Staff Professional Enrichment and Emergency Relief Funds

So much of our campus culture and everyday operations depend on the leadership, contributions and function of staff within every school, division and department of the university. The Staff Professional Enrichment and Emergency Relief (SPEER) funds are designed to recognize the importance of engaged, well-qualified staff to support the overall mission of the university. 

About the Donors

These funds were made possible through the generosity of two long-time champions of the university, Bill Pfeiffer and Mary Kay McPhee, with the intent to build a community of recipients and donors outside of the initial endowment, strengthening community bonds with UMKC and allowing staff to help each other through their personal donations.

Professional Enrichment Fund

Supports qualified staff by reinforcing their competencies and strengthening their talents and abilities. This fund can be used to help cover registration fees and travel costs for professional development opportunities, such as conferences, conventions, summits, seminars and professional development materials or tools.

• Individuals and groups may apply.
• Benefit-eligible administrative, service and support staff must be employed by UMKC for at least six months at the time of application.
• An individual staff member cannot receive more than one award per year with a maximum of $1,000 (cumulative) over a consecutive three-year period.
• The staff member’s supervisor must endorse and support the endeavor through time away or through partial funding to match the money from the endowment. However, lack of departmental funding should not discourage you from applying.
• The amount of award will be no less than $100 and no greater than $1,000.
• For group applications, the department is named the recipient. The maximum awarded to departments is $1,000 every two years.
• Individual staff members who take part in funded group activities are not assessed any dollars that count toward their maximum limit.
• If the activity approved for funding does not happen due to unforeseen circumstances, the award is closed and does not count against the person’s cumulative award total.
• Payment for the activity should be made with university funds.
• The application includes a template for a detailed budget.
• The narrative proposal section should not exceed 750 words and should clearly outline how the funds will be used and the anticipated impact regarding personal and university enrichment and growth.
• A specific activity must be identified in the application, which should include a website or educational materials regarding the training, if applicable.
• Applicants must submit a post-experience report outlining how their career was enhanced by the education or training received within 30 days of completing the activity.
• Applicants must submit related receipts for reimbursement within 30 days of completing the activity.
• For groups, only one report is necessary, which includes a comprehensive description of the impact on the participants.
• Email us your application or submit them in person at Administrative Center, Room 226.
• Application deadlines: 
  • January 1
  • April 1
  • July 1
  • September 1

  Individual application (PDF)   Team application (PDF)

A committee will review the applications to determine awards and will notify applicants whether they have been approved or denied within two weeks of the quarterly due date. Funds are released for reimbursement only when receipts have been submitted.

Emergency Relief Fund

Provides monetary support during times of temporary or unforeseen financial hardship caused by a defined, catastrophic, time-limited, specific event or a series of events, which, when combined, cause unforeseen and unexpected hardship – something for which an individual may not have been able to plan. In addition, temporary financial hardship means that staff were able to manage their finances prior to the event that created the hardship. However, with monies from the fund, they could regain financial stability within several months. Longer-standing financial problems would likely not meet the temporary nature of the eligibility requirement.

Specific events might include but are not limited to death of a family member, fire, serious illness or sudden injury. Widespread occurrences such as flood, tornado or act of terrorism are not considered. What is not covered: legal fees or fines, seasonal layoff, major purchases, such as vehicles or appliances, chronic debt, including bankruptcy, salary replacement and widespread natural disaster.

• Benefit-eligible, administrative, service and support staff must be employed by UMKC for at least six months at the time of application to apply.
• Priority will be given to those who have never received aid from the fund.
• Requests are limited to $200–$1,500, with a maximum payment of $1,500. The money is taxable and is issued through the payroll system.
• Staff members must provide documentation that they have investigated other means of assistance.
• Email us your application or submit it in person at Administrative Center, Room 226.

A committee reviews all requests and may make recommendations to the staff member to participate in financial counseling, debt management or Employee Assistance Program. Due to the highly personal nature that drives a staff member to need aid, information will be protected and held in confidence. However, information may be shared with the executive committee on an exceptional basis.

Staff Emergency Relief Fund Application (PDF)