Foundation News
Infinity: October 2026
October 21, 2026
October 2026
When you think about the Montana you want to leave behind for the next generation, you already know what matters most in your town: maybe it’s a robust community center where everyone can gather or the network of accessible trails that enable everyone to enjoy the outdoor access that makes our state special.
What you might not have figured out yet is how to establish long-term support for all the things you value so that they can continue far into the future.
It takes coming up with a plan, and the Montana Community Foundation can help you build one. We know Montana, and we work alongside local organizations that understand their communities’ needs. All our staff live in our great state — we're committed! Our lasting relationships and giving expertise help you connect your generosity with your goals.
The third week of October is National Estate Planning Awareness Week, a reminder to consider the difference you want to make today and the legacy you hope to leave.
Our Strive for 5 initiative is one way to put those hopes into action. Consider leaving 5% of your estate to support your community. A small portion of what you’ve built can help sustain the places you love for decades to come.
Begin your giving with the end in mind. Picture what you want to achieve and consider how a gift today or through your estate can make that future possible.
A plan starts with a conversation. We’d welcome the chance to hear what matters most to you and be your trusted partner in crafting a lasting legacy for Montana.
From submissions by 50 talented artists across the state, a group of Montana Community Foundation board members and staff members has selected the grand prize and four category winners for the second annual Images that Shape Montana art contest.
This year, photographer Jordan Lefler of Arlee won the grand prize for his image, titled “Still Here.”
“This image was created as part of a series bringing awareness to the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women crisis in Montana,” Jordan wrote of his submission. “Photographed at night, I used a single flash to bring the subject out of the darkness, a visual reminder of the women and families whose stories too often go unseen. This project was about using art to bring attention, visibility, and a voice to an issue that continues to deeply affect Indigenous communities across our state.”
Jordan will receive $1,500 and his photograph will be featured on the cover of the Montana Community Foundation’s annual report, in other publications, and on social media.
There are four category winners representing the impact areas central to the Montana Community Foundation’s mission: education, equity, and culture; community and economic vitality; land and resiliency; and health and well-being.
Thank you to every artist who participated and shared their talent and creativity, and congratulations to this year’s winners.
Earlier this month, the Reimagining Rural Roadshow made a stop in Winnett to tour some of the revitalization projects that are helping this small town thrive.
The roadshow is organized by Montana State University Extension, with support from Montana Community Foundation. This year’s event was hosted by Winnett ACES, the nonprofit behind major projects highlighted during the roadshow.
Montana Community Foundation’s Chief Operating Officer Jessica Stewart spoke at a recent forum about the North Plains Connector, a project by Grid United to develop an energy transmission line across Montana and North Dakota.
Montana Community Foundation works with Grid United on the Community Investment Program, established at and managed by MCF to award grants in the three rural counties — Rosebud, Custer, and Fallon — that the high-efficiency lines will run through. So far the program has granted more than $1.5 million in those communities.
Grid United has put those counties at the center of its work, Jessica said, letting them be the experts on what projects will have the most impact.
October 8 was National Donor Advised Fund Day. Also known as DAFs, donor-advised funds at Montana Community Foundation let you recommend grants to the nonprofits and causes you care about during your lifetime. We also offer endowed donor-advised funds, which are designed to last forever — not just during your lifetime but for generations to come.
Watch Alley Fontenot, gift and estate planning director, explain more about these impactful options and how they could also help you save on your taxes.
Stay Informed
You established your fund at Montana Community Foundation (MCF) to support the causes and communities you care about. We want you to understand how we’re managing those charitable dollars for lasting impact.
Join us for an investment update webinar with Cambridge Associates, MCF’s outsourced chief investment officer. You'll hear from:
- Alyssa Hsing, Investment Director
- Tim Shepard, Senior Investment Director
We’ll discuss how investments have performed, what’s happening in the markets, and how our investment approach supports your fund’s long-term goals. You will also have an opportunity to ask any questions you have about your fund or MCF’s investment strategies.
Date: Tuesday, October 27
Time: Noon (MDT)
Where: Webinar via Zoom, registration required
Apply by November 1
Eligible nonprofits and government entities in Rosebud, Custer, and Fallon counties, as well as the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation, can apply now for up to $50,000 in funding for innovative projects that enhance quality of life while strengthening communities in this corner of eastern Montana.
Montana Community Foundation’s Community Investment Program is accepting applications for its fall grant cycle, with a deadline of November 1, 2026. Montana Community Foundation awarded $130,350 to 12 projects this spring through the Community Investment Program (CIP).
The spring awards marked the seventh round of funding through the CIP. MCF has awarded $1,593,711 to projects serving eastern Montana since the CIP started in 2023.
Thad Houdeshell recently retired from his role as Montana Community Foundation’s grants and scholarships administrator. We’ll miss you, but the fish have had it easy long enough.
