About Midwest Special Needs Trust
Who We Are
Missouri Family Trust was established as a result of advocacy by parents and professionals who realized that many obstacles hinder planning for the financial future of individuals with disabilities. The organization was created by statute (RSMo 402.199 – 402.208) in 1989 for the primary purpose of administering special needs trusts for persons with disabilities to protect important public benefits such as Medicaid and SSI. As authorized and specified by statute, the Missouri Family Trust was incorporated as a non-profit and received IRS 501(c)(3) charitable designation.
Since 2004 when Missouri expanded to serve more states, Missouri Family Trust has conducted business as Midwest Special Needs Trust (MSNT) and has registered the name with the Missouri Secretary of State. MSNT will open and administer trusts for individuals with disabilities who reside in Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska and Iowa (Third Party Trusts only).
Also as authorized by statute, MSNT operates the Charitable Trust of the Missouri Family Trust, a program that makes financial assistance available to Missourians living at or below the federal poverty level with disabilities to assist with necessary personal goods and supports that are not provided by public benefits. As a result of the IRS designation as 501(c)(3), donations to the Charitable Trust of the Missouri Family Trust are tax deductible.
Board of Trustees
MSNT is governed by a nine member Board of Trustees and its operations are conducted by Staff under the direction of the Board of Trustees. Board members are appointed by Missouri’s Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate. Six Board members are individuals who have a family member with a disability. Three Board members are individuals with expertise in business. Board members serve without compensation and are appointed to 3 year terms.