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Northwest Foundation reports successful FY25 with increases in scholarships, total giving
Northwest Foundation Inc., the fundraising arm of Northwest Missouri State University, maintained its focus on scholarship funding during Fiscal Year 2025 while raising awareness about the importance of supporting the University and its students.
The Foundation secured $6.4 million in total giving during FY25, which ended June 30. The total represents a 12 percent increase in giving from the prior year.
“Through the Northwest Foundation, philanthropy fuels progress, opening doors for students and strengthening the future of our communities,” said Mike Johnson, the vice president of university advancement at Northwest and executive director of the Northwest Foundation. “We thank all our donors who believe and give to Northwest Missouri State University in the spirit of advancing our students’ success.”
Scholarship support, which remains a central mission of the Foundation, totaled more than $1.54 million, a 10.3 percent increase from FY24, and funded 1,577 scholarship awards to Northwest students, an increase of 9.7. The average scholarship amount awarded from donor-funded scholarships during FY25 was $979.
Furthermore, the Foundation facilitated the creation of 16 endowed scholarships, established through gifts totaling a minimum of $25,000.
The Foundation’s successful fiscal year also included its fifth annual Bearcat Day of Green last March, which attracted a record-breaking 821 donors providing gifts totaling $188,389 for University initiatives. As Northwest alumni and friends devoted 1,905 minutes to raising support for the University, the campaign’s fundraising total increased by nearly 70 percent from the 2024 Bearcat Day of Green. Donors supported initiatives centered on academics, Bearcat athletics, Bearcats Helping Bearcats, KXCV-KRNW radio, the Northwest Fund, scholarships and student life.
Additionally, the Foundation provided nearly $2 million to the University as direct and indirect support for various needs in FY25. An example of those needs includes the remodel and expansion of Martindale Hall, for which the Foundation met its fundraising goal.
Membership in The 1905 Society, which recognizes supporters who make an annual unrestricted gift of $1,000 or more, totals 169 donors. Meanwhile, the Foundation’s annual giving program raised more than $580,000, an increase of 32.4 percent, during the fiscal year.
Sixty-one percent of the total funds raised by the Foundation during FY25 were cash gifts, while a total of 3,792 donors contributed to Northwest initiatives. In all, the Foundation’s total assets under management amount to about $55.5 million, while its endowment stands at about $45.2 million.
Separately, the Northwest Alumni Association recorded about 2,488 attendees at 79 association-sponsored engagement activities throughout the country during FY25, including the Bearcat Coaches Caravan, which took the head coaches of Bearcat athletics teams to stops last summer in Council Bluffs, Iowa; Kansas City, Missouri; and Des Moines, Iowa. The University counts about 80,000 alumni and friends as members of the Northwest Alumni Association.
For the 11th consecutive year, Northwest students dedicated a day last spring to celebrating alumni and friends who contribute generously to the University in support of scholarships, campus facilities and the value of a college degree during “Thank a Donor Day.”
The Northwest Foundation, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation, develops and stewards philanthropic resources for the benefit of Northwest Missouri State University and its students. It is governed by a 32-member volunteer board and staffed by members of Northwest’s Office of University Advancement.
To make a gift to support Northwest, contact the Office of University Advancement at 660.562.1248 or visit www.nwmissouri.edu/GiveOnline.
Mike Johnson, the vice president of university advancement at Northwest and executive director of the Northwest Foundation, addressed students and donors at this fall's “Powering Dreams” celebration of donors and scholars. (Photo by Todd Weddle/Northwest Missouri State University)
The 2025-2026 Northwest Foundation Inc. Board of Directors is pictured at the Memorial Bell Tower on the Northwest campus. (Photo by Todd Weddle/Northwest Missouri State University)
Also last spring, for the 10th consecutive year, Northwest students celebrated alumni and friends who contribute generously to the University in support of scholarships, campus facilities and the value of a college degree during “Thank a Donor Day.”
Eighty-four percent of the total funds raised by the Foundation during FY24 were cash gifts, while a total of 4,130 donors contributed to Northwest initiatives. In all, the Foundation’s total assets under management amount to about $50.7 million, while its endowment stands at about $38.8 million.
Separately, the Northwest Alumni Association recorded about 4,500 attendees at 113 association-sponsored engagement activities throughout the country during FY24, and alumni gave their time to the University by totaling 1,739 volunteer hours. The University counts about 80,000 alumni and friends as members of the Northwest Alumni Association.
The Northwest Foundation, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation, develops and stewards philanthropic resources for the benefit of Northwest Missouri State University and its students. It is governed by a 36-member volunteer board and staffed by members of Northwest’s Office of University Advancement.
To make a gift to support Northwest, contact the Office of University Advancement at 660.562.1248 or visit www.nwmissouri.edu/GiveOnline.
Fiscal year 2025 - July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025
The goals Northwest sets for itself continue to be ambitious, inspiring and visionary. The establishment of the Fifth District Normal School in 1905 was the culmination of a 30-year struggle to bring higher education to the region. These donors provided a minimum of $1,000 in unrestricted monetary support, which is vital to achieve the possibilities that pave the way for a brighter future for Northwest and its students.
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These donors contributed at least $25,000 between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025.
The Board of Regents serves as the governing body for Northwest Missouri State University. The nine members, including a non-voting student regent, are appointed by the governor and approved by the Missouri Senate. The Board holds the Northwest vision in its highest regard.
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These donors contributed between $10,000 and $24,999 between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025.
The Fifth District Normal School opened in 1905, offering two-year programs to educate teachers for the region. The name was changed to Northwest Missouri State Teachers College in 1919 as the curriculum began to focus on four-year programs. As its prominence as a regional institution began to grow and the fields of study continued to expand, the name was changed to Northwest Missouri State College in 1949. Finally, as the breadth of its programs continued to increase, especially graduate studies, the name Northwest Missouri State University was approved in 1972. No matter the formal name, the institution has always been known by its alumni and friends as Northwest.
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These donors contributed between $5,000 and $9,999 between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025.
The cornerstone of Academic Hall, now the Administration Building, was laid Oct. 12, 1907, amid great celebration, including a parade. Into the cornerstone, a copper box was placed that included many items from the era such as coins, pictures and a copy of the law that created the Fifth District Normal School. After many heartaches and delays, the building was finally completed in 1910.
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These donors contributed between $1,000 and $4,999 between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025.
Eleven presidents have served Northwest from its days as the Fifth District Normal School to present day Northwest Missouri State University. Through their guidance and leadership, Northwest has grown into one of the most respected universities in the country.
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These donors contributed between $500 and $999 between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025
Efforts to bring a normal school - a training school for teachers in the public schools - to northwest Missouri began in 1874. After many years of struggle, in 1905, House Bill 311 and Senate Bill 114 were passed and signed into law by Gov. Joseph W. Folk. For 14 years, the institution was known as the Fifth District Normal School and graduated hundreds of teachers who served the region.
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These donors contributed between $250 and $499 between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025.
A lake on the campus was created during the tenure of President Uel W. Lamkin. Known as Lamkin Lake, College Pond and now Colden Pond, the area remains a popular place for students to gather and relax. Included in the surrounding geography are the well-known Kissing Bridge, the Northwest Peace Pavilion, and the Joyce and Harvey White International Plaza, making the south entrance to campus a visual masterpiece.
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These donors have contributed $1 million or more in lifetime gifts.
As students in the early 1900s arrived at the Maryville train depot, one of the first sights to the west of the station was the impressive turrets atop the institution’s Academic Hall, later known as the Administration Building. Through destructive tornados and a devastating fire, the Administration Building and its turrets have withstood the test of time, standing tall as an enduring symbol of Northwest.
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These donors have contributed between $500,000 and $999,999 in lifetime gifts.
Born in Staffordshire, England, on April 4, 1830, Thomas W. Gaunt was the son of Thomas Gaunt and Catherine Wooley. He moved to Nodaway County in 1857 and established a plant nursery, cultivating a variety of ornamental, shade and fruit trees. The Thomas Gaunt House was constructed during the 1870s and has been the home of Northwest presidents since its donation by the daughters of Thomas Gaunt in 1905.
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These donors have contributed between $250,000 and $499,999 in lifetime gifts.
The first building erected on campus was Academic Hall, now known as the Administration Building. Its commanding location is situated on the highest point of land between Omaha, Nebraska and St. Louis on the old Wabash Railroad line - 1,163 feet above sea level. Five cut-leaf birches stood at the site like sentinels, prompting faculty and students to describe the Normal School as being located “behind the birches.”
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These donors have contributed between $100,000 and $249,999 in lifetime gifts.
In 1965, Dr. Robert P. Foster announced plans to build a bell tower as a memorial to deceased alumni, former faculty members and members of the University's family who died representing our country. After years of fundraising, ground was finally broken in the fall of 1970 and the sounds of chiming bells greeted students returning for the fall of 1971.
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These donors have contributed between $25,000 and $99,999 in lifetime gifts.
The original architectural plans for the campus, which were modeled after Cambridge University, included a large quadrangle, marked on the most northern point by the Administration Building, with all future campus buildings built facing the quadrangle. While the original plans were never realized, the first sidewalk built from the entrance at Fourth Street and College Avenue led straight to the front door of the Administration Building and became known as the Long Walk.
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The Northwest Foundation is thankful for the lifetime support of all alumni and friends. Although lifetime giving levels now begin at $25,000, these individuals assumed a vital role in the former Tower Society with their lifetime gifts between $10,000 and $24,999.
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These donors have created a planned or deferred gift for Northwest or the Northwest Foundation. No minimum level of gift is required. James H. Lemon, a member of the Missouri House of Representatives, introduced House Bill No. 311, also known at the time as the "Nodaway County Normal Bill." Fighting against strong opposition in the House, Lemon is credited with establishing the Fifth District Normal School, as Northwest was originally known. His efforts culminated 30 years of struggle to bring higher education to the region.
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