January, 2026

A Letter from Tom McGree, MCF Board Chair

Dear Friends,

As I begin my second year serving as chair of the Montana Community Foundation (MCF) Board of Directors, I do so with a deep sense of fulfillment and optimism for what 2026 holds. It is an honor to work alongside such a dedicated board and staff, and to serve a foundation that is truly shaping Montana’s future through giving.

The past year reminded us that volatility, particularly in the stock market, can be a constant. In 2025, shifting trade policies and economic uncertainty tested investors nationwide. Thanks to thoughtful, long-term investment strategies developed with our outsourced Chief Investment Officer, Cambridge Associates, MCF’s portfolio is built to weather challenging markets. Our investment approach is designed to stand the test of time, ensuring we are well-positioned as markets stabilize and recover.

That steadfastness helped fuel a record-breaking year. In 2025, MCF granted more than $10.5 million. Thanks to thousands of generous donors, $6 million was distributed from endowments, directly benefiting more than 800 organizations doing remarkable work across our state. Local community foundations reinvested more than $1 million back into their hometowns, the Women’s Foundation of Montana granted $750,000, and our collaboration with the Otto Bremer Trust brought $1.5 million to Montana to support education, healthcare access, and infrastructure. Student scholarships reached nearly $1 million, opening doors for Montana’s next generation.

This year also marked a time of transition. We extend our sincere thanks to six board members who completed their terms of service: Cami Skinner (Sidney), Karen Latka (Helena), Mary Ann Phipps (Glendive), Greg Hanson (Philipsburg), Steffi Seigel (Bozeman/West Yellowstone), and Jo Ann Eder (Red Lodge). Their leadership and commitment have strengthened our organization. We are equally pleased to welcome three new board members—Courtney Brown Kibblewhite (Billings), Leslie Messer (Sidney), and David Peretto (Helena)—whose perspectives and passion will help guide our work forward.

As we look ahead, I am excited to continue this momentum with the board and the MCF team. Together, we will advance MCF vision that every Montana community has the resources it needs to thrive. I look forward to engaging with you throughout the year as we work to make more possible for Montana.

Warm regards,

Tom McGree

MCF Welcomes Three New Board Members

The Montana Community Foundation is proud to announce the addition of three new board members to its Board of Directors. These individuals represent communities and businesses across the state. 

 The new members began their three-year terms on January 1, 2026. The new board members are: 

• Leslie Messer (Sidney). Leslie is the Executive Director of Richland Economic Development Corporation.
• David Peretto (Helena). David is a financial analyst with Dick Anderson Construction.
• Courtney Brown Kibblewhite (Billings). Courtney is the Vice President and Co-Owner of Northern Broadcasting System. 

The Board of Directors is integral to shaping the direction of the Montana Community Foundation. Read more about our newest members, new officers, and a full list of members serving the board.

 MCF’s board members represent the diverse communities of Montana, bringing statewide perspectives and expertise to our mission. This map highlights where our dedicated board members live and serve, with each red dot representing a location and the number within it indicating how many board members reside there. Together, they illustrate our commitment to supporting all corners of our state.

Scholarship Applications are Now Open

As the Montana Community Foundation enters its 38th year of supporting Montana students, we continue our strong commitment to educational access and opportunity. With nearly 60 scholarships available and award amounts ranging from $500 to $10,000, MCF typically awards more than $1 million in scholarships each year. Scholarship applications are due by March 31, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. MST.

View scholarships via the Scholarship Directory or take the scholarship eligibility quiz to find your matches based on criteria and eligibility. 

 Scholarship Spotlight

•  Nep & Mary Ellen Lynch Trade School Scholarship - is intended to support Montana high school students - current graduating seniors and previous graduates - pursuing education at accredited trade schools.
• Alan & Janette Blackburn Scholarship - for the benefit of students who have graduated, or who will graduate, from a Montana High School. Rural communities may have a preference, and students must have a 3.5 GPA or higher.
• Bigger Sky Scholarship – for students who have graduated from a high school on the Fort Peck Reservation within the last three years, demonstrate financial need, and are accepted or enrolled in higher education.  

Available Grants at MCF

• William B. Pratt Endowment Fund – January 1 – March 31, 2026. Grants to benefit Montana Indigenous, Folk, Traditional, and Media arts.
• Darby Town Endowment Fund – February 1 – 28, 2026. Grants for projects benefiting communities or residents in Darby, Montana. 

Two New Podcast Episodes: Impact Under the Big Sky

Episode 9

Heather Ohs sits down with MCF scholarship recipient, Celia Fetterhoff, and Impact Programs Operations Manager, Corey Kopp to discuss scholarships at MCF. Celia is a student at Montana State University and provides a perspective on the impact of scholarship awards and the elements of scholarship applications. 

Episode 10

Financial Advisors can be a key player in creating a legacy. Heather Ohs sits down with Dan Trost of D.A. Davidson, Trost Wealth Management in Helena, to discuss how Financial Advisors play a key role in charitable giving strategies

In Case You Missed It

Seeley Lake Community Foundation Celebrates 25 Years

The Seeley Lake Community Foundation (SLCF) is proudly celebrating 25 years of community-driven philanthropy—an incredible milestone rooted in vision, generosity, and a deep love for the Seeley Lake area.

 As part of the anniversary, SLCF unveiled a new Founders Memorial honoring the humble beginnings that sparked a lasting legacy. The commemorative artwork, created by Seeley-Swan High School senior Kendall Genson, reflects the foundation’s origin story: the founders signing a $250 check to the Montana Community Foundation, the natural beauty of the Swan Mountain Range, and tree roots symbolizing founder Stan Nicholson’s enduring sense of “rootedness” in this place.

 The artwork and accompanying plaque were revealed at a Founders Breakfast in early December, bringing together founders, family members, and community supporters for a meaningful morning filled with stories, gratitude, and reflection.

 In its first 25 years, SLCF has distributed more than $1.9 million to projects benefiting the Seeley Lake area. As Executive Director, Claire Muller shared, “This milestone is only possible because of the thousand-plus people each year who contribute—through giving, volunteering, and working alongside the incredible local organizations we support.”

 Twenty-five years in, the Seeley Lake Community Foundation is honoring its past while looking ahead with excitement—because this story is just getting started.

Artwork by Kendall Genson, reflects the foundation’s origin story: the founders signing a $250 check to the Montana Community Foundation.