50 years of MFA Foundation Scholarships

50 years, 10,000 recipients and $10 million in scholarships, given for one reason: A little help financially can go a long way in helping today's youth become tomorrow's leaders.

2008 is the 50th anniversary of MFA Foundation. During that time, MFA Foundation has handed out more than 10,000 college scholarships. The lump sum totals a staggering $10 million. So 50 years, 10,000 recipients and $10 million later, there are a lot of you out there. Right now, at MFA, we're in the midst of celebrating this important milestone. Stay tuned for more updates on MFA's year-long celebration.  KMOS, a public television station located in Warrensburg, Mo., is producing a television special on MFA's scholarship program. We'll post updates on the Web site as they become available .

Scholarships

Background
Funding
Other activities

MFA Foundation scholarships are offered to high school seniors in communities where MFA agencies (such as MFA Agri Service Centers, MFA Oil Company Bulk Plants and Propane Plants, and other MFA agencies) are located and are willing to contribute $350 to the MFA Foundation as joint sponsors of the scholarship.

The amount of the scholarship is $2,000 and is applied toward the student's freshman year of college. It is not renewable.

High school seniors can apply for the scholarship by obtaining an application from their high school counselor during the month of February. The completed application must be returned to the counselor's office by March 15.

The scholarship winner is selected by a local committee of three to five persons. The Committee should include a farmer, a businessman, and a high school official. In making its selection, the committee considers:

• The applicant's interest in furthering his/her education by engaging in studies
   relating to agriculture or other fields of study that benefit rural life 
• The applicant's participation and leadership in school, church, and community
   activities 
• The applicant's reputation for good citizenship and good moral character 
• The applicant's financial need, sources of income, and willingness to work 
• The applicant's satisfactory academic progress

The winner is announced at either the awards assembly or graduation ceremony, and he/she receives a certificate that acknowledges his/her accomplishments.

The scholarship may be used at any accredited college or university to pursue any course of study.

The amount of the scholarship will be paid directly to the school against tuition, fees, books, supplies, and equipment required for courses at the educational institution. Recipients must be enrolled in school as a full-time student by September 1 or the funds will be allocated to the runner-up. 

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The MFA Foundation is a non-profit, philanthropic corporation established in 1958 with an initial gift of $28,000 from the estate of Robert O. Wurmb.

Net assets on June 30, 2007, were $14,813,144. 

The Foundation's income from interest and dividends on investments for the 2006-07 year totaled $362,488.

Scholarships and contributions made by the MFA Foundation in the 2006-07 year amounted to $488,838.

The MFA Foundation is incorporated under the laws of the State of Missouri.  Officers and directors are officers and employees of MFA agencies and serve without compensation from the Foundation.

Contributions to the MFA Foundation are tax deductible.  To contribute to the MFA Foundation or to receive more information, write:

MFA Foundation
201 Ray Young Drive
Columbia, MO  65201

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The MFA Foundation makes gifts directly and generally, in an unrestricted manner, to private colleges.

While the college scholarship program constitutes the main thrust of the MFA Foundation, the Foundation also pursues other worthwhile projects.