In 2024, the Montana Community Foundation (MCF) launched the LCF+ Incentive Program, an initiative to help Local Community Foundations (LCFs) grow their endowments and increase their impact across the state. The program will run for five years; during this time, MCF will provide over $1 million in matching funds as LCFs reach their fundraising goals. LCFs can use these matching funds for grantmaking or other community needs, making the program a win-win – it helps LCFs tackle projects today while building an endowment to address community needs for generations to come.    

With 27 LCFs participating, the program far exceeded expectations in its first year. LCFs raised an astounding $1.28 million for their endowments, which was four times more than what MCF had anticipated. As a result, MCF awarded over $163,000 in matching funds. These funds are already making a tangible difference in communities across the state. In Circle, the Redwater Community Foundation is using their match to purchase a new ambulance, expanding healthcare access in their rural region. In West Yellowstone, the West Yellowstone Foundation is investing their match in scholarships, ensuring that graduates of the local high school receive $20,000 each to support their futures.   

Beyond these immediate impacts, the program has also energized local philanthropy. Many LCFs have adopted new fundraising strategies to increase donations, hosted community events to share their work with community members, and secured their first planned gifts to expand their efforts in the future. “The program brought our community together with an incredible sense of purpose,” said Peggy Iba with the Greater Glendive Community Foundation. “Knowing that our dollars raised would be matched by MCF created an exciting momentum – it showed community members the power of collective generosity.”  

The LCF+ Incentive Program is about securing a strong future for Montana’s communities. By growing their endowments, LCFs are ensuring that there will be long-term support for local initiatives, making their communities more vibrant for generations to come. We know that the program’s impact will continue to expand in upcoming years, proving that when we invest in our LCFs and their communities today, we build a better tomorrow.  

Learn more about the LCFs in your community and their work