The University of Missouri-Kansas City recently unveiled Blue & Bold: The Campaign for UMKC. People can support Kansas City’s top university in ways that work best for them with the Five Ts: time, treasure, talent, ties and testimony. 

The Five Ts of philanthropy framework outlines meaningful ways to give back. Each "T" offers a distinct opportunity to support UMKC in ways that align with your personal values and strengths.  

“There are many ways you can support the university — all of which are valued,” said UMKC Foundation President and Chief Advancement Officer Amanda Davis (MPA ’02). “We do need financial contributions, but we also need time, talent and connection.” 

Time  

Volunteering time is one of the most direct ways you can support the university. UMKC offers more than 60 constituent and community groups where people can serve on advisory boards, join committees or assist UMKC schools.  

More ways people can support on a university-wide level: 

• Partner with Professional Career Escalators to mentor students and guide their career exploration from day one. 

• Share expertise and build connections within the UMKC community by joining Roo Network, the university’s online professional networking and mentoring platform. 

• Lend a hand at the Kangaroo Pantry in the Dr. Raj Bala Agrawal Care Center by assisting with donation intake, welcoming and checking in pantry visitors and coordinating with donating partner organizations. 

Want to give back to individual schools at UMKC? In addition to mid-year and spring commencement volunteer opportunities, each school offers unique ways to get involved. 

Additional school-based opportunities:

• Conservatory
  • Join the Conservatory Volunteer Program 

• School of Dentistry 
  • Become a patient 

• School of Education, Social Work and Psychological Sciences 
  • Participate in psychology research 

Treasure 

Financial contributions help students thrive and programs flourish. People can make a secure online gift to the area that matters most to them or join Go-to Roos, the university’s recurring donor community, to provide consistent support through automatic monthly donations, complete with confirmation emails and annual tax receipts.  

Before giving, donors should check whether their employer participates in the university’s  employer matching gift program. Many companies will match — sometimes even triple — a donation, multiplying its impact and helping UMKC go even further together. In-kind gifts of goods or services, donated during a lifetime or through estate planning, offer another meaningful way to make a lasting impact, while faculty and staff have the option to contribute through payroll deduction.

“It’s incredibly meaningful when faculty and staff choose to give back,” Davis said. “They already dedicate long hours to the university, and then they go a step further through payroll deduction or other gifts. We want to celebrate that generosity and be careful stewards of those gifts — and all gifts we receive.” 

Talent 

At UMKC, professional skills and expertise are invaluable. Whether a person is a seasoned leader, creative thinker or an emerging professional, talent can make a big difference. 

“We ask alumni to bring their talents back to UMKC, whether that’s serving on boards, helping with finance or governance or mentoring current students,” Davis said. “Those professional experiences make our programs stronger.” 

Roo Network and Professional Career Escalators are great platforms to begin sharing talents with our community. 

Ties 

Personal and professional ties have the power to champion causes and amplify the university’s impact. UMKC Giving Day is an annual, 24-hour event dedicated to advancing the mission of the university while raising critical funding to provide transformational opportunities for our students.

Last year, the UMKC community raised over $1 million to support students and programs. Get involved and make a difference when Giving Day returns from noon to noon, March 3-4, 2026. 

Testimony 

Personal stories matter. Sharing a UMKC experience can inspire others to give and imagine their own future at UMKC. Whether online or face-to-face, individual voices amplify scholarships, programs and initiatives that will empower generations of students to come.

“When people share their stories about why they give, it inspires others to see how they can make an impact, too,” Davis said.