Frequently Asked Questions
The mission of the CAFNR Foundation is to promote and further agricultural education and research in the State of Missouri in collaboration with the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (CAFNR) to accomplish the goals of the College. From contributing to research-focused internships that help students achieve their goals to funding innovative faculty research that addresses critical challenges in agriculture, food systems and natural resources, the CAFNR Foundation’s impact is far-reaching.
The CAFNR Foundation plays a unique and complementary role in advancing the mission of CAFNR. While the College leads the way in world-class research, student education and Extension programming, the Foundation is positioned to amplify that work through broader outreach, innovative partnerships and flexible support.
Donating to CAFNR
- Direct Support: Donations typically go directly to the college’s operating budget, supporting various needs such as faculty salaries, facility maintenance and general administrative costs.
- Specific Programs: Donors may contribute to specific programs, departments or initiatives within the college, such as scholarships, research or academic departments.
Donating to The CAFNR Foundation
- Broader Impact: Donations to the Foundation support a wide range of initiatives, including scholarships, research grants, capital projects and community outreach programs that benefit Missourians and beyond.
- Support for Innovation: The Foundation can focus on innovative projects, partnerships and initiatives that extend beyond the typical reach and budget of the college.
• The CAFNR Foundation’s board of trustees works closely with the University of Missouri College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources administration and together to determine priorities and needs.
At The CAFNR Foundation, we believe in full transparency regarding the use of donations. Contributions are allocated to various programs and initiatives that support agricultural education, research and community engagement. This includes funding scholarships for students, supporting innovative research projects and enhancing educational resources.
To provide our supporters with a clear understanding of how their contributions make a difference, we publish an annual report in our monthly newsletter detailing our financials, accomplishments and the impact of your generosity. We invite you to review our annual report to see how your support is helping us advance our mission and create a lasting impact in the community.
Absolutely! You can direct your donation to a specific program or research project by visiting our Give Now page. Under the “Programs & Projects to Support” section, you’ll find a full list of specific areas where you can contribute. If you prefer, you can also make a general donation that will support our broader initiatives.
• Online at www.cafnrfoundation.org and click on the “Give Now” button
• Phone by calling 573-882-7009. This option is available Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.
• Mail by sending us cash or a check, along with your email address and name, so that we can send you a digital receipt. Please mail donations to 122 Eckles Hall, Columbia, MO 65211.
A donation can be any amount and goes directly toward funding student scholarships and internships, as well as faculty research.
Membership, on the other hand, is a more engaged way to support the Foundation. For $100 as an individual or $1,000 as a business/organization, you join a network of ag leaders, stay connected to groundbreaking research and gain access to exclusive CAFNR Foundation events. Membership fees are allocated to areas of greatest need.
Yes! Many employers are proud to support their employees’ charitable efforts by matching donations made to a variety of nonprofits – including The CAFNR Foundation. This means your gift can go even further in supporting agricultural education and research!
If your employer offers a matching gift program, simply follow their process, which may involve completing a form or an online application. Then, when you make your donation on our website, check the “My employer will match my gift” box. Together, we can amplify the impact of your contribution!
Thank you for considering us! We would love to hear your ideas for a community fundraiser. Give us a call at 573-882-7009 or email us at info@cafnrfoundation.org, and we’ll talk through how we can collaborate to make a positive impact.
The CAFNR Foundation is a separate 501(c)3 organization with the following Federal ID number: 23-7075466