Images that Shape Montana

A Call for Art & Photography Celebrating the Impact of Philanthropy in Our State

Submissions Open August 1, 2025, and Close September 30, 2025. 

Winners will be announced October 17, 2025.

The Montana Community Foundation (MCF) invites artists and photographers from across the state to participate in our inaugural Images that Shape Montana contest. This is your opportunity to share how you see the power of philanthropy shaping our communities, landscapes, and future.

Whether you're behind a camera lens or a paintbrush, we welcome submissions that reflect generosity and positive change across Montana.

Categories

Submissions will be judged in four impact areas central to MCF’s mission:

Education, Equity, & Culture

Artwork that reflects how philanthropy supports inclusive access to education and equitable opportunities, empowering all Montanans to succeed. Examples of work that fall under this category at MCF are scholarships, grants, and the Women’s Foundation of Montana.

Community & Economic Vitality

Showcase how giving supports resilient communities, growth, and community development. Examples of work that fall under this at MCF are local community foundations, programs such as Reimagining Rural or Community Heart & Soul, as well as grant funding. 

Land & Resiliency

Visual stories of conservation, stewardship, sustainability, or the ways communities address challenges of an evolving environment. Examples of work that fall under this category at MCF are resiliency and disaster response and grant opportunities. 

Health & Well-being

Representations of how philanthropy enhances the physical, mental, and social health of Montanans. Examples of work at MCF include grant funding to support community health needs. 

Before you get started:

Read the Contest Guidelines [PDF]

Awards

  • Grand Prize Winner – $1,500 and cover feature for MCF’s annual impact report
  • Category Winners (4) – $500 each
  • All submissions will be displayed during a Helena Art Walk exhibit this fall and featured across MCF’s communication channels. The grand prize winner will be the featured artist.

Please review the contest guidelines for eligibility, art requirements, and exclusions. 

Submit via: communications@mtcf.org to receive link to upload artwork to Dropbox account. Images should be high resolution and in JPEG format. 

Questions can be directed to communications@mtcf.org or call (406) 441- 4952.