NW Missouri Times

Northwest Missouri State University is gearing up to show gratitude to its generous donors during the annual Thank a Donor Day on April 10. According to Tess Lovig, annual giving and alumni relations specialist with Northwest, "Donors who support Northwest are choosing to help provide students with opportunities they otherwise may not have had. That’s a noble gesture that deserves to be recognized."

The event, scheduled from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the J.W. Jones Student Union, aims to educate Northwest students and employees about the critical role donors play in supporting the university while also providing an opportunity to express gratitude for their contributions. Lovig emphasizes that "Everyone in the Northwest community benefits from donations in some way, and by participating in Thank a Donor Day, community members have the chance to thank these donors for their generosity and kindness."

The Thank a Donor Day follows the successful conclusion of the fourth annual Bearcat Day of Green campaign by the Northwest Foundation, which raised $111,725 from 345 donors in just 1,905 minutes. This amount marks a significant increase of nearly 12 percent from the previous year's fundraising total of $99,825. The donations received during the Bearcat Day of Green campaign will support various initiatives, including scholarships, academics, Bearcat athletics, and campus beautification projects.

The Northwest Foundation has had a remarkable year in terms of fundraising, securing a total of $6.6 million during Fiscal Year 2023, representing a 12 percent increase from the previous fiscal year. This achievement is the fifth-highest total raised since the Foundation was established in 1972. The Foundation has raised approximately $12.5 million in the two years following its highly successful campaign that raised $55 million.

Scholarship support remains a cornerstone of the Foundation's mission, with nearly $1.5 million allocated for 1,467 scholarship awards to Northwest students in the last fiscal year. The Foundation has seen a consistent increase in total scholarship funding for the fifth consecutive year, with an average scholarship amount of $1,013 awarded from donor-funded scholarships during FY23.

In addition to the financial support provided, the Foundation facilitated the creation of 11 new scholarships during the last fiscal year. The Northwest Foundation, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation, is guided by a board of directors and staffed by members of Northwest’s community.

For those interested in supporting Northwest and its initiatives, they can contact the Office of University Advancement at 660.562.1248 or visit the university's website. The Northwest community is grateful for the continued support of its donors and looks forward to expressing its appreciation on Thank a Donor Day.