In its inaugural year of grantmaking, the Charles L. and Polly Anceney Gallatin Valley Fund has awarded $175,000 to support conservation efforts across the Gallatin Valley. Administered by the Montana Community Foundation (MCF), the fund is investing in 11 nonprofit organizations working to protect the region’s natural resources, restore habitat, and inspire the next generation of environmental stewards.

From expanding wildlife passage tools and restoring critical waterways to educating the next generation of conservationists, these grantees represent a diverse and collaborative approach to environmental stewardship:

• Gallatin Valley Land Trust – $20,000, operating support
• Pheasants Forever – $20,000, The Montana Grassland Initiative: Supporting Grassland Conservation in the Gallatin Valley
• Gallatin Watershed Council – $25,000, Gallatin Water Collaborative: Community-Driven Water Solutions in the Gallatin Valley
• Climate Conservation (DBA Center for Large Landscape Conservation) – $15,000, Developing Tools for Safe Wildlife Passage in Gallatin Valley
• Montana Trout Unlimited – $15,000, Camp Creek Headwaters Restoration
• Greater Yellowstone Coalition Inc. – $15,000, operating support
• Montana Raptor Conservation Center – $25,000, operating support
• Trout Unlimited, Inc. / Gallatin Water Trust, Inc. / Four Corners Foundation – $15,000, Creating a Water Exchange in the Gallatin Valley
• Craighead Institute – $5,000, Pika Conservation Using Genetic and Bioacoustics Technologies at Emerald Lake, Montana
• Grow Wild – $10,000, Grow Wild’s NextGen Conservation Champions
• Montana State University – $10,000, Rooted Learning: An Undergraduate-Powered, Gallatin Valley-Focused Land Rehabilitation Initiative

“These projects are helping ensure the Gallatin Valley remains a place where people, wildlife, and working lands can thrive together,” said Mary Rutherford, MCF President and CEO. “We’re proud to honor the Anceney family’s legacy by investing in organizations that are building a more resilient and sustainable future for this region.”

The Charles L. and Polly Anceney Gallatin Valley Fund was established through a generous legacy gift from Charles (Chuck) Anceney, a Montana rancher and conservationist whose deep love for the Gallatin Valley continues to inspire lasting impact.

The grant cycle will reopen in 2026 and more information can be found at https://mtcf.org/funding/apply-for-a-grant.