University of Montana Foundation

Excellence Fund

The University of Montana Foundation calls its annual giving program for current gifts the Excellence Fund because it provides the educational enhancements that gives UM its margin of excellence. Most gifts are for donor-determined designations. Of the portion that is undesignated, UM President George Dennison determines priorities for support and the Fund allows him to respond to opportunities that cannot be anticipated in a biennial budget.

Additionally, University of Montana faculty, staff and students can request financial assistance from the Excellence Fund for travel, training, conferences, internships and various other opportunities. To apply for funding, a letter should be written to President Dennison requesting Excellence Funds and explaining what they will be used for and how you, your department, etc will benefit. You should also include a detailed budget for your proposal and list other sources of funding you are pursuing.

The UM Foundation is very grateful to the individuals and organizations who provide financial support each year for UM programs. Their ongoing commitment means a great deal to the University. It would take more than $47 million in endowment to generate the income raised by the Excellence Fund last year.

While more than 17,500 individuals and organizations offered financial support for The University of Montana in FY 2006, the Foundation encourages many other alumni and friends to take advantage of the opportunity to assist the University and therefore share in the pride of its accomplishments.

Excellence Funds At Work

"The grant that we received from the Excellence Fund added to our participation in the Vienna Experience because it allowed for educational opportunities we might otherwise have had to decline. We have visited over 15 museums here in Vienna...we were able to see a ballet and two operas at the Vienna State Opera House, which is one of the best in the world. We were also able to experience the beautiful music of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra during two separate occasions...We have walked among Roman ruins, had coffee in Freud's favorite cafe, sang for the mayor of Vienna, and hiked in the Austrian Alps. We have stood in awe of human creation in countless churches, cathedrals, and synagogues. We have caused a sensation in the Austrian musical community with the high quality of our music and the depth of our expression and involvement in it, which I believe we have gained from our experiences here. We have attended a traditional Viennese ball, cried together at Auschwitz, marveled over Eastern European cities and discovered roots we didn't even know we had.

The Vienna Experience itself is such a vital program within The University of Montana, especially for the Music Department. Almost every student who has been a part of the Vienna Experience has been deeply changed in some way.

The Vienna Experience has been a priceless gift, and part of it was made possible for [us] by the Excellence Fund. My deepest, most sincere gratitude goes out to all those who have contributed to this essential Fund at The University of Montana."