Welcoming a New Year of Local Impact

Local Leaders, 

As we step into 2026, I find myself feeling deeply grateful for the local community foundations across Montana, and the steady, meaningful work you do every day. Whether you’re supporting students, responding to community needs, strengthening local nonprofits, or stewarding the generosity of your neighbors, your leadership makes a real difference. The impact of local philanthropy is powerful because it’s rooted in place, and that work doesn’t happen without your dedication.

I also want to thank you for the collaboration, creativity, and care you bring to our statewide network. Our LCFs are thoughtful, resilient, and generous with one another. It’s a privilege to work alongside leaders who are so committed to their communities. 

Looking ahead, I’m truly excited about what 2026 has in store. We have so many great things planned: opportunities to learn, connect, and grow, along with new resources designed to support your work. I can’t wait to continue building momentum together in the year ahead and see the ways your communities continue to thrive. 

With appreciation and excitement,

Shyanne Wallace

Planning for 2026

As you begin planning for the year ahead, please let us know what events and activities you have planned. Sharing your event information helps MCF support promotional efforts. It also helps us make sure MCF is following state and federal rules, for those LCF’s organized under MCF’s 501(c)3 status.  

New forms and paperwork were issued at the beginning of the new year. This includes the Annual Affiliate Form, Conflict of Interest forms, and the Local Community Foundation board member roster. These materials, along with additional resources, are available on our Affiliate Policy and Procedure Manual page. They are essential for our records and reporting, and we ask that they be completed promptly to help keep everything running smoothly.

The same email also contained the current Expense Reimbursement form. Please use the most up-to-date version going forward, as this helps us process reimbursements efficiently and avoid delays.

2026 is going to be full of incredible events and opportunities to connect with your community. If you need to talk through some of your ideas or projects, Shyanne is happy to support you. To schedule a meeting, email or call Shyanne at 406-230-2785 or shyanne@mtcf.org

Learning & Connection

Coming Soon: Rooted & Ready

We’re excited to expand learning and connection opportunities for local community foundations in 2026. This year, we’ll be offering monthly webinars through our Rooted and Ready webinar series, focused on timely topics, practical tools, and shared learning. These webinars are designed to support both new and experienced foundation leaders in their work. Stay tuned for more registration details via email. 

Grounds for Conversation

In addition, we’re launching a monthly LCF coffee hour, Grounds for Conversation. This time is an informal gathering created simply for connection. This space is intended for conversation, questions, idea sharing, and peer support, with no formal agenda required. Whether you’re looking to learn from others, talk through a challenge, or just connect with fellow LCF leaders, we hope this becomes a valuable and welcoming touchpoint. Sign up today.

Reimagining Rural

Reimagining Rural remains a powerful opportunity for communities to pause, reflect, and think creatively about what’s possible. We are excited to announce the launch of the 2026 Reimagining Rural Virtual Community Gathering: Groundwork. 

The three-part virtual series on February 4, 11, and 18, 2026, aims to build local leadership capacity, strengthen community connections, and shift the narrative around rural vitality—from decline to opportunity. Community teams hear from rural practitioners and peers, and discuss ideas for their towns.

Montana communities with populations of 5,000 or fewer are invited to apply. Ideal participants include active community members, nonprofit leaders, government representatives, and members of local civic organizations. 

 Participating communities will be eligible to apply for Reimagining Rural Next Step Grants, funded by the Wells Fargo Foundation. These competitive grants, ranging from $7,500 to $10,000, support communities ready to move from inspiration to action on community-driven projects

As we kick off the 2026 Reimagining Rural year, we’re pleased to share some additional exciting news. Thanks to the tremendous partnership and support of the Montana Community Foundation, Reimagining Rural has received special funding from the Wells Fargo Foundation to further support and expand the important work happening across rural Montana. This investment will bring new and expanded opportunities to engage, share, learn, and grow together.

For more information about Reimagining Rural, check out Reimagine Rural - Community Development | Montana State University. 

Seely 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.

LCF's 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. 

• The Gift Of Giving: Valley County Community Foundation Supports Valley County - The Glasgow Courier 
• Lincoln Co. Community Foundation gets big $ boost | Western News
• Cut Bank Community Foundation reaches 10,000 Goal – More grants to be awarded.

Want to see more about your local community foundation in the news? If so, please reach out to Shyanne at shyanne@mtcf.org or (406) 230-2785 to brainstorm ways to promote your efforts, such as writing press releases and letters to the editor or pitching stories to your local newspaper.