In 2005, Bill and Nancy Thompson saw the need for a top-flight center for autism research and care. So they created the William S. and Nancy E. Thompson Charitable Lead Trust, a 10-year gift to the University of Missouri to establish the Thompson Center for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders. Since that time, the Thompson Center has grown into one of the leading autism centers in the country.
For the past 10 years, the Thompsons’ charitable lead trust provided substantial financial support to the general operation of the Thompson Center. However, when the trust expired in December 2016, it became necessary to create a new funding source to provide annual support to the Thompson Center’s operations.
To meet this urgent need, the Thompsons have donated $4 million to create the William S. and Nancy E. Challenge Fund. Along with an additional gift of $744,000 from another donor through the Thompson Foundation for Autism, the Challenge Fund was established with an initial balance of $4.75 million, with an ultimate goal of raising $12 million. Once this goal is reached, the Fund will provide the Thompson Center with renewable annual support that will match the annual funding received from the initial Thompson gift.
“Our top priority is to ensure a stable revenue source for the Thompson Center in perpetuity,” said Ron Ashworth, president of the board of the Thompson Foundation for Autism. “We are challenging the great supporters of the Thompson Center and of quality autism care, research and training to help match and exceed the $12 million goal.”
This funding stream will support the vital operations budget for the Thompson Center, which includes facilities maintenance and utility bills, nurses, family resource services and front desk staff. Without this funding, the Thompson Center would not be able to continue generating the quality autism care, research and training the Center has been able to provide over the last 12 years.
“Often, it is difficult to raise money for these important operating funds because they aren’t nearly as ‘flashy’ as supporting a more specific program or project within the Thompson Center,” said Krista Hughes, director of advancement at the Thompson Center.
“However, without unrestricted operational support, none of the incredible Thompson Center programs would be possible because we won’t be able to cover the high costs of providing those services. Thanks to the Thompsons’ foresight, this Challenge Fund will help us leverage their generosity to raise the full amount of money we need to operate at the highest level.”
As is typical with autism care, the Thompson Center loses money on every patient visit due to current levels of health insurance reimbursements. The Challenge Fund is vital to provide help in offsetting this deficit.
“We have so many amazing plans for growing the Thompson Center and adding new services, training opportunities and research projects, but in order to move forward with these plans, it is essential that we solidify funding for our basic operating needs,” said Dr. Stephen Kanne, executive director of the Thompson Center. “By giving to the Challenge Fund, our supporters can help us firm up our solid foundation so we can continue our outstanding growth for decades to come.”
For more information about the Challenge Fund, contact Krista Hughes at HughesKL@health.missouri.edu or (573) 884-5164.