Dear Friends,
As I write this note, I’m feeling the warm glow of gratitude that comes from knowing how many people love and care about this great state we are fortunate to call home. Over the past month, I’ve had the opportunity to visit with folks as travels took me out of state and out of the country. When I tell people I’m from Montana, their excitement is palpable as they want to know more about The Last Best Place. We are blessed beyond measure to live here.
When people asked what the Montana Community Foundation is, and what we do, I shared with them how we are cultivating generosity that is intentional, impactful, and matters for Montana. And how we can do that because of you!
Your generosity demonstrates your love and care for Montana. You’ve helped empower local communities and provide perpetual support to local causes. Your commitment to our state is evident through the more than $4 million in grants and scholarships you have helped us to award this year. You’ve put your giving to work for the good of Montana forever.
We appreciate the trust and belief you have placed in the Montana Community Foundation as we cultivate a culture of giving so Montana communities can flourish. Your support has a lasting impact on Montana.
Thank you for allowing us to serve as your partner in philanthropy. Stay well, enjoy every single moment you can with the ones you love, and happy holidays.
Sincerely,
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MCF’s Anti-Hate Policy for Grantmaking |
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The Montana Community Foundation (MCF) has recently adopted an Anti-Hate Grantmaking Policy. This policy is a proactive step to creating a balanced policy that protects MCF and our donors and ensures our grantmaking aligns with our mission and values.
We have never made a grant to a hate group; however, without a process in place, MCF could inadvertently grant to a hate group. We are committed to advocating for equity as part of our core strategies and directing funds to any hate group that is in direct conflict with our core values.
Following best practices, the policy states that: MCF will not make grants to organizations that MCF knows or has reason to believe support or engage in hateful activities.
Read the policy in its entirety here.
If you have any questions regarding this new policy, please contact MCF Program Director, Elisa Fiaschetti at 406-441-4953 or elisa@mtcf.org. We have several resources to help us determine if an organization is a hate group and they will be part of our overall grantmaking due diligence.
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Housing Needed for Flood-Impacted Montana Families
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With colder weather here, the Montana Department of Commerce has issued a request for temporary housing in flood-impacted counties for families whose homes still need habitability repairs.
Data from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) indicated that as of October 19, more than 300 families self-reported that their homes still needed repairs to make them fit to live in following the June flooding disaster in southcentral Montana.
Montana Housing will compile all responses and disseminate them to local community recovery leads and disaster housing case managers. These local providers may contact landlords/short-term rental operators with information about families they are working with and collaborate on potential next steps. The property owner’s contact information will not be disseminated directly to flood-impacted families.
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Fall 2022 Fundholder Investment Update |
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In case you missed it, MCF recently hosted an investment update from Cambridge Associates MCF's Investment Team. Learn more about how MCF’s endowed assets are invested and current market updates.
Watch the update here.
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Estate Planning Workshops on the Hi-Line |
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Dr. Marsha Goetting’s estate planning workshops were a success with 117 attendees over the five sessions in Havre, Malta, and Glasgow! It was energizing to be in a room packed with folks learning about the importance of having a will. This might sound counterintuitive unless you have been to Dr. Goetting’s workshop in the past, then you know they come with comedy, quizzes, and prizes. As an added bonus, attendees chatted about the possibility of taking advantage of the Montana Endowment Tax Credit or leaving a portion of their estate to their favorite nonprofit, such as their local community foundation.
If your local community foundation is interested in hosting an event like this and would like support from MCF, please contact our office at 406-443-8313 or info@mtcf.org.
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Celebrating Native American Heritage Month with Sage and Oats |
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Yesterday, Major and Michelle Robinson, owners of Sage & Oats Trading Post, hand-delivered a gift to the Helena office to support the Snowbird Fund, a fund at MCF that supports Indigenous families and communities searching for missing loved ones in Montana .
Proceeds from the sale of beautiful shawl dolls, stickers, candles, and wax melts, representing the Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women (MMIW) crisis, benefitted the Snowbird Fund in honor of Native American Heritage Month.
Thank you, Sage & Oats Trading Post!
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Partner Highlight - Headwaters Foundation Receives $14 Million Donation from MacKenzie Scott |
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“We are so grateful for this generous gift. It is a meaningful recognition of the vital work of our grantee partners,” said Brenda Solorzano, CEO of Headwaters Foundation. “It also acknowledges the trust-based approach Headwaters uses in our grantmaking to share power with the organizations and communities we serve.”
Headwaters Foundation was selected after a rigorous process and stood out for their unique approach to philanthropy and the depth of their partnerships throughout Western Montana, especially in rural communities.
Headwaters Foundation was born from community. A community invested in Western Montana. With more than $100 million in assets, their mission is to work side-by-side Western Montanans to improve the health of our communities. Their vision is a Western Montana where all people, especially the most vulnerable among us, are healthy and thriving.
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- Laurel Community Foundation on Hello, Montana with Heather Ohs
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