Giving FAQ

Why should I make a gift to SOul ZOne Ministries? Because SOul ZOne is

  • Called to equip some of the world’s most gifted future leaders. Carleton is one of our nation’s premier liberal arts colleges that attracts students not only from the U.S., but from many countries of the world.
  • A very efficient ministry. Gary & Deb draw only one salary and rent no office space. Their home, located just one block from the main entrance of the college, acts as their ministry base.

Who oversees SOul ZOne Ministries?

SOul ZOne is a 501(c)3 nonprofit corporation, operating with accountability to a board of directors that includes a pastor, two business people, a Carleton athletic coach and Gary and Deb. Gary is an ordained pastor, and continues to meet regularly for accountability with pastors in the Evangelical Free Church in southern Minnesota.

How much additional support do you need to operate SOul ZOne?

We operate close to the margin by covering as much as possible out of our own pockets, taking one modest salary for two workers, and paying close attention to our expenses. As with any nonprofit, each year we lose some supporters and gain others. A significant handicap at this time is that we are not able to pay for a staff intern, which is a very real need with the various ministries we cover. We estimate our ongoing need in order to cover regular costs and staffing needs at $1,000 additional per month.

How can I help?

We are especially looking for monthly partners who can give consistently, so that we can be freer to minister to students. Our current partners give amounts ranging from $15 per month to $500 per month. Some make an annual donation so they don’t have to write a monthly check. Thank you for considering a regular investment in the spiritual growth of our future leaders!

I am a Carleton alum. What can I do?

As an alum, you have a special role in SOul ZOne’s ministry. You understand first-hand the challenges of remaining strong in your faith at Carleton, and the importance of having a place to go where you can freely worship and discuss your questions. A growing number of alums are contributing to SOul ZOne financially, in average monthly amounts ranging from $20 to several hundred. Others use our online simple giving buttons to give occasional gifts. Your gifts in any amount are significant, and we hope you will make giving to SOul ZOne a regular part of your encouragement to students who are coming behind you. You can also join the database that allows recent grads who are new to your area to find you and quickly get plugged into fellowship groups.