March 25, 2008
Contact: Paul K. Logsdon, Director of Public Relations and Publications, 417-865-2815, Ext. 7292
Jefferson City, Mo. — The Missouri Colleges Fund (MCF) today announced that the Monsanto Fund, a private foundation and the philanthropic arm of Monsanto Company, has contributed $30,000 to the Missouri Colleges Fund.
This grant underwrites the Monsanto Fund Science & Math Teacher Scholars Program by providing $1,875 scholarships at each of the 16 member schools. The scholarships will be awarded by the member schools on the basis of financial need to outstanding qualified students preparing to teach science or math.
“The Missouri Colleges Fund is very grateful for this gift from the Monsanto Fund,” said Mike Backer, MCF president. “This contribution will be matched by other donor gifts to support the Teachers First Scholarship Program, which provides financial assistance to teacher education students. The Monsanto Fund recognizes the importance of education and significant impact that an educated workforce has on Missouri's economy.”
MCF member schools are independent baccalaureate degree-granting liberal arts and comprehensive colleges and universities in the state of Missouri. Their income is derived primarily from private sources.
Missouri Colleges Fund member schools include Avila University, Kansas City; Central Methodist University, Fayette; Columbia College, Columbia; Culver-Stockton College, Canton; Drury University, Springfield; Evangel University, Springfield; Fontbonne University, St. Louis; Hannibal – LaGrange College, Hannibal; Maryville University, St. Louis; Missouri Baptist University, St. Louis; Park University, Parkville; Rockhurst University, Kansas City; Southwest Baptist University, Bolivar; Westminster College, Fulton; William Jewell College, Liberty and William Woods University, Fulton.
The MCF was incorporated in 1952 as a partnership of private enterprise and the member independent colleges and universities in the Show-Me State. The Fund is a 501 (c) (3) tax-exempt corporation; therefore, all contributions to the Fund are tax-deductible up to the limits prescribed by the law.
About Monsanto Fund:
The Monsanto Fund is the philanthropic arm of the Monsanto Company. Incorporated in 1964, the Fund’s primary objective is to improve the lives of people by bridging the gap between their needs and their resources. The Monsanto Fund is focused on grant-making in four main areas: nutritional well-being through agriculture; science education, primarily on professional development for teachers; the environment, which includes conservation, protection of biodiversity, clean water and restoration of wildlife habitat; and improving the quality of life in communities where Monsanto employees live and work.