We probably should have slipped this in the January edition, but like many New Year's resolutions, this one slipped to February. 

Regardless of the month, it's always a good time to check in on your budget. So how do you factor in your charitable giving? To get started, consider planning your charitable budget around three points -- amount, timing, and category. 

1. How much and in what way? That's the $64 question. Or more, depending on your budget. If you're considering a planned gift, speak to one of our planned giving experts now, even if you don't plan on making it until later in the year. Not only can they help you determine the best type of gift and the best assets to use, but they can also walk you through the tax benefits. 

You should also keep in mind when setting a budget for supporting your favorite causes, that giving money isn't the only way to do good. If your wallet is tight, if your corporate budget is lean, or if your interests are varied, consider other social impact activities such as volunteering, serving on a board, donating gently-used clothing, purchasing products that support a cause, marketing your favorite charities through social media, and more. It all counts. Set your social impact budget based on what makes sense for you and your family or your company. 

2. How often? Charities are looking for support all year round. The vast majority of charitable contributions are made during the holiday season, but you don't have to do it that way. Consider spreading your giving throughout the year. Your tax deduction is unaffected, and you'll be giving the organizations you support a much-appreciated boost to cash flow. 

3. Who gets it? Most people support a wide variety of charities. To see where your dollars, time, and energy are going, try sorting the organizations you support into major categories:

 

* Community Development 

* Arts & Culture 

* Children & Families 

* Health & Life Sciences 

* Education 

* Etc.

Keep in mind that religious giving frequently falls into one of these five categories, depending on your gift's purpose. Budgeting for social impact can be easy and it can definitely help you stay on track with your charitable giving and other expenses.

We're back to sharing some insights about board members since we've had a few more join us. Just who are these wonderful folks that give so much back to Montana through their work with MCF and beyond? Let's find out! 

1. Where are you from originally?

I was born in Helena and stayed here until I graduated from Carroll and moved to Spokane for graduate school. 

2. What's your "real" job outside the foundation?

I am the Chief Operating Officer for First Security Bank of Helena.

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

With three young kids, my favorite hobby is trying to keep up with all of their activities. I also love skiing, camping and traveling.

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

I wanted to be a doctor when I was growing up and still am enthralled with the medical world. I would also like to try my hand at being a travel agent to be able to explore the world. 

5. What's something not very many people know about you? 

My first job was painting garbage cans in Butte.

6. What are three things you can't live without? 

I can't live without my family, regular exercise, and a good challenge.

7. How did you first get involved in the nonprofit sector? 

When I was young, I was involved with several nonprofits including Cub Scouts and the YMCA. Since I completed school, I have had the good fortune to serve on several nonprofit boards across Montana. I enjoy contributing my time and resources to these worthy organizations and seeing the impact they make on our communities and our state. 

8. If there was one thing you wanted people to know about MCF, what would it be? 

MCF is a resource that contributes to the short term needs and the long-term success of organizations and people all across our state. 

9. What's your favorite place in Montana? 

Helena is a special community and is such a great family town with tremendous opportunities for kids and adults. We love living and raising our kids here. I have also had the opportunity to live in Billings, Bozeman, Missoula and Kalispell and enjoy each communities' personality. 

10. What's your favorite thing about Montana/Montanans? 

I love the people in Montana. It seems like you can travel anywhere in the state and either see someone you know or find a very close connection to someone you know. And most people look for opportunities to help others however they can. 

The submission deadline for most MCF scholarships is March 15! Don't miss out on this opportunity and please share it with students who may be interested! 

Scholarship awards generally range between $500 and $5,000, some of which are renewable for multiple years. Qualifications vary widely, resulting in scholarship eligibility for a diverse range of students. Both traditional and nontraditional Montana students are encouraged to apply. Students can apply online with a submission deadline for most applications of March 15, 2019.

To apply or for detailed information on eligibility, deadlines and awards for specific scholarships, visit mtcf.org/applications or contact Scholarship Manager Jenny Stark at (406) 441-4946 or [email protected].