unversity of montana students at a graduation ceremony in the background with the text 75 years of impact in the foreground with a stylized icon of UM's main hall

University of Montana Foundation

Celebrating 75 Years of Impact

Seventy-five years ago, during a festive Homecoming weekend on the University of Montana campus, a small group of private citizens, community leaders and alumni joined forces to secure the future of the school they loved.

They named the organization they founded on November 18, 1950, the “Endowment Foundation.” Though it would eventually become the University of Montana Foundation, its core mission remains true today: To inspire philanthropic support to enhance excellence and opportunity at UM.

Throughout 2025, the UM Foundation will celebrate our 75th anniversary. As we mark this special milestone with deep gratitude, we reflect on an inspiring legacy of giving and impact, honor the donors and volunteers whose generous spirits have changed countless lives and look ahead to the future of philanthropy at UM.

We invite you to join us in this momentous celebration. Please enjoy our monthly feature stories on this page and engage with us on our social channels, including Facebook and LinkedIn, to participate throughout this historic year.

Feature Stories

Main Hall 1903

Deep Roots, Enduring Impact

Homecoming 1950 was in full swing. A small group of community leaders and alumni united with the goal to give back to the school they loved. These forward-thinking volunteers filed Articles of Incorporation to establish what would become the University of Montana Foundation.