The Gladys M. Rickard Charitable Trust has awarded the Northwest Foundation a $10,000 grant to bolster Northwest Missouri State University’s Pay It Forward Fund.

The Pay It Forward Fund is one of eight local entities to receive the assistance from the Rickard trust, which provides funding to eligible Nodaway County organizations twice a year. 

“On behalf of the Pay It Forward Committee and the students we serve, I express our sincere appreciation and deep gratitude for the generous donation,” Sue Nickerson, a coordinator in the Office of Student Affairs, said. “This funding will be instrumental in furthering our mission to assist students of the University who are in need.”

Established at Northwest in 2008, the Pay It Forward Fund is a program administered through the University’s Office of Student Affairs that assists students who are struggling financially and connects them with resources to be successful financially, socially and academically. The fund may cover supplemental textbooks and course supplies, unexpected medical costs, tuition assistance or emergency transportation needs.

The fund has allotted more than $40,000 to 145 different students since its creation. Students who receive the assistance also are asked to “pay it forward” by volunteering on campus or in the community.

“Our committee remains dedicated to providing relief to students with medical expenses, educational costs, and unforeseen financial burdens that they are unable to meet on their own,” Nickerson said. “We strive to eliminate financial barriers that would otherwise limit the opportunity of students in these situations to achieve complete success in their academic pursuits at Northwest.”

The Northwest Foundation, a 501(c) 3 not-for-profit corporation, is responsible for receiving, investing, stewarding and disbursing private support on behalf of the donors of Northwest Missouri State University for the benefit of the University, its students, faculty, staff and alumni. For more information about the Northwest Foundation or to make a gift to support Northwest, contact the Office of University Advancement at 660.562.1248 or visit www.nwmissouri.edu/GiveOnline.