A Summer of Support

Local Leaders,

As summer heats up, we know that community foundations are in the midst of countless projects. For some, this season means preparing for annual fundraisers, such as Greater Polson Community Foundation’s “Passion for Polson”, which we had the pleasure of attending recently. For others, it is about executing strategic initiatives, such as Musselshell Valley Community Foundation’s “Roundup Independence Days Extravaganza”, which is vibrant community-wide celebration.  

Amidst all this hard work, we want to remind you that we are here to support you. This issue of the Local Leader is packed with resources designed to lighten your load – from tools to aid your fundraising efforts for the LCF+ Incentive Program, to materials to enhance board practices.

We hope you find these resources helpful as you tackle your community foundation’s summer projects. Remember, we are just an email, call, or visit away if you need any support. And amidst your busy schedule, we hope you are finding time for summer adventures with family, friends, and community.

With gratitude,

Taylor Crowl
LCF, Program Officer
taylor@mtcf.org

P.S. Would you like to chat about your final push for the LCF+ Incentive Program? Please reach out so we can schedule some time with me or a member of our Philanthropy Team. 

LCF+ Toolkit

We are at the midpoint for year one of the LCF+ Incentive Program - $1 Million for Montana, so we wanted to highlight another tool in the LCF+ Toolkit: an appeal letter focusing on the Montana Endowment Tax Credit.

Download the appeal letter here and check out an excerpt below!

Would you like your support for [local community foundation] to go further? We are reaching out about a tool – the Montana Endowment Tax Credit (METC) – which will help you maximize your impact.

METC is an above-the-line tax credit on your Montana income tax. It offers a 40% tax credit for planned gifts to qualified endowment funds, with annual individual and joint filing limits of $15,000 and $30,000, respectively. For businesses, it offers a 20% tax credit on cash contributions up to $15,000 annually.

The excitement does not end there. In 2024, we are raising $[x] for our endowment. When we achieve this goal, the Montana Community Foundation will add $5,000 to our effort for grants in our [community].

METC is a win-win-win. Your donation to our endowment will support our community for generations to come, reduce your tax liability, and help us secure an extra $5,000 in grants for [community]. 
 

LCF+ Toolkit

Does your LCF need a specific tool, or do you have ideas about which tools would be helpful? If so, please reach out to Taylor at taylor@mtcf.org or (406) 603-4913. 

Quarterly Webinars

This year, we will be hosting a webinar each quarter for LCFs. We have chosen a number of topics, ranging from fundraising to communications. We hope that staff, board members, or volunteers from your community foundation can join us!

“Chat GPT, Canva, and Easy-to-Use Marketing Tools” – Wednesday, August 14 at 12:00 pm

Would you like to learn about easy-to-use marketing tools that will take your community foundation’s communications to the next level? If so, join us to leverage simple yet powerful digital resources to amplify your impact.

This year, we will be hosting a webinar each quarter for LCFs. We have chosen a number of topics, ranging from fundraising to communications. We hope that staff, board members, or volunteers from your community foundation can join us!

“Gearing Up for Planned Giving” – Wednesday, November 12 at 12:00 pm

Is one of your goals for the “Giving Season” to secure a planned gift for your community foundation? If so, join us to learn about how your community foundation can set itself up for success, and how our Philanthropy Team can help you with these endeavors.  

Did you miss the other quarterly webinar on “Setting Up a Fundraising Plan” and “How to Ask for a Gift in a Will”? You can check out the recordings here and here. Do you have suggestions for a topic for a quarterly webinar? If you do, please reach out to Taylor at taylor@mtcf.org or (406) 603-4913 to let her know. 

Effective Board Practices: Navigating Conflict

When it comes to ensuring that your community foundation will be around for generations to come, it is just as important to have an effective board as it is to have a substantial endowment. However, creating an effective board often involves navigating conflict. Conflict is not necessarily a bad thing. Conflict, when managed well, can lead to stronger decisions and better ideas.

If conflict – which could range from contrasting thoughts about the community foundation’s direction to misunderstandings among board members – is coming up, check out the resources below:

• MSU Extension’s Big Sky, Big Leadership program provides a series of 20-minute videos on understanding and resolving conflict: watch them here.
• The University of Kansas’ Community Tool Box offers valuable tips and tricks for managing board dynamics, ensuring all voices are heard and represented: read them here.  

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.

• Phillips County Community Foundation: “Community Need Exceeds Available Funds”
• Seeley Lake Community Foundation: “Record-Breaking Year for Change Your Pace”

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!

• MNA’s Nonprofit Resource Library: If your LCF is looking for sample forms and policies on a number of topics – ranging from fundraising to financial management to succession planning – check out MNA’s free Nonprofit Resource Library. In addition, MNA hosts MNA Connect, which is a community forum for nonprofits to ask specific questions and share resources.
• Headwaters Foundation’s Go! Grants: If your LCF is in Western Montana and working on projects that promote health for children and families in rural communities, then you may be a good fit for a $7,500 General Operating (GO!) Grant from Headwaters Foundation. More information can be found on their Grant FAQs. 
• Reimagining Rural Road Show: If your LCF is in Eastern Montana, check out this opportunity with our partners at MSU Extension in Miles City on September 17-18! The Reimagining Rural Road Show will bring together community leaders, volunteers, and trailblazers with regional and statewide agencies, organizations, and professionals – all under one roof. 

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