Hailey
The National Federation of the Blind of Missouri (NFB-MO), a nonprofit that supports people with low vision and blindness, is facing serious challenges in 2025.
Donations are declining, volunteers are fewer than before, and the organization is struggling to keep up with the rising demand for its services.
This is worrying because the foundation plays an important role in providing scholarships, advocacy, accessibility tools, and youth programs for the blind community in Missouri.
Economic uncertainty, rising living costs, and changing giving habits have made it difficult for nonprofits like NFB-MO to continue their work. This article explains the current situation, why donations are dropping, how it impacts the programs, and what can be done to help.
Why Donations Are Falling
According to Gary Wunder, the former president of NFB-MO and now president of its Columbia chapter, the main reason behind the fall in donations is economic uncertainty.
“Whenever people are unsure about their own incomes, they’re a little less willing to give it away,” Wunder explained.
The foundation relies heavily on small-dollar donations and volunteer labor. Most of the contributions come through mail-based donations, which have been the backbone of the organization. But in recent years, people are sending less money, creating a funding gap.
Economic Challenges and Impact on Programs
The NFB-MO does not take loans and avoids debt, so it can only survive with the money it receives from donors. With fewer contributions, the foundation is worried about how it will sustain operations and programs in the coming years.
Despite these challenges, the organization has not yet cut any programs. However, if donations continue to decline, difficult decisions may need to be made.
Programs at Risk:
- Scholarships for blind students
- Braille literacy programs in St. Louis and Kansas City
- Youth programs that teach life skills like cooking and shopping
- Accessibility tools to help blind Missourians live independently
The Role of Volunteers
Volunteers are another critical part of the NFB-MO. Many events and programs depend on people who give their time to teach, mentor, and support blind individuals.
Debbie Wunder, wife of Gary and also an active volunteer, highlights the importance of volunteer efforts:
“When we have youth programs that come to Columbia, I always volunteer there,” she said.
She is also involved as the president of the Jefferson City Chapter and serves as the national president of the Diabetes Action Network.
Youth Programs and Their Importance
One of the most impactful parts of NFB-MO’s work is its youth programs, where blind students stay in an Airbnb for the weekend and learn essential life skills.
What Students Learn in Youth Programs:
- Cooking meals independently
- Grocery shopping on their own
- Building confidence and independence
- Making friends with other blind children
Debbie Wunder explained that many children who attended had never cooked before, and these programs helped them discover what they were capable of. Without proper funding, such programs are at risk of being discontinued.
Why Community Support Matters
The NFB-MO believes that every small contribution counts. Even a few dollars or a few hours of volunteering can make a difference.
Gary Wunder summarized it well:
“What we need people to know is you can continue to live the life you want if you get the resources, and we consider ourselves critical to hooking people up with resources.”
The Columbia chapter continues to spread awareness, hoping more people will step in to donate and volunteer before programs are forced to shut down.
Current Situation of NFB-MO
| Area | Current Status |
|---|---|
| Donations | Declining due to economic uncertainty and fewer mail-based contributions |
| Volunteers | Fewer available, but critical for youth and advocacy programs |
| Programs | Still active, but may face cuts if funding continues to fall |
| Braille Programs | Operating in St. Louis and Kansas City, not enough support to expand to Columbia |
| Youth Initiatives | Running with support from volunteers, teaching life skills to blind children |
| Main Concern | How to sustain long-term operations without reducing services |
The National Federation of the Blind of Missouri is facing a tough year as both donations and volunteers are dropping. Still, leaders like Gary and Debbie Wunder are fighting to keep the programs alive, knowing how important they are for blind individuals across Missouri.
This nonprofit relies on community generosity. Without regular donations and volunteer support, essential programs like youth life-skill training, Braille literacy, and accessibility advocacy may not survive.
The message is clear – every contribution matters, whether it’s a small donation or a few hours of volunteer time. Supporting the NFB-MO means supporting independence, dignity, and opportunity for blind Missourians.