MU Land-Grant Society
Since 1914, University of Missouri Extension has brought research and resources from the university to Missourians. The way we work has changed over the years, but our dedication to fulfilling Mizzou's land-grant mission has not.
We are proud to announce the creation of a donor recognition society for MU Extension and Engagement as a tribute to both our history and the impact of philanthropy.
The University of Missouri Land-Grant Society recognizes donors who support MU Extension and Engagement year after year. The consistent support allows Extension to meet the changing needs of Missourians by focusing on solving Missouri's grand challenges around:
- Economic opportunity
- Education access and excellence
- Health and well-being
MU Land-Grant Society FAQ
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How does the MU Land-Grant Society benefit MU Extension?
Members of the Land-Grant Society play an active role in shaping the present and future of MU Extension and Engagement and provide support so we can continue to improve the lives, communities and businesses of Missourians.
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How do I qualify for membership?
Membership is open to any donor based on combined gifts and pledges to MU Extension and Engagement or any of the units and programs associated with MU Extension and Engagement. Gifts to the Missouri 4-H Foundation count toward membership in the society.
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What are the benefits of membership in the society?
Members may be eligible for sustaining membership in the Jefferson Club, annual membership in the Columns Society, or both. Other benefits include:
- Private invitations to Land-Grant Society special events (annual and sustaining members)
- Invitations to Jefferson Club special events (sustaining members)
- Invitations to Columns Society special events (annual members)
- Exclusive networking events with Mizzou Alumni and MU Extension and Engagement constituents
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What are the membership levels?
Annual membership: Any individual or couple with total giving of $2,500 or more to MU Extension in a fiscal year (July 1-June 30) is automatically eligible for membership. Alumni and friends 35 and under and MU Extension employees and retirees are eligible with annual gifts totaling $1,500 or more.
Sustaining membership: Donors are eligible for membership based on cumulative lifetime giving to MU Extension, including pledges and planned gifts. MU Extension employee and retiree requirements are discounted by 50 percent.
MU Land-Grant Society Membership
Membership is determined for individuals based on cumulative giving and pledges at or above one of the levels listed below. All previous gifts to MU Extension and some company matching gifts count toward membership.
| Membership levels | Cumulative outright gifts and pledges* |
|---|---|
| Member | $25,000 |
| Fellow | $50,000 |
| Distinguished Fellow | $100,000 |
| Very Distinguished Fellow | $250,000 |
| Diplomat | $500,000 |
| Ambassador | $1,000,000 |
| * Pledges include testamentary gifts such as bequest, life insurance or other type of deferred gift, including irrevocable trust and charitable gift annuities. Pledges must not exceed a period of 10 years. | |
Faculty and Staff Membership
Membership is determined for MU benefit-eligible faculty or staff members and retirees based on cumulative giving and pledges at or above one of the levels listed below. All prior gifts to MU Extension and company matching gifts count toward membership.
| Membership levels | Cumulative outright gifts and pledges* |
|---|---|
| Member | $12,500 |
| Fellow | $25,000 |
| Distinguished Fellow | $50,000 |
| Very Distinguished Fellow | $125,000 |
| Diplomat | $250,000 |
| Ambassador | $500,000 |
| * Pledges include testamentary gifts such as bequest, life insurance or other type of deferred gift, including irrevocable trust and charitable gift annuities. Pledges must not exceed a period of 10 years. | |
Clover Membership
Donors to the 4-H Foundation will be designated "Clover Members" at the membership level that their cumulative giving to 4-H Foundation and Extension places them.
Questions
Contact the MU Extension Advancement Office to learn how you can become a member of the MU Land-Grant Society. Call the office at 573-882-2003, or call James Preston direct at 573-884-8570. Or you can request a conversation about membership online.
Giving
We invite you to invest in Missouri's future with us. Contribute to the Excellence in Extension Fund to support current special opportunities upholding extension objectives, or to the Missouri Cooperative Extension Service Endowment to support statewide initiatives for years to come. Or keep your donation close to home by supporting county gifts or endowments. County gifts generally finance local programmatic efforts in the short term, while contributions to the county endowment remain invested to sustain programs well into the future.
