The University of Montana Foundation will host its annual Crowdfunding Campaign through Nov. 14.
Fifteen programs and causes on campus are participating in the campaign to raise vital funds for their operations. UM alumni, friends, parents and community members are invited to donate in support of the projects they feel passionate about by Nov. 14 at SupportUM.org/Crowdfund. Donors can also visit the website to sign up as advocates and encourage their networks to give to their favorite project.
The 2025 Crowdfunding projects are:
- Updating classroom supplies like books, art materials and games; keeping learning spaces welcoming; and giving teachers the tools they need to spark curiosity at ASUM Child Care Preschool.
- Aiding the Biodiversity Research Collections in curating specimens, creating new exhibits and providing outreach programs that engage people of all ages in the science of the natural world.
- Giving UM journalism students the chance to publish meaningful work with depth and context in the acclaimed Byline Magazine.
- Providing resources to the Curry Cares Fund to cover medical, dental and counseling service expenses for students experiencing unexpected challenges.
- Helping Franke Global Leadership Initiative Fellows participate in life-changing study-abroad programs, internships, research projects, hands-on field experiences, unique courses and seminars.
- Funding scholarships, technology upgrades, travel to competitions and opportunities for Grizzly Esports players from all backgrounds.
- Boosting UM’s Military and Veteran Services Office capacity to support basic needs like housing and food assistance, academic advising, customized tutoring services and more for veteran and military-affiliated students.
- Providing specialized tools to protect important cultural pieces and give students meaningful, hands-on training at the Montana Museum of Art and Culture.
- Increasing personalized virtual application resources, peer support programming, writing retreats and more offered by the Office of External Scholarships and Fellowships.
- Helping graduate students in School Psychology gain real-life experiences, such as offering testing, counseling and behavior support in K-12 schools across the state.
- Training students in UM’s Speech, Language, Hearing and Occupational Sciences to meet Montana’s biggest health challenges and build a healthier future for all.
- Amplifying the impact of the UM Launchpad to provide individual coaching, hands-on workshops and project-based internships to help the next generation of innovators build skills in leadership, communication and problem solving.
- Enabling students to experience the joy of skiing by covering the costs of gear, maintenance and race fees for the UM Telemark Club.
- Furthering the UM Wildlife Society’s mission to help students hone skills and build resumes by participating in field surveys, engaging with leading professionals and attending local and nationwide conferences.
- Giving children with autism a place to grow, learn and belong by expanding the reach of Youth Engagement Through Intervention.
Crowdfunding is a method of fundraising through the collective efforts of many individual donors – typically via online platforms. Contributions of any amount provide much-needed support to projects that sometimes don’t garner aid from larger philanthropic efforts.
Donors can give to one or several causes. Even if a specific project is already fully funded before the campaign ends on Nov. 14, all additional gifts received will directly support the ongoing efforts of that program or service.
“We’re proud that UM Foundation Crowdfunding offers a platform where students, faculty and staff can bring their ideas to life and rally support for their projects,” said Mandy Brooks, the UM Foundation’s senior director of annual giving. “This year’s projects range from advancing student health to fueling hands-on learning experiences in journalism, science and leadership. Every gift, no matter the size, helps the UM community dream big and make a real difference.”
The UM Foundation Crowdfunding Campaign is an annual effort to inspire donors to make an immediate impact on pivotal services on campus and elsewhere. This campaign is in addition to The Big Give, the UM Foundation’s annual online giving event, which takes place in the spring and inspires UM alumni, donors, parents and friends to support UM students through charitable giving in just 24 hours.
Many of this fall’s Crowdfunding Campaign participants already supply popular and important services in the Missoula area. Donations to these well-known causes ensure that they continue to impact and uplift the entire community.
To learn more about supporting projects at UM through the UM Foundation’s Crowdfunding Campaign, call Mandy Brooks, UM Foundation senior director of annual giving, at 406-243-2585, email mandy.brooks@supportum.org or visit SupportUM.org/Crowdfund.
The UM Foundation is an independent nonprofit organization that has inspired philanthropic support to enhance excellence and opportunity at UM since 1950.