Is my donation tax deductible?

Yes, 100 percent of your donation to the MWRF fund or any other fund at MCF qualifies as a tax deductible contribution, for those who file itemized tax returns.

How will the fund be administered and how will grantmaking decisions be made?

Grantmaking decisions will be made by an MCF staff-led committee of no more than nine and no less than five members. Whenever possible, grantmaking will be done in consultation with an organization local to the disaster (such as a local community foundation) in an effort to provide the most effective support utilizing local knowledge.

Eight principles will be followed in responding to disasters:

1. Do no harm (Ensure relief is appropriate, useful and does not create additional problems).
2. Stop, look and listen before taking action (Information is key and every disaster has unique characteristics that must be examined before deciding how best to take action).
3. Don't act in isolation (Coordination between disaster grantmakers, victims, organizations "on the ground" and other stakeholders is key. Information must be exchanged and needs must be prioritized appropriately).
4. Think beyond the immediate crisis (Long-term planning and preparation are also key areas that may need support. Also, the long-term effects of current relief must be examined).
5. Bear in mind the expertise of local organizations (Community-based organizations with a local presence are the first on the scene and often know best what assistance is needed. They may also have the best insight into the political, social and cultural context of the disaster).
6. Find out how prospective grantees operate (Understand the approach of the organizations/efforts we fund as they may vary widely).
7. Be accountable to those you are trying to help (We must be accountable not only to our donors and board, but also to the other stakeholders in a disaster such as the victims and organizations we decide to fund).
8. Communicate your work and use it as an educational tool (We will share best practices and lessons learned to help others in their own disaster relief efforts).

Who is eligible to receive funding?

According to IRS regulations, recipients must be either 501(c)(3) public charities or exempt governmental units.

The number and size of grants will be determined based on the total amount of money contributed to the fund. Grant awards will be no less than $500. 
 

When will MCF begin granting from this fund?

We will open our grant cycle with a call for proposals beginning October 9, 2017. We expect to have grantmaking complete before the end of the year. Based on the results and feedback from the initial cycle, we may consider having a second cycle either later this year or early in 2018.

MCF is waiving its fees for administering this fund through 2017. Your entire donation will go to wildfire relief and stay in Montana for Montanans. (Online donations are subject to a small fee by the credit processing company as all online credit card transactions are).

What will happen to the fund after the 2017 fire season is over?

Currently, the plan is for the fund to continue to exist and provide support for future fire relief efforts in Montana. However, we will expend all funds received in support of fire relief in Montana by the end of 2017 if possible and no later than early 2018.

If you have any questions about the Montana Wildfire Relief Fund or anything else we might be able to help with, please don't hesitate to contact us.