Griff up Gold Fund NIL Collective for Missouri Western student athletes
The official NIL of MWSU Athletics
GriFF UP Gold Fund is a Movement toward Success
Our Mission
At MWSU we create opportunities, unite our city, and elevate our student athletes. When MWSU teams win we all win.
What does my contribution support?
When you contribute to the Gold Fund, your contribution allows MWSU student athletes to earn compensation for their name, image, and likeness through appearances and fan events while they focus on their academic and athletic pursuits.
What is NIL?
NIL stands for Name, Image, and Likeness, a new opportunity that allows student athletes to profit from their personal brand.
Under recent changes in NCAA regulations, student athletes can now receive compensation for using their name, image, and likeness in various ways—whether through sponsorships, social media partnerships, autographs, or local business collaborations.
For Missouri Western student athletes, this means they can earn money while continuing to play sports and represent our community with pride. The Gold Fund Collective empowers these student athletes by connecting them with local businesses, fans, and supporters like you.
By supporting our athletes through NIL, you're helping them thrive financially, fueling the growth of MWSU Athletics, and strengthening the bonds within our Griffon family. Together, we can help our student athletes win both on and off the field!
How is the Griff UP Gold Fund NIL different from the MWSU Gold Coat Fund
The donors are the same ones who contribute to the MWSU Foundation. These are private donors, alumni, businesses, and fans. The NIL compensates student athletes through promotional activities, endorsements, appearances, and services. An individual can donate directly to the Griff-up Gold Fund directly with no tax deduction. An individual can alternately donate to the MWSU Foundation and designate the money goes to the Griff-up Gold Fund NIL. The Gold Coat Club operates under the MWSU Foundation, which is a not-for-profit charitable organization. The NIL operates independently of the university and is a limited liability corporation.
Why is NIL needed at MWSU?
There are currently 5 MIAA schools that have NIL collectives that are compensating student athletes through promotional activities, endorsements, appearances, and services. The number of NIL’s is going to continue to grow within the conference and nationally across Division II. MWSU athletics is not playing on a level playing field when competing with these schools.
NIL opportunities are increasingly essential for athletic success and sustainability. NIL collectives allow for donors to pool their money for student athlete endorsements. This helps teams to level the playing field without relying on limited athletic department budgets.
- Enhance Athlete and Coaches Recruiting and Retention
- Generate Additional Revenue Streams for Program Sustainability
- Improve Athlete Well-Being and Financial Literacy
- Boost Community Engagement and School Pride
Get NIL Griffon Merchandise
Our NIL Team
Brian Chiles
James Schoonover - Executive Director
James Schoonover - Executive Director
Brian is a Lean Specialist for JE Dunn Construction in Kansas City. Brian played for MWSU football from 2008-2012. He was a Four-year starter on the offensive line. He was a 2-time honorable mention all-conference. In 2012 his team won the MIAA conference. Brian’s 2012 team was inducted into the Griffons' Athletic Hall of Fame. Brian wants to give back to MWSU athletics by promoting the NIL collective at MWSU. He believes that student athletes should be able to promote themselves through opportunities created by the NIL.
James Schoonover - Executive Director
James Schoonover - Executive Director
James Schoonover - Executive Director
James played football for the Griffons from 2011-2014 and is a part of the 2012 squad that won the MIAA and is in the Griffons' Athletic Hall of Fame. In 2022, James and his wife started Thrive Family Chiropractic in St Joseph where they provide chiropractic services, intravenous and intramuscular injections to patients for health and wellness goals. James is dedicated to MWSU athletics and wants our student athletes to succeed on and off the field.
Bill Grimwood
James Schoonover - Executive Director
Bill Grimwood
Bill is the Chief Information Officer for Hillyard Companies. Hillyard is a 5th generation family-owned business headquartered in St Joseph since 1907. Bill has been with Hillyard for 26 years. He has served nine years on the Missouri Western State University Foundation Board and served as the board chairman for the last two years of his term. In August 2023, Bill was appointed to the Missouri Western State University Board of Governors. He now serves as Vice Chair for the MWSU Board of Governors. Bill believes the NIL will give student athletes an opportunity to market their unique skills and talents in the community.
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Contact Information
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