The Missouri State University Foundation has set yet another fundraising record. The foundation raised more than $25.8 million in FY21 (July 1, 2020-June 30, 2021), thanks to the generosity of the university’s alumni and friends.  

This is an increase of more than $3.1 million from the last record, set in FY20.  

“It’s amazing but not surprising that we set this record during the pandemic,” said MSU President Clif Smart. “Our folks always come through when our students need them the most.” 

More alumni giving 

The gifts came from 19,120 donors, which is an increase in overall donors and alumni donors compared to FY20, noted Brent Dunn, executive director of the MSU Foundation.  

“More people wanting to contribute and stay engaged allows us to do so much more for our students,” Dunn said. 

The fundraising efforts are part of the Onward, Upward campaign, which set a goal of raising $250 million for the university. The campaign kicked off in October 2019. 

To date, $230 million has been gifted toward the Onward, Upward campaign. 

Give to the Onward, Upward campaign

Gifts fund capital projects, scholarships 

This record-breaking year included gifts: 

• To expand the efactory.  
• That will fund the addition to The Blunt Center. 
• For the John Goodman Amphitheatre in the new Judith Enyeart Reynolds Arts Park. 
• To improve Greenwood’s facilities. 
• To provide new scholarships for College of Business students. 

For each of the past four years, the foundation has raised more than $20 million in financial support.  

Since the foundation began in 1981, it has raised more than $390 million.