The Bears Fund

Athletic highlights at the Great Southern Bank Arena.

The Bears Fund

The Bears Fund is the annual fundraising program for men’s and women’s intercollegiate athletics at Missouri State.

Membership in The Bears Fund is a direct investment in Missouri State student-athletes.

Your support provides scholarships, facility upgrades, recruiting resources, and program enhancements for over 400 athletes across 19 NCAA Division I sports. Together, we’re driving success on the field, in the classroom, and beyond.


Funding the Future of Athletics

As college athletics evolves, so must we. Missouri State is stepping boldly into a new era—one that demands the vision and resources to keep our programs strong and competitive.

That’s where you come in.

With the launch of Competitive Excellence Funds and Alston Education Funds there are now even more ways for Bears fans to make a direct and meaningful impact on the future of Missouri State Athletics.


Two women holding Bears banner during sports game
Empowering our teams to compete—and win
Competitive Excellence Funds are the next evolution of support for student-athletes. These sport-specific funds directly support new donor-driven revenue-sharing opportunities, helping teams retain and recruit talent to compete at the highest level.

Whether you're passionate about football, volleyball, golf or any of our 19 programs, your gift to a team's CEF provides critical resources to help them thrive.
  • Tax-deductible
  • Counts toward Bears Fund membership
  • Designated by sport

Your gift fuels the future. Choose your team and help them stay competitive in this new landscape.

Bears basketball player drives toward the basket, pushing a defender
Recognizing academic and athletic excellence
Named after the landmark Alston v. NCAA decision, these funds allow Missouri State to provide up to $5,980 per year to student-athletes who excel in the classroom.

When you give to a sport’s Alston Fund, you help Missouri State reward academic achievement and assist our teams in the recruitment and retention of high-character, high-performing student-athletes.

About your gift:
  • Tax-deductible
  • Can be designated by sport

Support our student-athletes on and off the field—and set them up for success.
Bears tennis player readies to serve
Opening doors for student-athlete opportunitieS
Missouri State student-athletes have the ability to benefit from their Name, Image and Likeness. NIL allows them to pursue sponsorships, partnerships and endorsements.

While NIL support is not tax-deductible, businesses and individuals can engage through approved platforms that ensure compliance and transparency.

Interested in partnering with a student-athlete?

 

MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS

JOIN

Bears Fund members receive incredible benefits based on their contribution level. When you join, you make a real difference in the lives of MSU student-athletes. 
CONNECT WITH US

Contact

Please contact our staff for more information about ways to support Bears Athletics or how we can enhance your Bears Fund experience. 

 

Go Bears

You help us create today's champions and tomorrow's leaders.

Make a Gift to The Bears Fund