The commitment of Missouri State University’s alumni and friends fueled another successful year of giving.

The Missouri State University Foundation received $49,286,346 in gifts, estate gifts and pledges in fiscal year 2026 (July 1, 2025-June 30, 2026).

A remarkable 20,735 donors supported the foundation with $31,308,567 in cash and in-kind gifts, representing more than 1,000 additional donors compared with last year. Estate giving through bequests and other planned giving vehicles also reached one of its highest levels, with $14.27 million in deferred gift commitments added to support the university’s future.

In addition, the foundation processed a record 98,661 gifts and awarded more than $5 million in privately funded scholarships to Missouri State students.

“This was an incredible year, not because of the numbers alone, but because of what they mean for our students, faculty, staff and campus,” said Brent Dunn, foundation president and CEO. “Every gift, no matter the size, made a difference, and we’re grateful to every donor.”

These gifts made possible a wide range of initiatives, such as:

• Creation of the first named school, the Pendleton School of Accountancy
• Construction of the Clifton M. Smart University Advancement Center
• New academic scholarships
• Sixty-four new endowed accounts
• Major increase of community support for Ozarks Public Television and KSMU Radio

Record of success continues

For the third time, the foundation has received more than $30 million in cash contributions in one fiscal year. And for the first time ever, the foundation’s endowment has reached more than $140 million.

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