YOUR BUSINESS AUTHORITY
Springfield, MO
YOUR BUSINESS AUTHORITY
Springfield, MO
Last edited 1:52 p.m., July 10, 2026 [Editor's note: The name of the Pendleton Family School of Accountancy has been corrected.]
The Missouri State University Foundation received nearly $50 million in donations, estate gifts and pledges during the 2026 fiscal year, which ended June 30.
This fiscal year, 20,735 donors – 1,000 more than last year – supported the foundation with $31.3 million in cash and in-kind gifts.
The university said this is the third fiscal year in its history to exceed $30 million in cash gifts.
Estate giving through bequests and other planned giving vehicles also reached one of its highest levels, with $14.3 million in deferred gift commitments added to support the university’s future, according to a news release.
The foundation processed a record 98,661 gifts and awarded more than $5 million in privately funded scholarships to MSU 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, in the release. “Every gift, no matter the size, made a difference, and we’re grateful to every donor.”
Dunn recently announced plans to retire at the end of the upcoming school year, according to past Springfield Business Journal reporting. MSU President Richard “Biff” Williams will launch a national search for his successor.
University officials said this is the first time its endowment has reached $140 million.
The FY26 gifts supported a range of initiatives, including:
Attending what he estimated was at least his seventh Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce Community Leadership Visit, Jeff Childs, senior adviser with SVN/Rankin Co., said he was impressed with Indianapolis housing efforts.
