Support FLBS

Since 1899, FLBS has been recognized as the Sentinel of the Flathead Watershed, fulfilling a mission to advance scientific understanding of water and the life that depends on it. We work locally and globally, creating and sharing knowledge with students, researchers, decision-makers, and our community.

Matching Grants

$25,000 Ric Hauer Undergraduate Scholarship matching challenge

More about the Ric Hauer Scholarship

$50,000 Facilities matching challenge

More about the Facilities modernization effort

FLBS Giving Options

The University of Montana Foundation acts as the charitable agent for FLBS and all UM philanthropic gifts. Selecting the following giving options will redirect you to GiveCampus, the UM Foundation's donation partner.

Facilities

Invest in the future of the Flathead Watershed by supporting the maintenance, modernization, and expansion of FLBS research and infrastructure.

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FLARE K-12 Education

Light the spark of science engagement by funding the Flathead Lake Aquatic Research and Education (FLARE) K-12 program.

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FLBS Impact Fund

Invest in the FLBS vision. The Impact Fund allows the FLBS Director to distribute contributions to priority projects.

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Monitoring Montana Waters

Monitoring Montana Waters (MMW) is an FLBS program that provides scientific expertise and guidance to citizen-led watershed monitoring groups to better understand and protect the world-renowned waters of Montana.

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Flathead Monitoring Program

Support the continuity of our 125-year legacy of Flathead Lake research and monitoring! Your continued generosity helps ensure our pristine Flathead Watershed waters remain beautiful, clean, and clear.

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Flathead Watershed Research

Help us provide critical ecological information about local ecosystems and their interactions with society. Current priorities include Aquatic Invasive Species Monitoring using environmental DNA, and our long-term river and floodplain research on the Middle Fork Flathead.

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Ric Hauer Undergraduate Student Scholarship

Honor long-time FLBS professor Dr. Ric Hauer’s legacy by helping a deserving student pursue their education through scholarship support. Mentoring and teaching future scientists were central to Ric’s career, and your contribution will celebrate his memory and create opportunities for the next generation of scientific minds.

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Other Giving Options

View all available FLBS donation opportunities here

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Community Initiatives

FLBS125: An Anniversary Initiative

FLBS125 commemorates the Bio Station's 125th anniversary, allowing us to reflect on the scientific legacy of the past 125 years and look forward to new opportunities in aquatic science, monitoring, education and outreach in the century to come. View the FLBS125 video

Business Partnerships

By partnering with FLBS, your business can help support scientific research, education, and the stewardship of one of Montana's most valuable natural resources while demonstrating a commitment to our community and environment.View Business page

Contact Options

Planned Gifts, Named Gifts and Endowments

Would you like to discuss a planned gift or larger donation, such as a named scholarship or endowment? Contact us:

Kylie Schumacher
FLBS Director of Development
Phone (406) 243-7478 or send email

Tom Bansak
FLBS Associate Director
Phone (406) 872-4503 or send email

Still Prefer Checks?

Yes, we accept personal checks! Mail a check payable to University of Montana Foundation with a memo noting your preferred contribution fund:

FLBS
32125 Bio Station Ln
Polson, MT 59860-6815

Gifts made to FLBS through the UM Foundation are tax deductible within the limits of the IRS 501(c)(3) provision.

Frequent Questions

Do you accept Bitcoin or other crytocurrency donations?

Yes, we accept donations of cryptocurrency. Please contact us for more information.