MFA Foundation ⁽¹²⁾

Investing in youth education is truly an investment in agriculture

Established in 1958, the Foundation is a nonprofit, philanthropic organization with the primary purpose of advancing educational opportunities for high school seniors in MFA’s trade territory. Since 1965, the Foundation’s principal mission has been awarding MFA Foundation scholarships, giving financial assistance to more than 15,500 students, totaling more than $17 million.

Program Guidelines Education and technical training are important tools for today’s young people to flourish in the future. MFA Foundation scholarships are intended to help students pursue studies and develop careers that enhance rural America’s future. These scholarships are offered to high school seniors who are children or grandchildren (including step-children or step-grandchildren) of member-level customers of MFA Agri Services centers or other MFA agencies. Applicants must be a resident of Missouri, Arkansas, Iowa or Kansas. Eligible high school seniors can apply for the scholar­ship here online. Additional information is available at participating MFA facilities. Applications will be available beginning Dec. 1, 2026, and must be completed and submitted online by Feb. 15, 2027. The scholarship winner is selected by a local committee, which considers the applicant’s: •Interest in furthering his/her education in agriculture or other fields that benefit rural life. •Participation and leadership in school, church and community activities. •Reputation for good citizenship and moral character. •Financial need, income and willingness to work. •Satisfactory academic progress. Students can use scholarship funds toward any course of study that leads to a certificate, associate or bachelor’s degrees at an accredited college or university. The scholarship will be paid directly to the school and applied toward tuition, fees, books, supplies and equipment. Recipients must be enrolled in school full time by Sept. 1 or the funds will be allocated to the runner-up.­ Apply HERE. The MFA Foundation is a collaboration among MFA Incorporated, its local affiliates and joint venture partners. Editor's Note: MFA Oil Company is no longer part of this foundation. Students may apply to their scholarships separately. Find more info on their foundation webpage.

The MFA Foundation is a non-profit, philanthropic corporation established in 1958 with an initial gift of $28,000 from the estate of Robert O. Wurmb. The MFA Foundation is funded by MFA Incorporated and local MFA agencies. Net assets on June 30, 2026, were $21,818,656. Scholarships and contributions made by the MFA Foundation in the 2025-26 year totaled $992,263. The MFA Foundation is incorporated under the laws of the State of Missouri. Officers and directors are officers and employees of MFA agencies and serve without compensation from the Foundation. Contributions to the MFA Foundation are tax deductible. To contribute to the MFA Foundation or to receive more information, write: MFA Foundation 201 Ray Young Drive Columbia, MO 65201

Investing in youth education is truly an investment in agriculture. The MFA Foundation Scholarship Program is a prime example of that commitment. Established in 1958, the Foundation is a nonprofit, philanthropic organization with the primary purpose of advancing educational opportunities for high school seniors in MFA’s trade territory. Since 1965, the Foundation’s principal mission has been awarding MFA Foundation scholarships, giving financial assistance to more than 15,000 students, totaling more than $17 million. 

Missouri farmers and ranchers increasingly struggle with mental health challenges and access to resources. The state’s rural suicide rate is growing faster than in urban counties, increasing 78% between 2003 and 2017.

With a four-year grant commitment from the MFA Foundation, University of Missouri Extension will have new avenues to support rural communities in need of mental health assistance.