May 2025
 

Letter from Mary

Dear Friends,

As Montana thaws and blooms, we’re reflecting on the progress of the first quarter and looking ahead with purpose. At the Montana Community Foundation (MCF), this season reminds us that growth—personal, financial, or community-driven—takes time and intention. That’s why we take seriously our role in stewarding not just investments, but impact.

At MCF, we help shape Montana’s future through connection, collaboration, and care. That means stewarding gifts, yes, and it also means investing in communities through grantmaking, scholarships, and programs like the LCF+ Incentive Program and Community Heart & Soul. It means supporting local leaders, listening to what matters most, and ensuring that every effort we make today helps strengthen Montana for tomorrow.

In this issue of Infinity, we share stories of that impact in motion: we have a strong start to 2025 with our Spring Investment Update; the launch of the Cut Bank Community Foundation, already sparked by the generosity of a local teen; our new MMIP billboard campaign honoring families and raising awareness for the Snowbird Fund; a fresh round of Reimagining Rural grants; and a video spotlight on our Gift and Estate Planning Director, Alley Fontenot.

Thank you for being part of this work. Together, we can shape Montana’s future through giving.

Sincerely,

2025 Spring Investment Update

At MCF, we understand that strong communities are built on long-term stewardship. That’s why we work closely with our Investment Committee and our investment partner Cambridge Associates to manage our portfolio with care, discipline, and transparency.

In the first quarter of 2025, global markets presented both challenges and opportunities. While U.S. stocks declined due to investor concerns around new tariffs, international markets—especially Europe and China—showed signs of growth. Our Foundation portfolio remained steady, returning 0.5%, which outperformed our policy benchmark. We continue to monitor shifts in global trade policy and inflation risk as we pursue long-term growth that supports our donors, grantees, and Montana communities for generations to come.

Thank you for trusting us with your philanthropic goals.

Yesterday, we hosted our Virtual Investment Update, and you can watch the recording below.

MCF Highlights Snowbird Fund with Statewide Billboard Campaign

In recognition of Missing and National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) on May 5, MCF launched a statewide billboard campaign to spotlight the Snowbird Fund, which provides direct financial assistance to Native families in Montana searching for missing loved ones. The billboards, featuring artwork by Jen Murphy of the Chippewa Cree Tribes, are displayed in communities including Glasgow, Havre, Cut Bank, Polson, Billings, and Hardin, and will remain up through the end of June.

Established in 2021 by Montana businesswoman Whitney Williams, the Snowbird Fund offers grants of up to $1,000 to help cover expenses such as travel, lodging, equipment, and awareness campaigns during search efforts. Since its inception, the fund has awarded over 67 grants totaling nearly $70,000. Applications are reviewed by an all-Indigenous committee, and assistance is available year-round.

Read the full article here.

For more information or to apply, visit www.snowbirdfund.org. 

New LCF – Cut Bank Community Foundation

The Cut Bank Community Foundation (CBCF) officially launched on March 26, 2025, marking a new chapter in local philanthropy. In partnership with the Montana Community Foundation (MCF), CBCF aims to build a permanent endowment to support local organizations and projects. An advisory board of community members leads fundraising and grantmaking efforts. To kickstart its grantmaking, the foundation set a goal to raise $7,500 by May 31, 2025, with MCF offering a $5,000 match. This initiative will enable the foundation to award $5,000 in grants to local organizations and projects this year.

A heartwarming highlight of the campaign came on May 2, when Olivia Bradley, a Glacier County 4-H ambassador and teen leader, presented CBCF with a check for $1,015, the largest donation received so far. Olivia raised $2,030 through her 4-H community branding project on the old Gambles building in Cut Bank, donating half to CBCF and the other half to the Montana 4-H Foundation. Her generous contribution underscores the community's commitment to fostering local initiatives and the inspiring role young leaders play in shaping the future.

Read more about the newest LCF here. 

Investing in Small Town Potential

Thirteen Montana communities are receiving a total of $22,750 through the 2025 Reimagining Rural grant program to bring new ideas and local projects to life. Led by MSU Extension in partnership with MCF, Reimagining Rural helps small towns build stronger relationships, spark local leadership, and take action toward a brighter future.

Now in its fifth year, the program has reached 58 communities and awarded over $140,000 in grant funding. This year’s awards reflect creative ideas inspired by February’s virtual gathering, where rural advocates and community leaders shared insights on revitalization and resilience.

Alley Fontenot | The Faces of MCF

We’re excited to launch a new series that gives you a behind-the-scenes look at the people who make the Montana Community Foundation what it is!

First up: meet Alley Fontenot, our Gift and Estate Planning Director. In this video, Alley shares what she does at MCF and why she’s passionate about helping Montanans leave lasting legacies.

Stay tuned as we continue to spotlight the incredible individuals behind our mission!

In Case You Missed It

• Quarter 1 Statements are now available
• MCF’s 2024 Impact Report hit mailboxes and inboxes early last month
• MCF has a Podcast! Listen to Impact Under the Big Sky on Spotify and watch on YouTube

Give Now