Putting the Unity in Community- 

Today, many members of MCF staff and one of our board members are in Kansas with over 400 people at the  2019 National Conference for Growing Community Foundations,  having a conversation about this topic. 

What DOES it mean to put unity in community?

We know that what unites us is greater than what separates us- both as a nation and as a field of practitioners engaged in community leadership. Putting it to practice can be the hard part. 

The last couple days have been a good reminder that the local community foundation is well-primed for providing the leadership to galvanize the citizenry around local issues that affect the health and well-being of a town, city or state. They have served as a call to action that  now, more than ever, we need to come together to support and grow our communities.  

Sincerely, 

Mary K. Rutherford 

President & CEO 

Montana Census 2020:  October Update

Montana Census 2020 is coming soon, April 1, and preparations are happening around the state!  MCF is a partner in the effort and just granted $40,000 to the Montana Nonprofit Association, helping to fill some funding gaps and ensure even hard to count populations get counted. 

In addition, MCF President and CEO, Mary Rutherford, is serving on the 2020 Census Complete Count Committee, tasked with increasing awareness of the upcoming census and motivating residents to respond.

These are just some of the reasons the Census is so important:

• State and city planning is based on reliable, up-to-date, accurate and detailed information on the communities within the state.
   
• Montana stands to gain representation.
   
• The Census provides state-level funding for 300 federal programs. These programs include allocations for Medicaid, highway construction, infrastructure, school lunches, and Head Start.

Looking to get involved int the 2020 Census? The U.S. Census Bureau is hiring people to serve in vital roles such as census takers, census field supervisors, and clerks. Apply at  2020CENSUS.GOV/JOBS. 

The Laura Grace Barrett residency will give emerging printmakers an opportunity for studio space, resources, and exhibition space in the new 17,000 square foot ZACC.

 

"We are extremely honored for the opportunity to pay tribute to Laura's work and create a space that will carry on her legacy forever. Although I didn't know Laura personally, her life was inspirational and her work and passion were very in line with the ZACC's mission," Kia Liszak, ZACC Executive Director.

The Laura G. Barrett Endowment Fund is dedicated to supporting ideas and projects that create opportunities for arts, culture, entertainment, education, and the general enrichment of life.

 

"Laura Grace Barrett believed in the unique capability of the arts to nurture and enrich the human spirit", says fund representative, Kevin Barrett. "Laura was passionately committed to building community by weaving art into its fabric. The Center is everything that Laura envisioned and worked to create. It is a joy for the Barrett family to support the realization of her dream for the Zootown Arts Community Center."

 

The ZACC is a nonprofit community art center whose mission is cultivating community through accessible art experiences for all. The ZACC has been engaged in a 3.5 million dollar capital campaign to expand their facilities and move downtown. Along with the Laura Grace Barrett printshop, the ZACC houses artist studios, multiple galleries, a music school, a theater space, an interactive youth play area, a paint your own pottery studio and conference space.

Scholarship Highlight:  Marcia Edsall Scholarship Fund

After the loss of his high school sweetheart and wife of 63 years, Wayne Edsall decided to memorialize his wife Marcia's life by setting up the Marcia Edsall Scholarship Fund. The daughter of an educator, Marcia Edsall believed in quality education from a young age. This fund is an extension of that belief and was set up to support young women in Gallatin County in their educational pursuits. 

Applicants must be a resident or former resident of Gallatin County, a Gallatin County high school graduate and a full-time student entering her junior or senior year of college with at least a 3.0 grade point average. The scholarship recipients are selected by the Chapter AG of the Bozeman P.E.O., a philanthropic women's organization, which Marcia Edsall joined in 1987.

10 Questions for Staff- Jacob Churchill

Who are the people that spend their days working for Montana's future? Let's find out!

 

Where are you from originally (city and state)?

St. Paul, Minnesota

What's your position at MCF and what do you do?

Office Assistant. I handle everything that no one has time for. 

What did you do prior to joining MCF?

I worked as a Clerk at the Man Store.

Do you have any educational degrees and/or professional certifications, etc.?

No

What's your favorite hobby/what do you do with your free time?

I run a Dungeons and Dragons game very Friday.

What's something not many people know about you?

I taught myself how to play guitar. 

If you had to choose a different profession, what would it be and why?

Table-top game design because it's focused on making fun!

What are three things you can't live without?

Cold brew coffee, craft beer, and (most) music

How did you first get involved in the nonprofit sector?

MCF is my first experience.

If there's one thing you want people to know about MCF, what is it?

It's composed of very positive, good-hearted people, focused on improving Montana for all. 

What's your favorite place in Montana?

The Clark Fork River, as it passes through Missoula

What's your favorite thing about Montana/Montanans?
The strong sense of community that exists throughout the state