The Situation

Tasked with embarking upon an ambitious capital campaign for multiple initiatives, including a new football stadium and the university’s one-of-a-kind, experiential learning model, the University of Montana Western Foundation had the vision, but lacked the critical in-house resources, experience, connections, and time — to make it happen.

The Unique Challenge

The foundation needed dedicated, expert-level guidance that went beyond just fundraising strategy and legal avice — they needed boots-on-the-ground support and a partner willing to work shoulder to shoulder.

The Bannack Difference.

The Bannack team leaned in, digging deep in order to genuinely understand how the Foundation and the University serve their students and community. Once we had created an airtight strategy, we rolled up our sleeves and went shoulder-to-shoulder with the Foundation executives and University leadership — cultivating key relationships and building across a diverse donor base, generating new relationships that resulted in transformational support, and providing vital education and support for the Foundation’s team during the campaign.

What U of M Western Foundation had to say:

“We knew we needed fundraising help, and Bannack Group offered something unlike any other consultants. They didn’t just come in and tell us what to do. They provided literal boots on the ground — attending events, talking to donors, and meeting with the community members and stakeholders. We’re fortunate to have a supportive local community. Bannack brought the vital framework to deliver the message and make the ask, and they brought incredible connectivity in the state of Montana. They helped lead the charge and then managed the whole process. It was collaborative, and we could feel that they are invested in our success. Bannack has been a true partner for our foundation.


The results have been well worth the expense. Bannack Group, has been really beneficial for our capital campaign. The help they’ve provided — and everything they’ve achieved — more than justified the investment.”