Student Support
Scholarships pave the way for thousands of students to receive a world-class education at The University of Montana.
Scholarships open doors for capable students and encourage outstanding students to choose UM over other colleges and universities. Scholarships and financial aid provide access and affordability, helping to ensure that our brightest students become our most educated, capable citizens. Scholarship support also motivates students to explore different cultures through
study-abroad programs.
This is the time to help pave the way to UM. Opportunities for funding student support include:
General Scholarships
You can provide scholarship support by giving to the General Scholarship Fund. All gifts to the fund make a difference - whether it's $25, $500 or more! Contact a
development director in the school, college or program you wish to support.
The MICK Fund
Mick Hanson served as UM’s director of financial aid for 25 years. His dream was to establish a fund that could help dedicated students overcome the financial obstacles that threatened to take them out of school. When Hanson retired, his family helped realize this dream by establishing the MICK Fund, which stands for Montana Investment in Character and Knowledge. Consider making a donation to the MICK Fund to help students in good academic standing with a demonstrated financial need. To support this fund today, complete this
form.
Annual Scholarships
You may establish an annual scholarship with a minimum commitment of $1,000 for four years ($4,000 total). Contact a
development director in the school, college or program you wish to support.
Endowed Scholarships
You can establish an endowed scholarship with a minimum commitment of $25,000. Contributions toward an endowed scholarship may be pledged over a period of up to five years or an outright gift may be provided for the entire amount. The UM Foundation invests the endowed funds and a portion of the earnings are distributed each year in perpetuity. The Montana Endowment Tax Credit
(METC) offers incentives for Montanans to make planned gifts to endowed funds. Contact a
development director in the school, college or program you wish to support.
Presidential Leadership Scholarship
The University's most prestigious undergraduate awards,
Presidential Leadership Scholarships, are awarded to a limited number of incoming freshmen based on academic performance, character and ability. The minimum funding for a Presidential Gold Scholarship requires a $180,000 endowment or $7,500 per year for a minimum of four years. To fund a Presidential Silver Scholarship, a minimum donation of a $120,000 endowment, or $5,000 per year for a minimum of four years is required. Contact a
development director in the school, college or program you wish to support.
Graduate Fellowships
To attract and retain talented graduate students, UM must provide adequate incentives and compensation. The University seeks awards for all disciplines. A full fellowship carries no obligation for research and teaching. The minimum funding for a master's level fellowship requires a $250,000 endowment, depending on discipline, or an annual contribution of $10,000. At the doctoral level, a minimum endowment of $375,000 is required. Annual funding requires $15,000. Contact a
development director in the school, college or program you wish to support.
Planned Gifts
Finally, there are many ways to invest in scholarships by directing a future gift, such as a bequest. Foundation experts can review opportunities with you to create your perfect plan. Contact our
Director of Planned Giving to find out how you can make a future gift to support scholarships.
