Rooted in Community, Growing Together

Local Leaders,

As we move into a new season, I am reminded of the vital role Local Community Foundations (LCFs) play in keeping our communities strong, connected, and resilient. At the Montana Community Foundation (MCF), we help you shape Montana’s future through giving — and through the LCF Program, we partner with communities to build endowments and invest in locally driven solutions, ensuring they have the resources to thrive now and for generations to come. Whether you’re helping neighbors give back to your small town or responding to pressing needs, your work is making a lasting difference.

This issue of the Local Leader is packed with updates for MCF’s growing network of LCFs – which now includes 45 LCFs with the exciting addition of the brand-new Cut Bank Community Foundation! You’ll also find details about our upcoming LCF Convening in Glendive and schedule for our upcoming LCF quarterly webinars, both designed to support your continued learning and connection.

We’re also closely watching the shifting landscape of federal funding. From food banks to health clinics, we know that communities and nonprofits across the state depend on federal funding and are already feeling the strain. In this issue, you’ll find timely resources from our partners at the Montana Nonprofit Association to help your LCF stay informed and support nonprofits in your community through these uncertain times.   

Thanks for all you do to build a bright future, one community at a time.  

P.S. Have you checked out MCF’s 2024 Impact Report? It celebrates the impact of generosity across the state and recognizes the partnerships, programs, and people that are building stronger communities for today and tomorrow. Plus, there is a great story on Powder River Community Endowment Fund! 

2024 Annual Impact Report

The 2024 Impact Report includes stories and highlights of the Montana Community Foundation over the past year.

Read it here.

Welcome to the Family: Cut Bank Community Foundation

We are thrilled to welcome Cut Bank Community Foundation as the newest member of Montana’s growing network of LCFs! Based in the heart of Glacier County, this LCF is led by a dedicated group of community members strengthening Cut Bank for current residents and future generations.

Cut Bank Community Foundation is already hard at work building their endowment, ensuring there is local funding for nonprofits and community-based projects in the area. If you, or someone you know, has a connection to Cut Bank, let them know there is a new way to support this corner of Montana! 

Learn More About Cut Bank Community Foundation Here

LCF Convening: Join Us in Glendive!

In March, we hosted the first LCF Convening and Rural Community Builder Summit of 2025 in Roundup! Despite the snowy conditions, we had a great turnout with 45+ attendees. A big “thank you” to Musselshell Valley Community Foundation for letting us learn in your community.

Want to join for the next one? Join us in Glendive on May 6 for a day of connecting and learning. We will cover topics like community development, fundraising, volunteer and board management, and marketing and promotions. These events are free for LCFs and hosted in partnership with the Montana Nonprofit Association and MSU Extension Community Vitality.

Register Now

Quarterly Webinars
 

We will be hosting quarterly webinars for LCFs again this year. We have chosen a number of different topics, ranging from grantmaking to fundraising. We hope that staff, board members, and volunteers from your community foundation can join us! Below is information about the first two webinars.

“Innovative Practices in Grantmaking” – Wednesday, May 21 at Noon

Do you want to know about different approaches in grantmaking to increase your impact? If so, join us to hear about new strategies centered around equitable grantmaking. 

“The Art of the Ask” – Wednesday, August 13 at Noon

Do you want to feel more confident and prepared when it comes to making the ask? If so, join us for a practical session with simple strategies on how to talk with community members about contributing to your endowment, sponsoring your event, or making a legacy gift. 

Did you miss other quarterly webinars? If so, you can catch up on them here:

• “Setting Up a Fundraising Plan”
• “Asking for a Gift in a Will or Estate Plan”
• “Easy-To-Use Marketing Tools”
• “Gearing Up for Planned Giving”
• “LCFs Driving Change in Their Towns” 

Federal Funding Impacts: Support for Montana Communities

There are a lot of reductions happening with federal funding and programs right now. We know that communities across the state are already feeling the impact – such as your local food bank facing uncertainty about their programs, services, and supplies.

Federal funding is a cornerstone of Montana’s economy and plays a critical role in strengthening our communities and nonprofits. As these changes ripple out, we know your LCF may be wondering how best to support organizations in your area.

Our partners at the Montana Nonprofit Association are closely monitoring these developments and actively advocating on behalf of communities and nonprofits across the state. They have also gathered several helpful resources you can check out or share with nonprofits in your community:

• Report: Potential Impacts of Federal Funding Cuts on Montanans and Montana’s Economy
• Newsletter: MNA is Monitoring Executive Actions Regarding Nonprofits

We will continue to share updates and resources as they become available. Let us know how your LCF is responding – we would love to share your story or support your efforts. 

LCFs in the News

Across Montana, LCFs are tackling countless projects – and many of them have received great news coverage for their hard work! Check out the articles below to see what other LCFs have been up to.

• “Coming Up: Give Great Falls 2025”
• “Powell County Community Foundation Awards Over $50,000 to Local Organizations”
• “Cut Bank Community Foundation Officially Launched” 

Want to see more about your local community foundation in the news? If so, please reach out to Taylor at taylor@mtcf.org or (406) 603-4913. We can brainstorm ways to promote your efforts, like writing press releases or pitching stories to your local newspaper.

Resources and Opportunities

Below are some resources and funding opportunities that may be of interest. Please feel free to share them with others in your community as well!

• LOR Foundation: Are you involved with a creative project to improve mental health or social well-being in your community? If so, check out LOR Foundation’s Field Work Grants. Starting on May 12, funding is available ranging from $1,000-$25,000 for mental health projects in rural communities across Montana. 
• T-Mobile Hometown Grants: A grant opportunity that awards up to 100 towns a year with up to $50,000 each for projects that build, rebuild, or refresh community spaces that foster connections in your town. Applications are due quarterly on March 31st, June 30th, September 30th, and December 31st.    

Give Now