Centennial Education Endowment

The Wasatch Mountain Club is making a lasting legacy in commemoration of the centennial year. The WMC has worked closely with the University of Utah to establish an endowed scholarship fund at the University of Utah to support students in the Parks, Recreation and Tourism department pursuing degrees focused in environmental health and community outdoor recreation.

The Parks, Recreation and Tourism program is part of the College of Health. The program inspires students to inform policy, serve social needs, promote sustainability, and advocate for the health of people, communities, and the environment. This is closely aligned with the purpose statement of the WMC. Information about the scholarship from the UofU.

As of September 2023, the WMC has raised nearly $50,000 and the University of Utah has awarded 4 scholarships.  The larger the endowment, the more scholarships that can be awarded.

Use this link to make a tax deductable donation directly to the WMC Centennial Scholarship at the University of Utah:
Donate to the WMC Centennial Scholarship

FAQ

  1. What is the schlorship name? The Wasatch Mountain Club Scholarship Fund.
  2. What is the fundraising goal? The WMC has reached the minimum $25,000 required to establish the endowmento during the WMC Centennial (2020), and the first scholarship will be awarded in 2022.  We are nearing our second goal of reaching  $50,000, as we continue to fund the endowment year after year.  Donations received in exchange for club merchandise (like hats, shirts, patches, coasters, mugs, koozies, etc.) will go towards the Endowment.  
  3. Does the WMC contribute to the Endowment?  With the sale of the WMC Lodge in 2023, the WMC Board approved redirecting that 5% of club dues to the endowment.
  4. How much money will the scholarship provide annually? The university normally distributes at least 3% of an endowment fund balance annually, but this can be adjusted depending on investment returns.
  5. Are individual contributions tax deductible to the donor? Donations made through the WMC would not be tax deductible (we are a non-profit membership organization, but not a 501c3). Donations made directly to the University of Utah using this link (Donate to the WMC Centennial Scholarship) will be tax deductible and you will be credited as a donor to the U.  Bring your donation receipt to the next WMC Membership Meeting and you can select your gift of gifts.
  6. How should contributions be made? Donations can be made directly to the U online via the link above. Checks can also be made out to the University of Utah with a memo "WMC Scholarship Fund" and mailed to Advancement Director, College of Health, University of Utah, 383 Colorow Drive, Box #4, Salt Lake City, UT 84108. The WMC will get regular updates on balance of and disbursements from the fund, which we will report back to the membership.