UM’s Annual Giving Day, The Big Give, Runs March 6-7
MISSOULA – The University of Montana will hold its fifth annual day of giving from noon Wednesday, March 6, to noon Thursday, March 7. The Big Give is an online giving event, run by the UM Foundation, that inspires UM alumni, donors, parents and friends to support UM students through charitable giving in just 24 hours.
This year’s theme, “Big Sky, Bright Futures,” emphasizes how members of the UM giving community can unite to create life-changing opportunities for all. Big Give donors may explore and choose to support the area of UM that matters most to them with a gift of any size at www.SupportUM.org/BigGive.
Donors can select from over 50 participating groups, including scholarships, student success areas like the UM Food Pantry, Grizzly Athletics, the Maureen and Mike Mansfield Library, community resources like the Montana Museum of Art and Culture and more. Donors also can support individual UM schools, colleges and programs. New this year, they can support scholarships within their favorite college. Early gifts of any amount count toward The Big Give and make a difference for UM students.
Supporters are invited to encourage others to participate by signing up to be a Big Give ambassador at SupportUM.org/BigGive-Ambassadors and spreading awareness for specific giving opportunities on their social media channels with the hashtag #UMBigGive. When ambassadors give a gift of any size and inspire two or more gifts through their unique link, they will receive a special token of appreciation.
No matter how participants choose to get involved, The Big Give is a day of celebration for the UM community. Participants 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. Anyone who shares giving day content with the hashtag #UMBigGive may have their post displayed on the event website.
UM students visiting the University Center during The Big Give are 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 a bonus gift of $1,000.
“The Big Give embodies our giving community’s dedication to supporting students,” said Cindy Williams, president and CEO of the UM Foundation. “Our donors’ remarkable generosity creates opportunities and changes lives. Every gift builds bright futures.”
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.
###
Contact: Elizabeth Willy, director of communications, University of Montana Foundation, elizabeth.willy@supportum.org.