Near Record Year in Fundraising for the University of Montana

This year, 2015, The University of Montana came close to breaking the record amount in donations that was set last year.

"We are incredibly fortunate to have so many alumni and friends who care about the University of Montana and recognize the value of higher education," said UM President Royce Engstrom.

The University also received an Educational Fundraising Award from the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) recognizing their overall improvement in energy put towards fundraising. CASE internationally recognizes educational institutions for developmental programs with this award, and has been since 1959.

"This is the second year where we surpassed 50 million in terms of the total number of dollars raised, private funds that came in for the University," said UM Foundation President and CEO, Steve Giese. "Last year was that first big record year [$53.7 million],  so we fell just shy on that, but still, just to have passed that 50 million dollar mark is terrific."

In 2014 the record amount of donations was broken with a baffling 53.7 million dollars, and this year, 2015, it was brushed with a still impressive 52.6 million. The donations came in from 14,272 generous individuals in the forms of cash gifts, pledges, estate gifts and private grants. Working through the UM foundation, donors can choose where they want their money to go, this includes scholarships.

The funds came from a variety of sources and included increased giving from Alumni and those in the "President's Club" (donors of $1,000 or more).

4.4 million dollars in private scholarships were given in the 2013-14 school year, 5 million for 2014-15. Other money went to classroom technology, faculty research, improvement of the facilities, student programs, etc. 10 Million was given to the School of Law faculty and students from Sander and Andy Blewett. The school was renamed Alexander Blewett III School of Law at the University of Montana. 7 million given to the construction of the Washington-Grizzly Champions Center from Kyle and Kenny Washington on behalf of the Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation. The Construction site preparation began in June, with construction estimated to start after the football season. A large contribution paid to the Liberal Arts Department. 1.5 million to a gifted ed. professor Tracy Missett from Suzanne and Dave Peterson. 500,000 dollars went to support the technology and infrastructure in the Missoula College from Blackfoot Communications. 1000 dollar donations made by more than 1,700 households.