Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is the Western Annual Fund?
A. The Western Annual Fund includes annual unrestricted and restricted gifts from alumni, friends, trustees, parents, faculty and staff. These funds help create opportunities for our students that are currently not provided through tuition or government funding.

Q. What will my gift support?
A. Gifts to the Western Annual Fund help to:

• Recruit quality students by offering attractive scholarships.
• Develop or enhance academic programs in response to emerging fields and technologies.
• Engage students through travel/study-abroad programs, meaningful internships, and joint faculty/student research projects.
• Enhance the quality of campus life and student activities.
• Maintain the aesthetic and functional beauty of the campus.
• Support the ability of the MWSU Foundation to attract financial resources that benefit Western students.
• Sponsor activities and events that promote Western’s image and enhance community partnerships.

Q. When should I give?
A. We rely on your support each and every year. The Western Annual Fund coincides with the calendar year, beginning in January and ending in December. Your gift can be made anytime throughout the year by mail, phone, direct deposit or online.

Q. Why does my gift matter?
A. At Western, our students come first. The Western Annual Fund helps make it possible for us to set the standard for excellence in student development and community leadership. Your annual gift will
provide our students with opportunities that prepare them to become competitive among the leading citizens of the century.

Q. How often will I be asked to give?
A. The simple answer to this question is “once.” We normally conduct two to three mail campaigns each year in addition to a phone campaign. Once you have made your contribution, we try to ensure that you are not solicited for the Western Annual Fund, for the remainder of the calendar year. We can really reduce costs associated with mailings and phone calls if you get your gift in early.

Q. How much should I give each year?
A. The amount you give is totally up to you. All gifts to the Western Annual Fund, no matter the amount, are important and make an impact. Of course, the larger the gift the more our students benefit. But just remember, your annual participation is equally important.

Q. Is there a giving society that I can join?
A. The Western Foundation established the Western League for Excellence in 2005. All contributions to the League are unrestricted and provide flexibility to meet current needs of the college. Western
League for Excellence members contribute $100 or more each year.

For more information about how you can become a member of the Western League for Excellence simply contact the Development Office, and we will be pleased to send you more information.

Q. How do I know that my contribution will be put to good use?
A. The MWSU Foundation is highly accountable for making sure all contributions are used to further the mission of Missouri Western State University. The allocation of unrestricted funds (funds that are not
designated for a specific purpose by the donor) must be approved by the Foundation’s Board of Directors.

Q. Can I make a gift online?
A. You bet! Just visit the "Making a Gift Online" webpage. Fill in the required fields and your gift will be securely processed.

Q. What are matching gifts?
A. Many employers match contributions made by their employees. Matching gifts are a great way to generate an additional gift, which may double or triple your contribution to the Western Annual Fund. To find out if your employer matches gifts to higher education, please contact your Human Resources department. If it does, send in the completed matching gift form along with your donation.

Q. Can I give to a restricted scholarship fund?
A. Yes, there are several restricted scholarships already established at Western, many of which are named in honor or memory of beloved faculty members, administrators, alumni and friends of the college. Some of these scholarships have criteria that limit assistance to students, such as a specific major, minimum grade point average, or year of study, to name a few. A complete list of established scholarships can be accessed on our website at http://www.missouriwestern.edu/FinAid/ScholarshipsSearchApply.htm.

Q. Who should I contact if I have additional questions?
A. Jerry Pickman, Director of Development
    Missouri Western State University
    4525 Downs Drive
    St. Joseph, MO 64507
    (816) 271-5648
    pickman@missouriwestern.edu