Today, state appropriations account for 12 percent of UM's educational budget.

Some basic math.To create a successful University of Montana today, sources of funding run the gamut from state funds and federal support to tuition and private support.

What does this mean for our students? You don't need an econ Ph.D. to figure this one out. Students already pay for 27 percent of the educational budget, and competition for state dollars will increase. It's not going to get any easier for them, or for the University to maintain its far-reaching goals and outstanding results. Without your support, students will receive fewer scholarships and it will take longer to improve facilities. We must continue to cultivate a culture of giving and encourage donors to invest in discovery year after year.

The UM Foundation was established in 1951 on the belief that higher education would be greatly enhanced through the infusion of private gifts. Our mission is to gather, manage and distribute assets for the benefit of The University of Montana.