In a recent report from The Hope Center for College, Community, and Justice, nearly 3 out of every 5 students surveyed said they were facing basic needs insecurity, struggling to have access to food, shelter, child care, internet services, or other things they needed for daily living. And when students tell us what they need, we believe them.

The University Faculty Association (UFA) at the University of Montana recognizes that there are UM students who struggle with access to basic necessities. On top of day-to-day difficulties, a sudden or unexpected event may increase these challenges to the point that a student is faced with choosing between meeting basic needs and completing a course, a semester, or ultimately a program.

In an effort to respond to this common reality, the UFA established the Faculty and Students Together (FAST) Fund which delivers emergency funds quickly and directly to students facing these unexpected challenges. The goal is to reach students who, without this direct aid, would be forced to interrupt their academic progress. While our institution works to address the systemic factors that create financial insecurity for so many of our students, the UFA FAST Fund supports students experiencing emergent financial need.

Your contribution to the FAST Fund can help a UM student stay afloat.

The University of Montana is a member of the FAST Fund Network, administered by Believe in Students, a nonprofit organization headquartered in Pennsylvania. The network provides administrative and fundraising support, leaving sites free to focus on serving students. 100% of donations to the University of Montana FAST Fund are utilized to support students on our campus.