University of Montana Foundation

Unless a donor has a publicized policy against IDC/overhead/fees, the UM Foundation assesses a one-time 5% development fee on non-endowed, non-scholarship gifts. Development fees help finance the work of the UM Foundation to support ongoing development operations and services to the campus community. For every $1 in fees, the UM Foundation generates an additional $8 to benefit the University.

The UM Foundation is the university’s 501(c)(3) fundraising partner. Gifts from private donors that require the recipient to have 501(c)(3) status are routed through the Foundation. Gifts that are philanthropic in nature, including those that may be called a “grant” by the donor, and do not require technical reporting may also be administered by the Foundation. Complex grants (e.g. requiring IRB approvals, having IP requirements, technical reporting, detailed cost match reporting, etc.) may be sub-awarded to the Office of Sponsored Programs for administration.

OSP administers other external funding (contracts, grants, cooperative agreements, etc.) and ensures that such sponsored projects comply with internal controls and applicable policies and regulations. This includes awards from federal, state or Tribal sponsors, those requiring more complex administration, and some private funders. For additional guidance, please refer to OSP’s FAQ or visit the OSP Office.

We do not have the capacity or subject matter expertise to write a first draft of a proposal. However, as fundraising professionals, the UMF-CFR team is ready to share our experience working with private funders to provide donor perspective, review, editing and process management support helping you submit the most competitive proposal possible.

UMF-CFR is a centralized UM Foundation resource serving the entire campus community. We work exclusively with private corporations and institutionalized foundations with clearly outlined grantmaking processes and parameters. We generally do not work with private family foundations that serve as the personal giving vehicle of an individual or family.

Yes! Please reach out to us directly at umfcfr@supportum.org.

Yes! If you are seeking federal funding and need support with finding opportunities, building your team, strategizing your approach or refining your proposal, reach out to the Office of Research Development. They are poised to support researchers and scholars in the shifting federal environment and are happy to meet to discuss how they can help you on your specific project.