to build the student community
  • Expanding the Library resources housed at the Copley Library on the USD campus
  • Continuing the development of new classes for the degree programs, certificates and for the implementation of the newest joint doctorate degree with USD
  • Providing resources for the online Franciscan Zoom Lecture Series
  • Offering continuing education courses, non-degree programs and personal enrichment opportunities
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Restricted Funds

Nearly 80% of our traditional students are in need of financial assistance, and the average scholarship covers up to 95% of the tuition per semester. Your donation gives students the resources they need to succeed. You can restrict your gift to support:

  • Lay Scholarships: Lay students are working in or planning for careers as parish administrators, chaplains, teachers, nurses, nonprofit leaders, hospital   administrators, musicians, attorneys, and many more fields.
  • Religious Scholarships: Training men & women who are studying to become ministers or serve the church. Some are continuing their studies for the priesthood, either as Franciscan friars or diocesan clergy, or pursuing vocations as Sisters and Brothers, or leading as ministers and educators.
  • FST Faculty Development Fund: Empower our faculty to be innovative in their teaching and support their efforts in further research and publications which reach worldwide audiences.
  • Franciscan Heritage Endowment Fund: Help preserve the Franciscan presence and spirit at FST by helping us retain and recruit world-renowned Friars.
  • Immersion Endowment Fund: Help us amplify justice-focused education on migration.
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A Message From Our Donors

Whenever anyone asks us if we are Catholic or Christian, we respond specifically that we are Franciscans! That response inevitably brings out the question, What’s the difference? That gives us the opportunity to explain the charism of St. Francis and the values and beliefs that are the center of the Franciscan intellectual tradition, i.e., the equal focus on the head and the heart. Our journey began at the Franciscan Renewal Center and has been enriched by our affiliation with FST. FST’s broad ongoing outreach to local, national and international spiritual communities has inspired many lay pilgrims like us to find their true homes. As a result, we continue as annual donors and have included FST in our estate plan to support their essential mission and enhance their inspired work.

Doug and Cathy Olesen Donors

Other Ways to Give

Charge by Phone

Please call the Development Office at 619-574-5800. If we are unable to answer, please leave a message and we will call back within 24 hours.

Donor Advised Funds

Contact your charitable sponsoring organization (eg. – Schwab Charitable, Fidelity Charitable, Community Foundation, Morgan Stanley, etc.) and make a grant.

Securities

The Franciscan School of Theology accepts securities. Please call or email the Development Office at 619-574-5800 or development@fst.edu for more information.

Retirement Plan

Contact your retirement custodian and request a distribution be made directly to Franciscan School of Theology, Tax ID: 94-1745605. (For further information please click here).

Mail in a Donation

Please make your check out to the Franciscan School of Theology and provide the area you would like to support (Annual Fund, Lay or Religious Scholarships or Faculty Development) in the memo line.

Send checks to:
Franciscan School of Theology
Development Office
5998 Alcala Park
San Diego, CA 92110

Legacy Giving

Leave a lasting legacy to the Franciscan School of Theology through your will or trust. Please seek the advice of your financial or legal advisor. Tax ID: 94-1745605

Contact the Development Office at development@fst.edu or 619-574-5800 for additional information on other Planned Giving vehicles.

Explore Legacy Giving

Employer Matching Gifts

Double your impact and contact your employer for opportunities to match your gift to FST. Please call or email the Development Office at 619-574-5800 or development@fst.edu for more information.