U of M launches a half-billion dollar campaign during Bomber game

WINNIPEG – The University of Manitoba has set a massive fundraising goal to collect $500-million.

The Front and Centre Campaign was launched during Saturday’s halftime show at the Winnipeg Blue Bombers game.

The campaign has quietly been raising money for three years and will continue to until spring of 2018.

So far, $215,294,636.30 has been collected.

It’s said to be the most ambitious fundraising campaign any post-secondary institution in Manitoba has ever taken on.

The university said the money will be spent in various ways:

• Indigenous Achievement – $65 million: Manitoba will become a centre of excellence for Indigenous education and research.
• Graduate Student Support – $100 million: Manitoba’s capacity for innovation will grow with an increased number of exceptional graduate students.
• Research Excellence – $80 million: Our researchers and scholars will make discoveries that contribute to knowledge, grow the economy, and improve lives here and around the world.
• Outstanding Student Experience – $105 million: Our students will benefit from exceptional experiences and support.
• Places and Spaces – $150 million:  Our community’s quality of life will be enhanced through new environments for learning, discovery, and engagement.

— With files from CJOB