Building a brighter future through philanthropy
On National Philanthropy Day, all of us at the University of Manitoba want to say THANK YOU to our donors. It is truly remarkable the difference that can be made when individuals, organizations, and communities unite in the spirit of giving. Your generosity is not only making it possible for students to pursue their big ideas but is also helping to promote learning and well-being in Manitoba, Canada and the world.
UM’s alumni and donor community continue to help build brighter futures for all of us. In the past year, over 6,400 donors from 20 countries around the world have been inspired to spark change through gifts to UM, and our endowment fund now sits at over $1 billion. We saw 1,022 people in our community become first time donors, the Isbister Legacy Society reached over 500 members, and our faculty, staff and retirees gave over $490,000.
We are proud to share highlights of how the impact of your giving enhances student experiences, drives innovative research and fosters communities where everyone can thrive.
Enhancing student experiences
At the heart of the University of Manitoba is a commitment to our students, and your generosity has made a significant mark on their lives.
Each year, over $40 million in scholarships, bursaries and prizes are awarded, easing financial burdens and recognizing excellence among our students. This support empowers exceptional individuals like Joel Nichols, who in 2023 became our 100th Rhodes Scholar—the most of any university in Western Canada. Joel, an interdisciplinary artist and the first Rhodes Scholar from the School of Art, exemplifies the talent and potential nurtured at UM through your support.
Your contributions have also aided in our commitment to developing future health care professionals. Through donations, a dedicated $1 million has been allocated for new medical bursaries, which will help medical students pursue their education with lessened financial barriers. This investment not only transforms their lives but also promises a brighter future for health care in our communities.
Since 2018, 83 high school students have received full tuition to attend UM through the Schroeder Foundation Scholarships. Emphasizing education as a pathway out of poverty, these scholarships offer students from challenging backgrounds the chance to pursue higher education with the resources and mentorship they need to succeed.
Experiential learning opportunities have flourished across disciplines, preparing students for the complexities of the modern world. From internships and co-operative education placements to community-engaged learning projects, these hands-on experiences equip students with practical skills and confidence. Thanks to your support, over 40 UM programs now offer experiential learning opportunities where students can apply the skills they learned in the classroom and gain valuable experience. UM alum Melisa Miljkovic, while studying for her business degree, discovered the International Exchange Program, which allows students the chance to study at one of over 60 schools overseas. Thanks to the Hartley T. Richardson International Travel Bursary, Miljkovic was able to attend the University of Plymouth in England for six months, delving into an educational experience that transformed her personally and professionally. Miljkovic graduated on the dean’s honour list with a double major in International Business Studies and Supply Chain Management and Logistics.
Fostering Indigenous excellence and Reconciliation
The University of Manitoba is dedicated to fostering Indigenous excellence and advancing Reconciliation, and your support plays a vital role in this journey.
Students like Tréchelle Bunn embody the impact of these initiatives. From Birdtail Sioux Dakota Nation, Bunn is a law student, athlete and Youth Chief who founded Canada’s first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation half marathon. Through programs like the Indigenous Circle of Empowerment, UM supports her journey as a growing leader.
Expanded financial aid has opened doors for more Indigenous students to access higher education and achieve their academic aspirations. Programs like Qualico Bridge to Success assists first-year Indigenous students in their transition to university life, providing mentorship, cultural workshops and a supportive community.
The Access Program also stands as a key program for Indigenous excellence, providing academic, personal and cultural resources. With a team of dedicated advisors, counselors and community leaders, Access students have the foundation they need to thrive, and six Indigenous participants have progressed to medical school, fulfilling their aspirations to serve as future health care professionals.
Investing in exceptional places and spaces
Your contributions have transformed our campus, creating exceptional places and spaces that enhance learning and research.
The new Desautels Concert Hall stands as a testament to this transformation—a stunning venue with state-of-the-art acoustics and architecture. It enriches our cultural landscape, hosting performances and events that bring the community together and celebrate the arts.
The Dr. Gerald and Reesa Niznick Centre, currently under construction thanks to a $5 million gift from the Niznicks, will include a new dental clinic equipped with cutting-edge technology. As the future home of Canada’s fourth-ranked dental program, this facility sets a new standard in dental education and care. Students will receive training with the latest advancements, preparing them to better serve our communities.
Looking toward the future of global food security, the upcoming Prairie Crops and Soils Research Facility will accelerate soil and crop research. By providing advanced facilities for field studies and sample processing, this centre will promote innovation in sustainable agricultural practices, nutrient management and cropping systems. Through this facility, our university can continue to make strides in addressing some of the world’s most pressing challenges.
Driving research and innovation
Research and innovation are at the core of the University of Manitoba’s mission, and your support has been instrumental in propelling us forward.
UM has received over $450 million from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation over the past 22 years—the most this foundation has awarded to any Canadian university. This support drives critical research, including initiatives led by UM’s Institute for Global Public Health (IGPH). In partnership with authorities in Uttar Pradesh—the largest state in India, with a population of 223 million—IGPH’s work has achieved a 40% reduction in neonatal mortality, resulting in approximately 99,000 deaths being averted annually.
With 32 Endowed and Sponsored Research Chairs funded by philanthropy, we attract leading researchers in fields such as health sciences, engineering, agriculture and social justice. These scholars delve deeper into critical research areas, advancing discoveries with far-reaching impacts.
One such initiative is the establishment of the Potato Research Chair, a groundbreaking endeavor positioning Manitoba as a global leader in potato industry research and sustainability. Addressing challenges like soil health, water management and disease control, this chair is essential in developing strategies for a healthier and more prosperous future in food security.
Looking forward with gratitude
As we reflect on the remarkable impact of your generosity, we are filled with gratitude and optimism. Your support has transformed the University of Manitoba, setting the stage for continued innovation, learning and community engagement.
Thank you for being an integral part of our journey. Your contributions continue to make a profound difference, and we look forward to building on this momentum to build an even brighter future.