Giving Reimagined
Steve and Shirley Nelson's Groundbreaking Gift Shows Emerging Power of Cryptocurrency
When Steve and Shirley Nelson committed a nearly $1 million gift to Grizzly Athletics this year, they didn’t just invest in renewed facilities and expanded opportunities for UM’s student-athletes.
They made history.
The Nelsons’ generous contribution was the first-ever donation through the UM Foundation made partly in cryptocurrency — and it highlights how philanthropy continues to evolve.
A significant part of the Nelsons’ contribution is designated to help renovate the east and west auxiliary gyms inside Dahlberg Arena this year, creating additional training and practice spaces for men’s basketball, women’s basketball and women’s volleyball. The renovation includes new hardwood floors, scoreboards, shot clocks, practice baskets, air conditioning and a paint and graphics package.
“The University has played a meaningful role in my life and the life of our community,” Steve Nelson said in a UM Athletics news release. “I'm grateful for the chance to support the Athletic Department and contribute to a legacy of excellence, teamwork and inspiration for current and future Griz.”
In recent years, cryptocurrency (also known as digital currency) has shifted from an experimental form of charitable giving to an emerging mainstream force. In 2025, digital donations surpassed $100 million globally for the first time, a 66% increase from 2024, according to a report from Yahoo! Finance.
The UM Foundation now offers donors the opportunity to support the University through cryptocurrency via the online platform Engiven. A trusted partner serving nonprofit organizations worldwide, Engiven provides a simple, secure and streamlined giving experience, allowing donors to make gifts 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Cryptocurrency may offer significant tax advantages, such as a federal income tax charitable deduction and elimination of capital gains tax for the amount donated. Once received, the digital assets are immediately converted to cash by Engiven and are available for use by the University.
UM Foundation staff are available to answer questions and provide additional information about cryptocurrency giving.
Thanks to the visionary commitment of Steve and Shirley Nelson — who have been staunch supporters of the University for years — this latest evolution in philanthropy is already driving progress at UM.
Construction on the east and west auxiliary gyms renovation began in March. The Nelsons’ gift will also establish an unrestricted endowed fund to provide continued operational support to Grizzly Athletics.
Unlock a New Way of Supporting UM: Donate Cryptocurrency
Fuel life-changing education, groundbreaking research and lasting community impact by supporting the University of Montana through a cryptocurrency donation. Giving crypto is a fast, secure way to channel new forms of generosity into lasting impact — and for many donors, it can offer meaningful tax benefits that help maximize your philanthropic and financial goals.
Contact Alison Schultz, Senior Director of Planned Giving, at 406-243-7449 or alison.schultz@supportum.org today to learn how you can make a difference with a gift of cryptocurrency.
The University of Montana Foundation provides information about the benefits of planned gifts and does not provide legal, financial or tax advice. Please consult your advisor(s) before making a gift.