Montclair State University Foundation

Montclair State University sustains it reputation for excellence in part by providing exceptional curricular and programmatic activities which foster a high quality learning environment. The Foundation provides needed support to colleges/schools on the University campus towards this endeavor, augmenting State budgeted funds with additional funding for enhanced course curriculum, the operations of institutes which further learning, and other essential needs. Funding is received from individuals, corporations, private Foundation and other sources. The Foundation manages over 600 funds which have been created based on donor restrictions towards these purposes. Funds may be temporarily restricted or permanently restricted (endowed) based on donor intent. Top programs supported in fiscal 2023 included the center for entrepreneurship, the school of communications & media, research programs for environmental sustainability, and the center for autism. Foundation support often serves as the sole source of funding in order to sustain these vital initiatives.

The Foundation manages two annual events which are designed to increase donor connectivity, awareness of the needs of the University and the Foundation, and to fulfill the mission of academic excellence. One event provides focused fundraising towards scholarships while the second enables the Foundation to provide resources for much needed support to University student-athletes as they balance their athletic commitments with educational priorities. For fiscal 2023 the net proceeds of the golf outing were used in continued support of virtual broadcasting capabilities for all sporting events in a social media environment. Revenues realized for fiscal 2023 annual scholarship dinner were utilized as awards to incoming freshmen students across all disciplines and majors, providing need based awards to students.

The Foundation manages in excess of 250 funds established to award scholarships for the student population of Montclair State University. Scholarship funds are available to students based on need or merit. Additionally, such funds permit the award to students at the admissions level and/or are restricted to a specific college/school, department, major or other defined criteria. Funding towards scholarships is generated from individuals, corporations, private foundations, events and other sources. Funds may be temporarily restricted or permanently restricted (endowed) based on donor intent. The Foundation, in serving the needs of Montclair State University, acknowledges that one of the top priorities for fundraising stems from the need to meet the challenges regarding the cost of education for today's students. The Foundation focuses on both short-term and long-term needs, factoring increasing student enrollment, the economy, State funding to the University, and long range growth plans of the University; among other factors. Scholarship awards continue to increase and for fiscal 2023 in excess of 1,600 awards were made to both need and merit based students.