University of Montana Foundation

Evolving Impact

Celebrating the past, present and future of philanthropy at UM

Since taking root during Homecoming 1950 as a small but ambitious group of volunteer alumni, the University of Montana Foundation and UM's giving community has blossomed into a powerful force, capable of turning bold ideas into lasting, transformational change.

In the Foundation's earliest days, donors powered iconic facilities upgrades, bolstered dynamic learning environments and launched UM’s first organized scholarship program, The Worthy Scholars, establishing a tradition of elevating and empowering students that remains a top priority to this day.

Seventy-five years later, donors have built an enduring legacy of life-changing support for students and faculty; campus expansion and renewal; state-of-the-art research and innovation; and renowned academic and athletic programs.

Among other successes, the Foundation has proudly led four comprehensive fundraising campaigns, which have collectively raised more than $660 million for priorities benefiting every UM student, school and college. These efforts were made possible by dedicated volunteers who gave personally and rallied others.

During the 2024-2025 academic year alone, $7.5 million in student support and 3,084 scholarships were awarded to UM students — and privately funded scholarships supported 20.5% of UM students.

On October 9, 2025, supporters from across generations gathered for a special evening celebrating this amazing evolution and reflecting on the history of giving as it continues to help shape the University’s future.

The gathering, held in the University Center ballroom, capped “75 Years of Impact,” a year- long commemoration of the Foundation’s 75th anniversary. Speakers included UM Foundation President and CEO Cindy Williams, Board of Trustees Chair Diane Barlow, UM President Seth Bodnar and this year’s Neil S. Bucklew Presidential Service Award recipient, Joe Whittinghill.

“Tonight, we have the privilege of celebrating, honoring and extending our deepest gratitude to you, our donors and volunteers,” Williams said in her remarks. “Your collective commitment to UM has created waves of lasting impact far beyond what our founders could have imagined.”

Since that momentous Homecoming weekend in 1950, philanthropy has touched the lives of countless students and united tens of thousands of donors, who have contributed more than one billion dollars to the University.

Today, there are many ways for donors to turn their passions into meaningful support for the school they love — from recurring online contributions to legacy-defining planned gifts. Options for giving continue to evolve, with the recent addition of a new online giving platform at SupportUM.org/give where supporters can easily find giving opportunities, make a donor-advised fund gift or donate a gift of cryptocurrency.

Though fundraising priorities are increasingly essential, the heart of the Foundation’s work remains the same. The spirit of shared purpose among its original Trustees continues to drive its mission: to inspire philanthropic support to enhance excellence and opportunity at the University of Montana.

As the Foundation closes its 75th anniversary celebration, it does so with sincere thanks and optimism. The legacy of the past seven-plus decades is a meaningful reminder that when donors come together, they don’t just help build a stronger University — they change lives that will change the world.