The Big Give, UM’s Annual Giving Day, Returns March 8-9
MISSOULA – The University of Montana will hold its fourth annual day of giving from noon Wednesday, March 8, to noon Thursday, March 9. The Big Give is an online giving event that aims to inspire UM alumni, donors, parents and friends to support UM students through charitable giving in just 24 hours.
This year’s theme – “One Day. One UM.” – emphasizes how members of the UM giving community can unite to make a collective impact that changes lives. Big Give donors may explore and choose to support the UM area that matters most to them with a gift of any size at www.SupportUM.org/BigGive.
Donors can select from nearly 50 Participating Groups, including campus-wide priorities like the Excellence in Native American Education Fund, Grizzly Athletics, the Maureen and Mike Mansfield Library, community resources like spectrUM Discovery Area and more. Donors also can support individual UM schools, colleges and programs, and, new this year, they can select specific programs and initiatives within their favorite college to support. Early gifts and gifts of any amount count toward The Big Give and make a difference for UM.
Also a first for this year, UM students visiting the University Center during The Big Give will be invited to experience the power of philanthropy in action by casting their vote for the UM Students’ Choice Award. Students will choose one of five student support areas that impact everyday student life, including ASUM Childcare, Preschool and Family Resources; Curry Health Center; the Emergency Student Support Fund; Student Success Scholarships; and the UM Food Pantry. The Participating Group with the most student votes will receive donations from UM Foundation Trustees and employees, who united to jumpstart The Big Give and celebrate the mission of the UM Foundation.
Supporters are invited to encourage others to participate by signing up to be a Big Give Ambassador at www.SupportUM.org/BigGive and spreading awareness for specific Participating Groups, challenges and matching gift opportunities on their social media channels with the hashtag #UMBigGive.
Participants also may watch the day of giving unfold on The Big Give event website, where giving totals and social media feeds will highlight progress throughout the day.
“The Big Give exemplifies our giving community’s passion and dedication to supporting students,” said Cindy Williams, president and CEO of the UM Foundation. “To that devoted giving community: Thank you for uniting for One Day. One UM. Your generosity makes a profound impact.”
The 2022 Big Give inspired record-breaking totals and surpassed past UM giving days, including the global Giving Tuesday giving campaigns held annually since 2016. Last year’s event achieved more than $380,000 in donations.
For donors who prefer to give offline, gifts may be mailed to the University of Montana Foundation, P.O. Box 7159, Missoula, MT 59807-7159 or made via credit card by calling 800-443-2593. Checks should be made to the UM Foundation, noting the designated Big Give area the donation will support.
The Big Give is managed by the UM Foundation, an independent nonprofit organization that has inspired philanthropic support to enhance excellence and opportunity at UM since 1950.
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Contact: Elizabeth Willy, director of communications, UM Foundation, 970-222-1787, elizabeth.willy@supportum.org.