News Releases

Harris Nesbitt to Donate All Institutional Equity Trading Commissions Earned May 11th to Charities that Support Education

NEW YORK, May 3, 2005 – Harris Nesbitt, the U.S. investment and corporate banking arm of BMO Financial Group (NYSE, TSX: BMO), is proud to announce the launch of Equity through Education, a new charitable program designed to raise money for students who demonstrate academic promise but lack the support and means to pursue opportunities that can only be achieved through education.

On May 11th, all of the institutional equity trading commissions earned by Harris Nesbitt across the United Stateswill go directly to three important organizations, whose mission includes improving access to education and training for bright, deserving people who might not otherwise have the opportunity.

"The goodwill generated on May 11th will greatly underscore the personal and professional commitment we all feel toward the important causes of Education and Diversity," said Manny Gerard, Vice Chair, Harris Nesbitt. "The potential to help many on this day is great and Harris Nesbitt is inspired to assist the selected agencies in their mission to improve lives through educational opportunities," he added.

The three charities Harris Nesbitt's Equity through Education program is supporting are:

• YAI/ National Institute for People with Disabilities Network

  A nationally acclaimed leader in the provision of services, education and training in the field of developmental and learning disabilities, YAI currently supports more than 20,000 people with disabilities through more than 400 community-based programs. All funds donated by Equity through Education will be used to finance its various educational programs
  www.yai.org

• The Financial Women's Association (FWA)

  Established in 1956, FWA is the leading professional organization for women in financial services. The FWA serves more than 1,100 members through leadership experience, programs that enhance their knowledge and skills, and a widened professional network. In addition, it also works to encourage f uture generations to seek career opportunities in business and finance through its nationally acclaimed scholarship, mentoring, and training programs. The proceeds from Equity through Education will be used to establish the Harris Nesbitt College Scholarship Fund for undergraduate students.
  www.fwa.org

• The Jackie Robinson Foundation

  Founded in 1973 by Rachel Robinson, the Jackie Robinson Foundation is a public, not-for-profit; national organization that awards four-year college scholarships to academically gifted students of color with financial needs, enabling them to attend the college or university of their choice.
  www.jackierobinson.org

"I am heartened by the generosity of Harris Nesbitt," said Della Britton Baeza, President and CEO of the Jackie Robinson Foundation. "The Equity through Education program is a shining example of the promise of the good work that can result from corporate philanthropy. We look forward to continuing our outstanding relationship with Harris Nesbitt."

Harris Nesbitt has a proud tradition of helping local communities, donating more than $3 million in trading commissions beginning in 2000.

Harris Nesbitt is an investment and corporate bank offering clients access to a full range of products and services including investment and corporate banking, treasury services, market risk management, institutional investing and research. Harris Nesbitt is part of Harris, an integrated financial services organization providing more than 1.5 million personal, business, corporate and institutional clients with banking, lending, investing and financial management solutions. Harris Nesbitt is a member of BMO Financial Group (NYSE, TSX: BMO). For more information, please visit www.harrisnesbitt.com.