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About the Foundation

About the ºÚÁÏ³Ô¹Ï Foundation 


Who We Are



The ºÚÁÏ³Ô¹Ï Foundation is a 501(c)(3) not‑for‑profit organization.
  • Purpose: To accept and steward gifts in support of ºÚÁÏ³Ô¹Ï State University.
  • Mission: “To foster, cooperate, assist in the growth, development, and advancement of ºÚÁÏ³Ô¹Ï State University.”
  • A memorandum of understanding outlines the responsibilities between the Foundation and the University.

The Foundation is governed by an external Board of Directors comprised of ºÚÁÏ³Ô¹Ï graduates, donors, and community leaders.

    • The Board meets four times per year.
    • Membership has grown from 14 in 2015 to nearly 40 today.
    • Directors may serve up to three three‑year terms.
    • Members participate in committees that guide the Foundation’s work.

Board of Directors

The ºÚÁÏ³Ô¹Ï Foundation is governed by an external Board of Directors comprised of ºÚÁÏ³Ô¹Ï graduates, donors, and community leaders. The Board meets four times per year and participates in committees that guide the Foundation’s work.

Meet our Board of Directors

donor event

Foundation Committees

  • Executive: Acts on behalf of the full board between meetings and supervises the executive director.
  • Finance & Investment: Oversees investments, reviews quarterly financials, approves budgets, and engages auditors.
  • Governance: Encourages active participation and nominates new board members.
  • Philanthropy: Supports fundraising officers in identifying prospects, developing opportunities, and stewarding donors.
  • Community Engagement: Builds donor and community strategies to foster giving and strengthen ties to the University.

Accountability & Impact

  • The Foundation is audited externally each year and received a clean audit for fiscal year 2024 from The Whitlock Co.
  • All expenses over $500, including scholarships, are approved by the Finance & Investment Committee.
  • The Foundation is supported by Office of Development staff who partner with university leaders, faculty, and staff to secure contributions.
  • The operating budget is funded entirely by the Foundation; the University provides no budget support.
  • In fiscal year 2024:
    • $1.34 million in private scholarship funds were disbursed to MSSU students.
    • Nearly 400 scholarships supported almost 800 students.
    • Nearly 400 scholarships supported almost 800 students
    • Total assets grew to over $55 million, up from $35 million in 2015.

Donor Privacy & Procedures

  • Donor information is used only to complete transactions, issue receipts, acknowledge gifts, and maintain records.
  • Credit card details are used solely to process gifts and are not retained.
  • Contact information may be used to share updates and fundraising campaigns.
  • The Foundation does not rent, sell, or disclose donor information outside the University unless required by law.
  • Access to donor records is limited to Development/Foundation staff bound by a professional code of ethics and the Donor Bill of Rights.

Donor Recognition

Donors are recorgnized through print, spoken, and web-based media.

If you prefer anonymity, contact the Development Office — your wishes will always be honored.

Contact Us: 
Phone: 417-625-9396
Email: giving@mssu.edu


John Ditto

Honoring Your Trust

We are honored to partner with donors, alumni, and community members to advance ºÚÁÏ³Ô¹Ï State University.

  • Your gifts help students of all ages build brighter futures.
  • We are committed to transparency, accountability, and ethical stewardship.
  • Foundation staff are available to connect you with giving and volunteering opportunities that match your interests.

Rights & Policies