Donate to the Northwest Promise

Recipients of the Northwest Promise (formerly the American Dream Grant) meet Northwest's moderately selective admissions criteria and come from the neediest families (family income less than $65,000). Unlike other need-based programs, the grant, in conjunction with the student’s federal, state and institutional grants and scholarships, covers 100% of tuition and standard fees and is renewable for three additional years for those meeting the eligibility criteria.

When financial barriers for students are eliminated, students are able to concentrate on academics and achieving their life goals. However, the number of awards given is limited by University funding and donor support.

• More than 5,000 students have qualified to receive the American Dream Grant (now referred to as the Northwest Promise) since its inception in 2004.
• Today, about 500 freshmen meet the need criteria to receive the Northwest Promise.

“With this support I was able to continue my higher education at the school I love! Without this scholarship, my family and I wouldn’t have been able to afford going to Northwest and I would have had to transfer. It has not only given me the opportunity for an education at Northwest, but also some incredible experiences that wouldn’t have been possible otherwise.”

Liz Swafford
Scholarship Recipient

Giving Opportunities

Clearly, additional funds are needed to assist qualifying students. Many of Northwest's alumni and friends have already committed their support through either an outright gift or by way of a planned or deferred gift. Gifts at any level can support the Northwest Promise.

Dream Team Endowment – Matching Funds Available!

By donating $15,000 or more, payable over five years if preferred, you will become part of the Northwest Scholarship Dream Team. As a member, you will receive information on all recipients of the Northwest Promise pooled scholarship and will have your name listed in The Bridge annual report of donors.

AND, for a limited time, the Northwest Foundation has allocated $525,000 for the purpose of matching, up to $15,000 per person, the first 35 gifts ($15,000 or larger) to this endowment fund!

Matches from the Foundation shall not exceed $15,000 regardless of donor gift size, as the desire is to grow the Dream Team as large as possible.

Your gift: $15,000
Foundation Match: $15,000
TOTAL Impact: $30,000!

Dream Team Named Scholarship

By gifting a minimum of $25,000 you will establish a named Dream Team Endowed Scholarship, where a Northwest Promise student will be selected to receive your $1,000 Scholarship each year.

As a donor, you will select the name of the scholarship, receive detailed information about your specific recipient each year and will also have your name listed as a Northwest Scholarship Dream Team member in The Bridge annual report of donors.

“I’m a first generation student attending Northwest. I grew up in Houston and that’s where my family lives. I’ve been living in Maryville independently to remain focused and to finish college. I work all summer long to make ends meet, as college is expensive and my support system is low. My family still lives in poverty and my only wish is to graduate and make them proud. I know they will be proud because I am beating the odds and doing something that no one in my family has had the opportunity to do. I am very motivated and wish to further my education at Northwest. I look forward to using this scholarship this year in order to be successful. I am truly grateful and appreciative to the donors who help college students like me.”

Jada Shanklin
Scholarship Recipient

For more information about the Northwest Promise, contact 660.562.1248 or advance@nwmissouri.edu.