University of Montana Foundation

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University of Montana Foundation Welcome to the official page of the University of Montana Foundation. Together, we believe in the power of generous people to make a difference in the world.

Since 1950, the University of Montana Foundation has delivered on its mission to inspire philanthropic support to enhance excellence and opportunity at the University of Montana. The University of Montana Foundation is an independent, nonprofit corporation with 501(c)(3) status that supports the University of Montana by managing private fundraising efforts, donations and investment of endowed gifts to benefit UM. Governed by a Board of Trustees, the UM Foundation operates under an agreement with UM that is reviewed and approved by the Montana University System. The Foundation’s dedicated trustees and staff professionals bring broad expertise and deep commitment to the mission-critical work of the Foundation. We believe philanthropy definitively shapes UM as a world-class institution that improves the life of every student. Our core values guide us in all that we do:

We are passionate about delivering an exceptional donor experience. We inspire each other to do our best work. We act with integrity and respect. We innovate thoughtfully and with purpose. When using our page, you are agreeing to our general Terms of Use, in addition to Facebook’s Terms of Service and Community Standards. Please remember the following when using this page:

Any spam or promotional posts (i.e. posts promoting commercial services, organizations or events not related to UM, campus activities or the UM Foundation) will be deleted unless they’ve been pre-approved by Foundation staff. Constructive criticism, praise, and healthy debate are welcome; profanity, threats and abusive or hateful language are not. Please do not post material that disparages, defames or harasses others; that is sexually suggestive or explicit; that insults based on race, sex, gender, age, national origin or ancestry, religion, disability, sexual orientation, and/or any other category protected under the law. We reserve the right to delete such comments and to block offenders from accessing the page. Unless otherwise stated, UM Foundation status updates shouldn’t be considered official comments or statements on any event or issue. Posts and comments made by Followers are not considered the opinion of the University or the UM Foundation. The UM Foundation reserves the right, but assumes no obligation, to remove comments or photos that violate these terms of use.

📣 We're halfway through UM Foundation Crowdfunding! Thank you to everyone who has already invested in a project (or more...
11/02/2026

📣 We're halfway through UM Foundation Crowdfunding!

Thank you to everyone who has already invested in a project (or more than one project!) and helped create momentum across campus.

There's still time to get involved and help our project teams reach their goals. Every gift, no matter the size, moves a project one step closer to success.

See where your favorite projects stand and help push them across the finish line: https://bit.ly/3Umftji

🚨 Crowdfunding at UM is LIVE! Come explore the projects, programs and experiences featured in this year's campaign.  Fro...
10/19/2026

🚨 Crowdfunding at UM is LIVE!

Come explore the projects, programs and experiences featured in this year's campaign. From innovative ideas to meaningful campus initiatives, there's a project for everyone looking to make a difference at UM.

Explore this year's projects and help bring great ideas to life: https://bit.ly/4sbBoWX

From 1968 to 1986, the Montana Grizzlies’ home turf was Dornblaser Field, located about a mile south of campus on Higgin...
10/16/2026

From 1968 to 1986, the Montana Grizzlies’ home turf was Dornblaser Field, located about a mile south of campus on Higgins Avenue. Forty years ago this weekend, that all changed, as a bold vision to bring Grizzly football back to campus culminated in the opening of Washington-Grizzly Stadium, nestled at the base of Mount Sentinel.

The stadium opened for the 1986 season and was dedicated during an Oct. 18 home game against Idaho State University. The generosity of private donors covered a substantial portion of the original construction and has fueled major expansions and renovations in the decades since.

Today, Washington-Grizzly Stadium stands among the most respected venues in college football, renowned for its unmatched fan energy, electric atmosphere and formidable home-field advantage.

As the Griz welcome the University of Idaho Vandals this weekend, we celebrate the philanthropy, leadership and community spirit that created a lasting home for Griz Nation and forever changed what was possible for Grizzly football.

Go Griz!

Turn Appreciated Stock into Life-Changing Scholarships. The recently launched For Montana Scholarship Initiative is an o...
10/15/2026

Turn Appreciated Stock into Life-Changing Scholarships.

The recently launched For Montana Scholarship Initiative is an opportunity to champion students of Montana, for Montana. By expanding scholarship support, we can make a UM education possible for more students across the state.

A gift of appreciated securities is a powerful, tax-wise way to support this effort. Generally, if held for more than one year, stocks or other appreciated assets donated directly to the University of Montana Foundation may avoid capital gains tax and qualify for a charitable deduction based on fair market value, subject to applicable tax rules and limitations.

Most importantly, your gift can help open the door to a UM education. Through For Montana, your generosity becomes an investment in students who will shape the future of our communities and our state.

Contact [email protected] to learn how a gift of appreciated stock can support scholarships for Montana students

The University of Montana Foundation provides information about the benefits of planned gifts and does not provide legal, financial or tax advice. Please consult your advisor(s) before making a gift.

This new space is more than a building. It represents what can happen when people unite around a shared vision to improv...
10/14/2026

This new space is more than a building. It represents what can happen when people unite around a shared vision to improve health and well-being across Montana and beyond.

During Homecoming, supporters, community partners, and campus leaders gathered to celebrate the grand opening of the L.S. Skaggs Institute for Health Innovation's new home, its expanding impact in the College of Health, and the donors whose vision made it possible.

With philanthropic support, the College of Health and the L.S. Skaggs Institute for Health Innovation are advancing community-centered research, expanding access to care, and bringing innovative health solutions to rural and Tribal communities across Montana.

Together, we're investing in a healthier future through research, education, clinical services, and community partnerships that improve lives across our state.

What a memorable Fall Gathering! Together, we welcomed President Jeremiah Shinn and Sarah Shinn, celebrated the impact o...
10/08/2026

What a memorable Fall Gathering!

Together, we welcomed President Jeremiah Shinn and Sarah Shinn, celebrated the impact of philanthropy and honored UM Alum Tim O'Leary with the Neil S. Bucklew Presidential Service Award.

Our strong giving community is built through shared commitment and meaningful connections, and we're grateful to everyone who joined us for such a special evening.

The UM Foundation has honored Tim O'Leary '81 with the 2026 Neil S. Bucklew Presidential Service Award for his decades o...
10/02/2026

The UM Foundation has honored Tim O'Leary '81 with the 2026 Neil S. Bucklew Presidential Service Award for his decades of leadership, volunteer service and philanthropic support of the University of Montana.

After earning his business degree from UM, O'Leary built a successful career as an entrepreneur, business leader, author and philanthropist. Throughout his life, he has remained deeply connected to the University, serving as a member of the UM College of Business Management and Marketing Department’s Business Advisory Council, helping modernize curriculum and supporting innovative educational opportunities for students.

In recent years, O'Leary has become a champion for UM's nationally recognized Creative Writing Program. Alongside Chris Dombrowski, he co-founded Hooks for Books, an annual fly-fishing event that has raised nearly $650,000 to support the program.

Beyond his service to UM, O'Leary has dedicated his time and expertise to environmental conservation efforts and nonprofit leadership, demonstrating a lifelong commitment to strengthening communities and creating opportunity for others.

We thank Tim for his passion, vision and unwavering commitment to the University of Montana. Read more about his impact and this well-deserved recognition at: https://bit.ly/47gY0M5

Can you help us identify this mystery photo?The mystery photo featured in our most recent issue of Remembering Montana m...
09/30/2026

Can you help us identify this mystery photo?

The mystery photo featured in our most recent issue of Remembering Montana may have stumped our readers, so we're putting it back out there for another look.

Do you recognize anyone or anything in this photo? We'd love to hear any memories, details or insights you can share.

Send your responses to [email protected] and help us solve this mystery!

Stay tuned as we learn more about this photo by visiting https://bit.ly/4rs7flw

For more than a century, the University of Montana has been a place where artists find their voices, refine their craft ...
09/28/2026

For more than a century, the University of Montana has been a place where artists find their voices, refine their craft and go on to leave their mark on Montana and far beyond.

This Homecoming, that extraordinary creative legacy takes center stage in a new exhibition bringing together generations of Grizzly artists and celebrating the lasting influence of a UM education. “A Homecoming: UM Art Alumni Invitational Exhibition” features the work of 100 alumni spanning six decades and offers a powerful reminder of what is possible when talented students have the opportunity, mentorship and resources to pursue their creative ambitions.

Generous donor support helps make those transformative experiences possible, ensuring that future generations of UM artists can learn, create and carry that legacy forward.

Join us Sept. 28 through Oct. 22 and experience this extraordinary collection for yourself.

Event details: https://bit.ly/3T74ny1

This fall, UM enrolled 11,319 students — its highest enrollment since 2017 — welcomed its largest first-year class in 12...
09/23/2026

This fall, UM enrolled 11,319 students — its highest enrollment since 2017 — welcomed its largest first-year class in 12 years and achieved a record retention rate of 77.4%.

“More students are choosing the University of Montana, and more students are choosing to stay. That’s the most encouraging part of these numbers,” UM President Jeremiah Shinn said.

Behind every number is a student pursuing their goals, discovering new opportunities and building a brighter future. From first-generation students and Montana residents to graduate students and dual-enrolled high school students, more learners are choosing UM and finding their place here. Together, we're helping create opportunities that strengthen lives, communities and the future of Montana.

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950 Arthur Avenue
Missoula, MT
59812

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Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

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