The Bears Fund

Missouri State basketball player on the court getting ready to shoot the basketball.

The Bears Fund is the annual fundraising program for Missouri State Athletics and the primary way supporters invest in the success of student-athletes.

Your support helps provide scholarships, recruiting resources, facility enhancements, academic support and other program needs for hundreds of student-athletes competing across 19 NCAA Division I sports.

When you join The Bears Fund, you're helping Bears succeed in competition, in the classroom and in life.

Support the Bears Fund

Membership benefits

Bears Fund members receive exclusive benefits based on their level of support. Benefits may include priority access, special events, recognition opportunities and other experiences that bring fans closer to Missouri State Athletics.

2026-27 membership benefits will be announced soon.

Supporting athletics in a new era

College athletics is changing rapidly, creating new opportunities to support student-athletes and strengthen Missouri State's competitive future.

In addition to annual support through The Bears Fund, donors can now make targeted investments through Competitive Excellence Funds and Alston Education Funds.

Contact Us

Have questions about supporting Missouri State Athletics, Bears Fund membership or other giving opportunities?

Our team would be happy to help you find the giving option that aligns with your passion for Bears Athletics.

Competitive Excellence Funds (CEF) help Missouri State teams remain competitive in today's evolving collegiate athletics landscape.

These sport-specific funds support revenue-sharing opportunities, recruiting efforts and other strategic priorities that help programs attract, develop and retain talented student-athletes.

You can direct your gift to the sport you care about most, helping provide resources that position Bears teams for success.

Competitive Excellence Fund gifts:
- Are tax-deductible
- Count toward Bears Fund membership
- Can be designated to a specific sport
Alston Education Funds support student-athletes who demonstrate academic achievement.

Named after the landmark Alston v. NCAA decision, these funds allow Missouri State to provide educational awards to student-athletes who excel in the classroom. Gifts help recruit and retain high-achieving students while recognizing their commitment to academic success.

Alston Education Fund gifts:
- Are tax-deductible
- Can be designated to a specific sport
- Support academic excellence among student-athletes
Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) opportunities allow Missouri State student-athletes to earn compensation through sponsorships, endorsements and other business partnerships.

Unlike gifts to The Bears Fund, Competitive Excellence Funds and Alston Education Funds, NIL support is not tax-deductible.

Businesses and individuals interested in NIL opportunities can connect with approved partners and platforms that facilitate compliant NIL agreements and support Missouri State student-athletes.

Find out more about NIL

Giving option	Tax deductible	Counts toward Bears Fund	Sport specific
Bears Fund	Yes	Yes	No (supports all athletics)
Competitive Excellence Fund	Yes	Yes	Yes
Alston Education Fund	Yes	No	Yes
NIL opportunities	No	No	Usually