Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is the Western Annual Fund?

A. Every year, Missouri Western works to raise undesignated funds, also known as the Western Annual Fund, to help support its mission and provide students an educational experience of the highest quality. Annual, undesignated gifts provide funds to many of the programs and priorities on campus that do not receive regular designated support, such as classroom equipment and experience-enriching programs around campus. This year, Missouri Western kicks off its Annual Fund in January with a goal of $250,000 for 2013.

Q. What will my gift support?

A. There are several basic areas of focus in the annual fund, and each significantly improves the student learning experience.

Student Opportunities, Projects and Programs

     Each year, the MWSU Foundation allocates funds to support special projects across campus.

Areas of Greatest Need

     Like any great institution, Missouri Western must be able to respond to critical needs and emerging opportunities. Gifts to the Annual Fund help provide flexible resources to benefit students and faculty where the need is greatest, such as specific funding requests from academic departments or campus groups.

Faculty and Staff Professional Development

    Each year, gifts from the Western Annual Fund support the Foundation as it provides funds for faculty and staff professional development, such as paying tuition for conferences for employees, providing workshops or bringing speakers to campus.

Q. Why does my gift matter?

A. At Missouri 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. In today's uncertain economy, the Western Annual Fund empowers university leaders to address priority issues and to react in a timely way to unforseen challenges and opportunities.

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. How often will I be asked to give?

A. The simple answer to this question is “once.” We normally conduct three to four 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. Your gift will combine with those from many other doners to make a great impact. In addition, your annual participation is equally important.

Q. Is there a giving society that I can join?

A. The Missouri Western Foundation established the Western League for Excellence in 2005. All contributions to the League are undesignated and provide flexibility to meet current needs of the university. Western

League for Excellence members make an annual undesignated gift of $100 or more.

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

Q. How do I know that my gift will be put to good use?

A.  As the steward of private donations to support Missouri Western, the MWSU Foundation ensures your gift is put to good use; students are the primary beneficiaries.  The allocation of undesignated 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, visit the Matching Gifts webpage or contact your Human Resources department. If it does, send in a completed matching gift form along with your donation.

Q. Can I give to a restricted scholarship fund?
A. Yes, there are several scholarships already established at Missouri Western, many of which are named in honor or memory of beloved faculty members, administrators, alumni and friends of the university. 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, Associate Vice President

    University Advancement
    Missouri Western State University
    4525 Downs Drive
    St. Joseph, MO 64507
    (816) 271-5648
    pickman@missouriwestern.edu

B. Laura Buhman, Development Officer

    Missouri Western State University

    4525 Downs Drive

    St. Joseph, MO  64507

    (816) 271-5920

    buhman@missouriwestern.edu