The University of Montana Foundation announced on Friday that its ambitious $400 million fundraising goal for ‘Campaign Montana’ has been met almost a year earlier than planned.

President and CEO of the UM Foundation, Cindy Williams provided the details.

“Campaign Montana’ which began in July of 2013 and launched publicly last October has exceeded its $400 million goal,” said Williams. “In the past year, generous donors provided over $74 million to benefit every UM student, school and program on the campus. The UM Foundation will continue to partner with alumni and friends to advance key priorities through the campaign’s conclusion next summer.”

Williams said the funds will allow the university to continue its growth in all areas.

“Donors have transformed thousand of lives through Campaign Montana. Their philanthropic gifts have funded 15 new endowed faculty positions, helped to renovate or construct 10 new facilities to enrich learning environments and provide access to higher education,” she said. “We will continue to help the university inspire private support for critical opportunities at the university. We’re continuing to raise money for the Clinical Psychology building, for scholarships and study abroad opportunities for students and for faculty support.”

Williams also said the funds would lead to increased enrollment through higher amounts of financial aid.

“We know that in Montana many students rely on financial aid, and so those scholarship dollars that donors supply to students are critical in helping students enroll,” she said. “We would certainly welcome any further support that individuals want to provide to help the university achieve these important objectives.”

To read about the specific major gifts and donors, click here.

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