Missouri State University Director of Athletics Kyle Moats has announced the creation of the Bears Team Fundraising Campaign, a three-year effort which will coincide with the 30th anniversary celebration of the MSU Foundation and MSU's transition to Division I athletics.
The new fundraising initiative for the department will kick off on Monday, April 18. The campaign will reach out to both current donors and season ticket holders as well as potential new donors and season tickets to become more involved in Missouri State Athletics.
"Thirty years ago, the first fundraising campaign was initiated to support the transition from Division II to Division I," Moats said. "Now more than ever, we must continue to grow our donor, fan and season ticket base to support the increased costs of being an NCAA Division I program and one that will compete for MVC championships and NCAA tournaments every year.
One of the goals of the Bears Team Fundraising Campaign is to increase annual giving for athletics by $400,000 each year and to increase the number of Bears Fund members by 20 percent annually from its solid foundation of 1,300 loyal members.
"Support received through The Bears Fund has directly contributed to the many success stories enjoyed by the Missouri State athletic program in recent years," Moats added. "At the same time, it is exciting to know that there is still tremendous potential for growth and that increasing both donors and dollars through the Bears Team Fundraising Campaign will not only sustain what has been accomplished, but will enable our student-athletes and coaches to take their programs to a higher level."
This push plans to increase support by asking populations such as single-game purchasers, former donors, alumni, and even current students to become official supporters of MSU athletics by joining the Bears Fund.
Bears Fund membership starts at $50 with eight different giving levels and various associated benefits. Special plans are also available for young alumni.
The Bears Fund staff, along with a fleet of Bears Team Fundraising Campaign volunteers, will be contacting Missouri State fans all over the nation between now and May 30 to ask them to be a part of the efforts.
Anyone wanting more information about The Bears Fund, would like to participate in the Bears Team Fundraising Campaign, or wishes to volunteer for the campaign is encouraged to contact The Bears Fund at (417) 836-4143. The Bears Fund may also be reached by e-mail at AthleticsDevelopment@MissouriState.edu, or by clicking on The Bears Fund button at www.MissouriStateBears.com.
