The mission of the MSU Foundation is to unite with passionate supporters and donors of Missouri State University in pursuit of the university’s goals and priorities, and to create significant philanthropic resources for the university, its students, faculty, and staff, while serving as a responsible steward of those resources.
The vision of the MSU Foundation is to be a valued advocate, catalyst for engagement and philanthropy, and trusted partner of Missouri State University.
Since the establishment of the Foundation in 1981, thousands of private contributions have been given to the University’s departments and programs. Alumni of the institution give recalling with appreciation the education they received while attending Missouri State. Others—friends, parents, corporations, foundations, faculty, staff and even current students—have a sincere desire to enhance particular areas of study or the overall quality of education at Missouri State University.
Indeed, the Foundation has been successful for nearly 40 years. The success exists because of the continued willingness of donors to invest in the future of the students and the University on the campuses in Springfield, Mountain Grove, West Plains and China. In its history, the Missouri State University Foundation has received $433 million in gift commitments. While $368 million has occurred through outright gifts, an additional $65 million has been recorded through deferred commitments. The outright gifts have already made a tremendous impact on our students, faculty and campus community. And the deferred gifts that will come to the University at a later date through trusts, annuities, life insurance and other testamentary instruments, indicate confidence in continued growth for the future.
Private giving continues to be of critical importance to the University. Many opportunities are created through the generosity of friends to the institution, made up of a family of alumni, parents, graduating seniors, current and retired faculty and staff, community members, local and national businesses, foundations, and other organizations.
Generous support in the University’s mission and lasting gift commitments enhance opportunities for students, and make things possible that would not be there otherwise, without private giving.