Make an
impact today

Support our mission by contributing a donation to raise awareness and support for Dar al-Kalima University, the first and only university of arts, culture, and design in all of Palestine.

Ways To Give

Write a check

Write out your check: Make your check payable to Bright Stars of Bethlehem
Mail: Send your check in a stamped and addressed envelope to:
Bright Stars of Bethlehem
P.O. Box 771055
Chicago, IL 60677-1055
Ensure your envelope is postmarked by December 31st to be counted towards your current year’s taxes.
Monthly Donations

Monthly donations to Bright Stars of Bethlehem provide critical, reliable revenue that makes it easier to plan for the future needs of Dar al-Kalima University. Regular monthly donations offer reliable funding, enabling Bright Stars of Bethlehem to plan and execute long-term projects while allowing you to pace your donations throughout the year.
How to Give:
Set up recurring donation: Choose the monthly donation option on the donation page.
Specify amount: Decide on the amount you wish to donate each month.
Automatic payments: Ensure your payment method is set up for automatic monthly contributions on your desired date.
Donor-Advised Funds

Donor-advised funds (DAFs) allow you to make an initial gift to a fund, and easily direct funds to your charities of choice while also taking advantage of higher tax deductions. DAFs provide flexibility in your charitable giving while also allowing your dollars to grow, allowing you to support Bright Stars of Bethlehem when it aligns with your financial planning.
How to Give:
Initial gift: Contribute to a donor-advised fund.
Grant recommendations: Determine the timing and amounts of grants from your fund.
Contact information: For more details about DAFs, contact Bright Stars of Bethlehem at 815-315-0682.
Gifts of Stock

By donating appreciated securities, such as stocks, you can avoid paying capital gains tax and instead see the full value of the stock go to a cause near and dear to your heart. By gifting stock, your donation could be up to 20% higher than if you sold the stock and donated the proceeds on your own. Making donations of stock is also generally an easy process to complete.
How to Give:
Transfer shares: Contact your broker to transfer the shares directly to Bright Stars of Bethlehem.
Notify: Inform Bright Stars of Bethlehem of your intent to donate stocks and to obtain needed information for the transfer.
Await confirmation: Bright Stars of Bethlehem will confirm when your gift of stock has been received.
IRA

If you are 70½ or older, you can make a tax-free donation directly from your IRA to Bright Stars of Bethlehem and in the process, reduce your taxable income.
How to Give:
Qualified Charitable Distribution: Instruct your IRA custodian to make a direct transfer to Bright Stars of Bethlehem (EIN: 38-3685603)
Specify amount: Decide on the amount you wish to donate from your IRA.
Contact information: For more details, contact Bright Stars of Bethlehem at 815-315-0682.
Legacy Gifts

Legacy gifts involve including Bright Stars of Bethlehem in your estate planning, such as through a bequest in your will. A bequest ensures that your legacy supports peace and hope through the educational programs of Bright Stars of Bethlehem, continuing to make a difference long into the future.
How to Give:
Estate Planning: Include a bequest to Bright Stars of Bethlehem in your will (EIN: 38-3685603)
Fill out the intention form: Then email the completed form and any applicable paperwork to tracie@brightstarsbethlehem.org
Discuss desires for your planned gift: Make your passion known now, contact Tracie Ortman at 815-315-0682 or tracie@brightstarsbethlehem.org
Matching Funds

Many employers offer matching gift programs that can double or even triple your donation to Bright Stars of Bethlehem. Matching funds amplify the impact of your donation, providing additional resources to support Bright Stars of Bethlehem’s mission.
How to Give:
Check eligibility: Find out if your employer offers a matching gift program by contacting your human resources or finance department.
Submit request: Follow your employer's process to request a match for your donation.
Notify Bright Stars of Bethlehem: Inform Bright Stars of Bethlehem of the matching gift request and of any additional paperwork that needs to be completed.
Thrivent Choice Dollars

Are you a Thrivent Member? Do you have Thrivent Choice Dollars you would like to designate? Please consider designating them to Bright Stars of Bethlehem so we can continue to support the next generation of creative leaders in Palestine.
Designate your choice dollars
Visit https://www.thrivent.com
Scroll down and click on the "Get started now" button.
Log in and enter your user ID and password. (Click on "register for account access" if you haven't registered)
Look for your Choice Dollars to direct on the right hand side of the screen.
Search the catalog of organizations to find Bright Stars of Bethlehem.
Click on "Direct Now" to direct your designated Choice Dollars.
Thrivent Continued

By Phone:
Call 800.847.4836 and when prompted, say "Thrivent Choice."
Press 1 to direct Choice Dollars or Press 2 to hear the Thrivent Choice program terms and conditions. (If prompted, say or enter your phone number and date of birth)
A representative will assist you to direct your Choice Dollars.

Did you also know that Thrivent members can also apply for Thrivent Action Grants? These grants are for $250 to help Bright Stars of Bethlehem educate individuals and reach more potential donors. For more information on how you can apply for these grants and what Bright Stars of Bethlehem can use them for, please call us at 815-315-0682.