Foundation News
March Infinity 2024
March 14, 2024
March 2024
Letter from Kacie Tollefson
Dear Friends,
We are delighted to announce that in early March, the Montana Community Foundation (MCF) distributed a remarkable $5.25 million through our annual endowment distribution. This generous allocation is poised to bolster the remarkable work of charitable organizations across Montana.
An endowment stands as a testament to perpetual giving, a fund meticulously nurtured to forever support charitable endeavors. As this fund flourishes, its returns become a vital lifeline for designated beneficiary organizations, Donor Advised Funds, and more.
It is with great pride that we acknowledge your pivotal role in this philanthropic landscape. Whether your organization directly established an endowment with MCF, or is the fortunate beneficiary of a donor's benevolence, the impact of your partnership is profound.
Let's keep moving forward together and create a better future for all Montanans!
Sincerely,
Kacie Tollefson
MCF Vice President, Finance and Administration
Annual Endowment Distribution
The Montana Community Foundation, Inc. (MCF) distributed funds the week of March 4, 2024, through electronic funds transfer payments and checks for the fundholders and their beneficiaries’ benefit. Fundholders can review the details of their distribution on the fund portal.
If you have any questions regarding this endowment distribution, please contact us at 406-443-8313 or info@mtcf.org.
Meet our New Staff!
Corey Kopp - Scholarship Manager
Corey joined the Montana Community Foundation in January 2024 as the Scholarship Manager. In his role, he implements, coordinates, directs, and maintains the MCF scholarship program, including preparation of new scholarship agreements, maintenance and monitoring of existing scholarships, and maintaining regular contact with donors and students, as well as supporting volunteer scholarship committees. Corey graduated from Gonzaga University with a B.A. in Criminal Justice and Sociology and holds an M.Ed. from Western Washington University in Student Personnel Administration. Corey has also worked for MSU Northern in Havre and Augustana University in Sioux Falls, SD. Corey is a musician and owns Spruce and Steel Music in Havre. Corey is located in our Havre office: 305 3rd Ave, Ste 205, Havre, MT 59501
Sara Whittle - Gift Planner
Sara joined the Montana Community Foundation in January 2024 as a Gift Planner. In her role, she works with individual givers and provides philanthropic resources to MCF’s nonprofit fund holders. Sara holds a B.A. and M.A. in Communications from the University of Wyoming in Laramie, WY. Sara has also worked for MSU Billings, Rocky Mountain College in Billings, and the University of Wyoming in Laramie, WY. Sara (“no h”) Whittle joins Sarah (with an H) Morris at MCF. To reduce confusion, we now refer to Sara Whittle as ”Whitty.“ Sara finds joy in quality moments with her two daughters, engaging in home projects in Billings, and exploring the outdoors through hiking and running in our beautiful state. Sara is located in Billings, MT.
Otto Bremer Trust Community Responsive Fund
As a trusted partner to the Otto Bremer Trust the Montana Community Foundation (MCF) will grant out $1.5 Million to Montana organizations from the Otto Bremer Trust Community Responsive Fund. The pre-application for the Otto Bremer Trust Community Responsive Fund will closes on Sunday, March 31, 2024.
Learn more here.
Scholarship Applications Close on Sunday, March 31, 2024
All scholarship applications are due March 31, 2024. Applications needing FAFSA data can be submitted without the information, allowing for flexibility during the FAFSA process transition.
Applicants are required to provide missing FAFSA data to MCF as soon as possible once they receive the information.
If you are applying for a financial need-based scholarship, learn more about the 2024-2025 FASFA Form.
Want to know what scholarships you are eligible for?
Apply for MCF Scholarships here.
Once you have completed the eligibility quiz, you will be able to apply for the scholarships you qualify for.
OR
Find scholarships you are eligible for in our Scholarship Directory and use the Scholarship Access Code to apply.
MCF Open Grant Cycles
Community Investment Program – Grants to support communities in Rosebud, Custer, and Fallon County. Closes March 31, 2024.
Community Responsive Fund – Grants through Otto Bremer Trust for local organizations directly responding to immediate challenges in their communities. Closes March 31, 2024.
Reimaging Rural – To support projects, programs, or initiatives that result from ideas learned during the Reimagining Rural Virtual Gathering (RR5). Closes March 29, 2024.
William B Pratt Endowment – Grants to benefit Montana Indigenous, Folk, Traditional, and Media arts. Closes April 1, 2024.
Valley County Masonic Endowment – Grants to benefit communities and residents of Valley County. Closes March 31, 2024.
Rural Leadership Summit – Forsyth, MT
April 23 @ 9:30 am – 4:30 pm For community foundations, nonprofits, and community leaders. We welcome local and regional community leaders, organizational staff, and volunteers to attend this day of connection and learning. Register here.
Local Community Foundation Leaders can join for free and are invited to attend an LCF welcome event on March April 22nd as well.
Hosted by MSU Extension, Montana Community Foundation, and Montana Nonprofit Association
Community Heart and Soul, Info Session in Montana
The seed for Community Heart & Soul was planted by businessman, Lyman Orton, who, with his three sons, is the proprietor of The Vermont Country Store. Orton served on his town’s Planning Commission when it was wrestling with divisive proposals and grew frustrated that decisions being made that would shape the town’s future were without guidance from the majority of the residents. Orton recognized that there had to be a better way–one that reflected the hopes, dreams, and ideas of the entire community and not just the few who regularly attended Planning Commission meetings.
Funded through profits from The Vermont Country Store, Orton created a nonprofit organization with the mission of establishing a community development process that engages all voices within a community in determining what matters most to the people who live there and using their ideas and aspirations as the blueprint for future decision-making.
Learn more about Community Heart and Soul through a virtual info session for Montana communities on Tuesday, April 2nd from 12:00-1:00 pm. Register here.
