The Missouri State University Foundation exists to inspire philanthropic support that transforms the lives of students and strengthens Missouri State University.
As part of the Division for University Advancement, the Foundation connects alumni, donors, corporations, foundations and friends with opportunities to invest in scholarships, academic programs, athletics, faculty support and initiatives that advance the university's mission.
Established in 1981, the Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that receives, manages and stewards private gifts on behalf of Missouri State University. Today, the foundation oversees an endowment of $146+ million and manages 1,405 endowed funds. These provide crucial funding for scholarships, faculty support and program enhancements.
What we do:
- Secure private support
- Private giving provides resources that help Missouri State students, faculty and programs thrive.
In fiscal year 2025, the Foundation:
- Raised more than $24 million in private support
- Processed 87,388 gifts from 19,707 donors
- Managed a $146+ million endowment
- Supported scholarships, academic programs, faculty initiatives and athletics
- Steward gifts with integrity
Every gift entrusted to the Foundation is managed with care and accountability to ensure donor intentions are honored.
The Foundation:
- Administers 1,405 endowed accounts
- Awards more than $5 million annually in Foundation scholarships
- Manages endowed and expendable funds that support university priorities
- Recognizes philanthropic leadership through programs such as The Founders Club
The impact of giving
Every scholarship awarded, every student opportunity created and every program strengthened begins with the generosity of donors who believe in Missouri State's mission.
Together, Missouri State alumni, donors and friends are helping students achieve their educational goals, expanding opportunities for learning and discovery and shaping a stronger future for Missouri State University and the communities it serves.
University Advancement
The Division for University Advancement advances Missouri State's mission by securing private support and engaging alumni, donors and friends in meaningful ways that strengthen the university's future.
University Advancement includes:
- The Missouri State University Foundation (established 1981)
- The Missouri State University Alumni Association (founded 1907)
- Development (Major Gifts, Planned Giving, Annual Giving, Prospect Development and Foundation Relations)
- Data & Technology (Access & Security, System Maintenance, Reporting & Data Visualization, Data Integrity)
- Contribution Management (Gift Processing, Gift Receipting and Contribution Reporting)
- University Advancement Relations (Stewardship, Donor Recognition, Scholarships, Advancement and Mo State Events, University Advancement Communications)
- Engagement and Alumni Relations (Strategic relationship building through events and programs)
- Athletics Development and The Bears Fund (Athletics giving recognition and Athletics facility, programs and scholarship fundraising and event
Together, these teams build relationships, inspire philanthropy and create opportunities that help Missouri State students succeed.