UM Foundation Launches Annual Crowdfunding Campaign to Grow Griz Nation

UM Foundation

Chad Dundas

The Crowdfunding logo

MISSOULA – The University of Montana Foundation will host its annual Crowdfunding campaign through Nov. 13.

Fourteen programs and causes across UM are participating in the campaign to raise vital funds for student experiences, academic programs, research initiatives and community engagement efforts.

“We’re proud that UM Foundation Crowdfunding provides a platform where students, faculty and staff can bring their ideas to life and rally support for projects that make a lasting impact,” said Mandy Brooks, senior director of annual giving for the UM Foundation. “Every gift helps students gain meaningful experiences while strengthening communities across Montana.” 

UM alumni, parents, friends and community members are invited to support the projects they feel passionate about by visiting https://www.supportum.org/crowdfund before Nov. 13. Donors can also sign up as Advocates and encourage their networks to support their favorite projects.

The initiatives featured in this year’s campaign are: 

  • ASUM Child Care, Preschool and Family Resources: Helping to provide books, art supplies, STEM materials, sensory toys and educational tools that inspire curiosity and learning for UM's youngest students.
     
  • Camas Magazine: Strengthening one of the region's longest-running environmental publications and supporting opportunities for emerging writers, artists and storytellers to share their work in print.

  • Friends of the M-Trail: Helping maintain and improve Mount Sentinel's trail system through trailhead repairs, annual painting of the M, trail construction and stewardship efforts.

  • Greek Life: Supporting leadership development opportunities, conferences, educational programming and service initiatives for fraternity and sorority members.

  • Grizzly Esports: Helping students build community, leadership and professional skills through competitive video gaming while expanding scholarship opportunities, internships and hands-on learning experiences.
     
  • Griz Rugby: Providing resources for travel, equipment, facility rentals and other team needs as the rugby program continues to grow following its return to competition. 

  • Montana Museum of Art and Culture: Supporting hands-on student learning experiences, exhibitions, collections stewardship and community access to art and culture. 

  • Montana Native News: Empowering UM journalism students to report and share Indigenous stories from across Montana with cultural understanding, care and respect. 

  • Office for Disability Equity: Expanding resources, accommodations and programs that help students access opportunities, overcome barriers and thrive at UM. 

  • Paleontology Center: Preserving Montana's fossil heritage while creating opportunities for students and volunteers to participate in research, collection management and exhibit development.

  • Physician Associate Program: Helping future healthcare providers gain hands-on clinical training, outreach experiences and simulation-based learning opportunities. 

  • Planetarium: Supporting critical technology upgrades, including a new projector, computers and software to ensure immersive science education experiences for students and community members. 

  • The Wilderness Institute: Providing outdoor equipment, field experiences and leadership opportunities that help students learn, explore and care for Montana's wild places.

  • UM Speech and Debate: Helping students compete nationally while developing confidence, critical-thinking skills and effective communication abilities. 

Crowdfunding is a method of fundraising through the collective efforts of many individual donors, typically through online platforms. Gifts of any size can make an immediate difference to programs, projects and experiences that may not otherwise receive funding through larger philanthropic initiatives.

“This year’s projects support everything from student leadership and scientific discovery to healthcare education, arts and culture, accessibility, journalism and outdoor learning,” Brooks said.

Donors may support one project or multiple causes. Even if a project reaches its fundraising goal before Nov. 13, any additional gifts received will continue to directly support the ongoing work of that program. 

UM Foundation Crowdfunding is an annual effort designed to help donors make an immediate impact on programs that enrich the UM experience.

Many participating programs serve not only students but also the broader Missoula community and communities throughout Montana. Contributions help ensure these important programs continue to educate, inspire and create opportunities for years to come.

To learn more about UM Foundation Crowdfunding, contact Heather Best, associate director of annual giving for the UM Foundation, at 406-243-7463 or heather.best@supportum.org, or visit https://www.supportum.org/crowdfund.

The UM Foundation is an independent nonprofit organization that has inspired philanthropic support to enhance excellence and opportunity at the University of Montana since 1950.

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Contact: Heather Best, UM Foundation associate director of annual giving, 406-243-7463, heather.best@supportum.org.