In Stanford, Montana, the Staple Bar Ranch Fund stands as a shining example of how family-directed charitable dollars can transform a small-town community. Established in 2014 by Tom and Freda Evans at the Montana Community Foundation (MCF), the fund honors the Evans family's legacy and supports local causes in the Stanford area.

“This wouldn’t have happened without a knowledgeable accountant who gave us the courage to make this happen and then guided us through all of the tools and the additional guidance of MCF,” said Karen Latka, daughter of Tom and Freda Evans.

A landmark moment came when the Staple Bar Ranch Fund committed $500,000 in matching funds to help revitalize the Judith Basin County Fairgrounds. This dollar-for-dollar pledge served as a powerful catalyst, enabling the nonprofit Stanford Open to upgrade facilities and reenergize a central asset for the town.

Since 2015, the fund has also granted more than $264,000 to the Judith Basin County Free Library, enriching access to education, technology, and community space in the region.

Why this fund is a model for rural philanthropy:

1. Family roots, community focus
Named after the family’s working ranch on the outskirts of Stanford, the fund reflects personal connections—the Evans family lives and works there, and Karen Latka acts as fund representative and serves on the MCF board. Family involvement ensures the fund remains deeply grounded in local needs and intent.

2. Amplifying impact through matching grants
The $500,000 match significantly boosted local fundraising efforts. It inspired others to contribute, creating momentum around a transformative community project.

3. Working through a statewide foundation
By partnering with MCF, donors benefit from professional grant management, pooled investment growth, financial oversight, and tax efficiencies. MCF manages hundreds of funds totaling hundreds of millions of dollars, which provides long-term sustainability for community giving.

4. Serving rural Montana well
MCF is recognized for its success in serving small communities across the state. Its intentional programming and statewide reach allow places like Stanford fair access to knowledge and resources.

What rural families can learn from this model:

• Create an endowed fund tied to your community to support the causes your family cares about—forever.
• Partner with community foundations to access local knowledge, administrative support, and professional investment management.
• Leave a legacy with personal resonance by naming your fund after a place, value, or family story that reflects your roots.

The Staple Bar Ranch Fund exemplifies how a family with deep local connections can spark meaningful change in a small town by combining intentional giving, strategic grantmaking, and trusted institutional support. It’s a blueprint for rural philanthropy grounded in place, purpose, and permanence. If you’re interested in learning more about how you can make an impact in your community, contact the Montana Community Foundation at (406)443-8313 or visit our website at www.mtcf.org.