Charles L. and Polly Anceney Gallatin Valley Fund

Charles (Chuck) L. Anceney and His Legacy

A Montana cowboy from a family with a strong and storied past left an incredible gift to benefit the state he loved. Charles (Chuck) L. Anceney created a trust in 2001, establishing a legacy gift to MCF to benefit charitable and conservation purposes in the Gallatin Valley.  

Chuck’s grandfather, Charles Angelique Anxionnaz, emigrated from France in the late 1800s and settled in the Gallatin Valley. He soon changed his name to Anceney, as many found the original French too difficult to pronounce. Through incredibly hard work, determination, and the help and faith of others through the years, the family was able to found and cultivate what became the more than 100,000-acre Flying D Ranch – one of Montana’s most beautiful and famous.  

Chuck spent the first 20 years of his life on the Flying D. He was a competitive and medal-winning skier for alpine jumping and slalom racing in Montana and Sun Valley in 1939-40 and had a life-long love affair with the sport. Chuck married his wife Polly in 1941 and served as a naval aviator in the Pacific Theater during World War II, winning several distinguished flying medals. He later served at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., returning to Big Sky country in 1960 where he lived until his passing in 2006. 

Charles L. and Polly Anceney Gallatin Valley Fund Program  

The Charles L. and Polly Anceney Gallatin Valley Fund Program (Anceney Gallatin Valley Program) is dedicated to supporting conservation efforts that promote the protection and preservation of our natural environment in the Gallatin Valley. Through the Anceney Gallatin Valley Program grant program, we aim to provide financial assistance to projects and initiatives that demonstrate a commitment to biodiversity conservation, habitat restoration, and sustainable resource management. 

The Gallatin Valley 

Historically, the Gallatin Valley was a common hunting ground for many members of different tribes, including Blackfeet, Sioux, Crows, and Bannock, among others. There was an early tradition that Gallatin Valley, known as the “Valley of Flowers” was neutral ground. Lasting conservation must actively involve people and partners linked to the natural systems we seek to protect and conserve, and their voices must be at the center of what we do. The Anceney Gallatin Valley Program will work to honor this traditional land and the people that relied on the land for centuries, and support efforts that are committed to conserving the Gallatin Valley.  

Applicant Eligibility: 

  • Non-profit organizations, academic institutions, and government agencies. 
  • Individuals are not eligible to apply. 

Project Eligibility: 

  • Projects must focus on conservation efforts within the Gallatin Valley. The organization does not need to be based in Gallatin Valley; however, the work must be done within the Gallatin Valley. The Gallatin Valley includes Gallatin, Park, Madison, and Meagher Counties. 
  • Projects should align with one or more of the following conservation priorities: 
  • Biodiversity conservation 
  • Habitat restoration and land protection 
  • Sustainable land and water management 
  • Public Access 
  • Projects must demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring the participation and representation of diverse communities in conservation efforts. 
  • Collaboration with indigenous populations and respect for indigenous knowledge and practices are strongly encouraged. Projects should seek to engage indigenous communities as partners and stakeholders in conservation initiatives.  
  • Projects must have a clear and achievable set of goals, objectives, and outcomes. 

Grant Funding: 

  • Grants will typically range from $10,000-$30,000 and will be awarded based on the scope and merit of the proposed project. 
  • MCF may provide full or partial funding for selected projects. 
  • Grant funds may be allocated for project/program support or operating support. 

Ineligible projects: 

  • Work to influence public policy is not allowed. 
  • Regranting  
  • Annual fundraisers and benefit events.  
  • Debt reduction. 

Process: 

Application 

  • The application cycle will open on April 1, 2025, and close on May 30, 2025. 
  • Qualified applicants can apply online. 
  • Only online applications will be accepted. Please contact us if you have accessibility challenges with an online application process.  

Reporting 

A project report will be due within one year of receiving funds.  

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We're Here to Help

For additional help, questions or comments, contact Elisa Fiaschetti, Impact Programs Director.

406-441-4953 Email Elisa Fiaschetti