About Us
The University of Montana Foundation was established in 1951 on the belief that private financial support could greatly enhance excellence in public higher education. Today, the UM Foundation serves as the official development office for The University of Montana. It is a charitable non-profit organization under Internal Revenue Service 501(c)(3) designations.
A 40-member Board of Trustees maintains fiduciary responsibility for the Foundation. The Foundation staff and Trustees work with University leaders to set priorities for development, build and maintain relationships with donors, and steward private assets.
Donations made through the Foundation provide funding for scholarships, buildings and facilities, faculty positions, academic programs, the Mansfield Library, the Montana Museum of Art and Culture, athletics, and support for research.
The Foundation contributed $13.5 million to the University during the 2009-2010 academic year. This includes $3.9 million for scholarships and awards, $5.7 million for academics and institutional support, and $3.9 million for facilities and equipment.
To read about the vision and outlook for the future, please read The University of Montana's Strategic Plan.
Our MISSION is to ensure The University of Montana's excellence, access and affordability through a public/private funding partnership.
Our CORE VALUES as an organization are outlined by the following set of commitments:
We are Intentional
- We are committed to our mission and vision
- We set goals and strive to meet them
- We perform duties in a thoughtful, timely and accurate way
We are Constituent-Centered
- We embrace the donor experience as our primary focus
- We respect and appreciate our donors, university community, volunteers and colleagues
- We are service-oriented
- We are community-minded
We act with Integrity
- We are trustworthy and accountable
- We honor our commitments
- We operate in a transparent way
We Collaborate and Communicate
- We consult and coordinate with those affected by our actions
- We work as a team to overcome challenges
- We communicate regularly, respectfully and openly
We are Driven to Improve
- We take ownership for our work and the ultimate success of the Foundation
- We seek out best practices and creative approaches
- We learn from our mistakes
- We strive to grow personally and professionally
We Celebrate Success
