The United Way of the Ozarks has been responding to the need of the most vulnerable for 90 years. It looks at the community from a high level and addresses funding to areas that need the most attention. Missouri State University faculty and staff raise money every year as part of the United Way Campaign. We hope you'll consider participating this year at any level this year - every gift counts.
Missouri State University faculty, staff and retirees have rallied together every year for decades to contribute to the United Way of the Ozarks (UWO.) In doing so, our community supports our public affairs mission by assisting many who need help.
This year Clif Smart serves as the Chair of the UWO Ozarks Board of Directors. Under the leadership of Greg Burris, CEO and President, and the board of directors, UWO has adopted a more focused approach to community investment. All funded programs must fall into one of two categories:
View all United Way-funded partners.
We challenge the MSU community to consider giving at least a cup of coffee ($5) monthly to the United Way of the Ozarks. When combined with the rest of the MSU community, your gift will significantly impact southwest Missouri.
The United Way of the Ozarks has made some exciting new changes this year in how they plan to invest our donations differently in the community.
The new funding strategy focuses on the health, education and financial stability needs of our community and is designed to maximize our undesignated funds. You can still designate funds to your organization of choice on the pledge form.
| Challenge | Description |
|---|---|
| Cup of Coffee Challenge | You can support your community with an amount that is around just the price of one cup of coffee per month. Pledge a payroll deduction of $60 or $5/monthly. You can create a new pledge or increase your existing pledge to be part of this challenge – and in the running for a great prize. |
| Give A Dollar More Challenge | Increase your current donation by at least a dollar per month. Be entered to win a prize. |
| The Colleagues Challenge | Go head-to-head with other departments to see who can get the largest percentage of new pledges, and pledge increases, in your division or cost center. The division that has the largest percentage of staff who participate – either by pledging or increasing their pledges – wins a trophy that travels to the winning department every year! |
| The First Timer Challenge | New donors who pledge at least $5 total, welcome! You are now in the running for a prize. |
Pledge form: You may return the pledge form in your United Way packet you receive via campus mail in early November.
Online: You can also pledge via credit card or payroll deduction using the online portal. To begin donating, you may register online.
Text: You may also text to give by texting ‘gobears’ (no space) to 91999 and follow the prompts. (Messaging rates may apply).
Rollover: If you already donate to the United Way via payroll deduction and you don’t take any action, your gift amount will rollover to 2022.
If you have questions or need help making your pledge, please contact Jennifer Severson at jseverson@missouristate.edu or 417-836-5739.
The celebration lunch will be held on November 7th at 11:30 in the Plaster Student Union Ballroom West for faculty and staff who participate in this year’s campaign with a donation, or rollover donation.
We will have prize drawings for those who participate in one or more of the four challenges. Please RSVP if you plan to join in the celebration so we can get a head count for lunch.
You can get involved through volunteering with any of the following programs and more. Visit their website or call the United Way of the Ozarks for more information at (417) 863-7700.
If you hear of someone with housing, food, or funding need, refer them to 2-1-1 for assistance. It is free, confidential and a 24-hour resource and referral hotline.
This year’s committee is organizing the campaign, rounding up prizes and tracking pledges. Please let us know if you have questions – we are here to help.
