In a collaboration focused on strengthening small cities and towns in Montana, Community Heart & Soul, Montana Community Foundation, and MSU Extension are broadening the reach of a proven model for resident-driven community engagement.

Three towns in Montana were selected to participate in the Community Heart & Soul program. This program engages the entire population of a town in identifying what they love most about their community, what future they want for it, and how to achieve it. 

In partnership with the Montana Community Foundation and MSU Extension, the following towns were selected:

• Boulder
• Havre
• Broadus

Community Heart & Soul is open to communities with a population of 30,000 or less in Montana. The program follows three guiding principles to engage and improve communities: involve everyone, focus on what matters most, and play the long game. Selected communities will receive a $10,000 seed grant from Community Heart & Soul along with a $10,000 matching grant from the Montana Community Foundation to support community-based project coordinators and activities for up to two years. Communities will also receive support from a Montana-based Community Heart & Soul coach.

"Having left Havre, I made the intentional choice to return five years ago, drawn by the community, its residents, and our unique way of life, I am honored and excited to be part of the Community Heart & Soul project,” said Danielle Golie, Executive Director of United Way of Hill County. “To me, this initiative represents a community-wide effort to capture and celebrate what makes Havre truly special. It's about amplifying the voices of our residents and shaping a shared message—a vibe that embodies the heartbeat of living, working, and playing in Havre, Montana."

Mary Rutherford, President and CEO of the Montana Community Foundation expressed her excitement regarding the participating communities: “Through our partnership with Community Heart & Soul, we’re uniting people to shape a shared vision for their community and ensure its success for future generations.”

Mark Sherman, President of Community Heart & Soul, echoed Rutherford’s enthusiasm stating, “I would like to congratulate the communities of Boulder, Broadus, and Havre for having been selected to participate in Community Heart & Soul and look forward to tracking their progress in the coming months.”

Additional information on the Community Heart & Soul program, including general information and timelines, can be found on the MCF website at https://mtcf.org/about/about-us/local-community-foundations/community-heart-soul. For questions, please contact Community & Economic Vitality Program Officer, Taylor Crowl at (406) 603-4913 or taylor@mtcf.org.
 

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About Community Heart & Soul

Community Heart & Soul, a nonprofit organization, builds stronger, healthier, and more economically vibrant small cities and towns across the United States. In addition to promoting the Community Heart & Soul model, the organization trains and supports a nationwide network of Certified Community Heart & Soul Coaches who provide training and guidance to over 120 local communities.  The organization is currently offering $10,000 Seed Grants to qualifying small cities and towns to start the Community Heart & Soul process.

www.communityheartandsoul.org 

About the Montana Community Foundation

The Montana Community Foundation’s mission is to cultivate a culture of giving so Montana communities can flourish. Founded in 1988, MCF manages more than $188.5 million in assets and administers more than 1,470 philanthropic funds and planned gifts. Since its founding, MCF has reinvested more than $100 million in Montana through scholarships, grants, and programs. Learn more at www.mtcf.org.