Foundation News
November Infinity 2024
November 14, 2024
November 2024
Letter from Mary
We are thrilled to share exciting news about the Montana Community Foundation’s (MCF) Montana Impact Investing Program. This new initiative is designed to create positive, measurable social and environmental impacts alongside financial returns. You might recall from reading earlier announcements, this is a new endeavor for MCF. The MCF Board committed to investing 5% of our total investable assets in MONTANA opportunities. Once fully deployed, this will represent approximately $9 million invested in Montana’s main street, rather than Wall Street.
By investing in Montana opportunities, we aim to support sustainable development and economic growth across our state. Our approach to impact investing focuses on providing financial capital to organizations that address critical community needs, such as affordable housing, economic development, and social equity. Through these investments, we are committed to fostering long-term, sustainable change that benefits all Montanans.
This year, we are proud to partner with two remarkable organizations: NACDC Financial Services, Inc. (NACDCFS) and NeighborWorks Montana (NWMT). Each organization will receive a loan of $1,000,000 to support their impactful projects.
NACDC Financial Services, Inc. will utilize the funds to expand its Home Loan Program, addressing the critical need for affordable housing in Indigenous communities in Montana. With a current pipeline of 13 requests totaling over $3 million, NACDCFS aims to provide low-cost, long-term capital to increase home loan volume. This initiative will help many Indigenous families achieve homeownership, thereby improving their economic stability and quality of life.
NeighborWorks Montana will use the investment to support its diverse lending programs, including homebuyer down-payment assistance and real estate development financing. NWMT is focused on growing its loan pool to $65 million by 2027, which will enable the development of affordable housing, preservation of manufactured home parks, and innovation in homeownership pathways. This investment will significantly impact communities across Montana, from urban centers to rural areas, ensuring that more families have access to safe and affordable housing.
We are excited to embark on this journey with NACDC Financial Services, Inc. and NeighborWorks Montana in our first year of Impact Investing. Together, we are making a meaningful difference in the lives of Montanans and fostering a brighter future for our communities. Montana’s Impact Investing Program is part of our commitment to creating a brighter future for our communities and making a meaningful difference in the lives of Montanans.
With More Excitement Than You Can Imagine,
Celebrating Montana's Community Foundations and Philanthropy
This week, as we celebrate Community Foundation Week and anticipate National Philanthropy Day on November 15, we reflect on the remarkable impact of Montana’s Local Community Foundations (LCFs). These foundations drive positive change and support communities across the state.
A standout story is the LeVeque Family Trust’s recent $1.5 million estate gift to the Powder River Community Endowment Fund. This transformative gift will fund scholarships, helping local students pursue their educational dreams. The Community Foundation of Northern Rosebud County also exemplifies community resilience through its disaster relief funding for those affected by the Remington Fire.
Montana’s LCFs have a lot to celebrate. Recently, the Valley County Community Foundation marked their 25th Anniversary, and the West Yellowstone Foundation hosted its annual Happening event, bringing together community members for a night of support and celebration. And the Absarokee Community Foundation honored local heroes with its Hometown Heroes Dinner.
Honoring Montana's Veterans
As we honor our veterans this Veterans Day, we reflect on the Montana Veterans Fund, which has supported our state’s heroes since it began with the Big Sky Honor Flight in 2012. This fund, created to sustain the mission of the Honor Flight, now provides grants to organizations across Montana, supporting veterans with mental health resources, education, and employment assistance.
Join us in continuing this legacy. By making a gift to the Montana Veterans Fund, you help sustain vital programs that honor and support our veterans’ health and well-being. Thank you for helping us carry forward this spirit of service.
Navigating Year-End Giving: We’re Here to Help Your Gifts Shine in 2024
As the holiday season approaches, our minds turn to festive gatherings, twinkling lights, and, of course, the joy of giving. If you're considering making a charitable impact before the year bids adieu, we've got some key dates and tips to make your year-end giving a seamless success.
Important Dates to Pencil In:
- December 13 (Friday): Transfers of mutual funds may take additional time and should be made by December 13. Please notify MCF before initiating the transfer.
- December 23 (Monday): Gifts of appreciated stock and cash wires should be made by Monday, December 23rd to ensure they will be received by December 31st. Please notify MCF before initiating the transfer.
- December 23 – 27; 30-31 (Monday – Friday; Monday and Tuesday): The last week and a half of the calendar year! Offices will be closed on Tuesday, December 24, and Wednesday, December 25.
Why December 31sth Matters:
- Gift Settlement Deadline: The 31st isn't just any Tuesday; it's the end-all for gifts to settle and be considered part of your 2024 contributions. So, if you want your generosity to reflect in the upcoming tax year, this is your magic date.
Learn more about year-end giving here.
Gary Olszewski Memorial Scholarship Available for Trade and Technical Students
The Montana Community Foundation is excited to announce the new Gary Olszewski Memorial Scholarship, available to students pursuing two-year degrees or trade programs starting January 1, 2025. This scholarship is dedicated to supporting aspiring skilled professionals and will provide up to $8,000 per year for two years. Applicants must be enrolled, or applying to enroll, in a two-year technical program at an accredited institution. Preference will be given to high school seniors or graduates from Hill, Blaine, or Phillips Counties in Montana.
All MCF Scholarships including the Olszewski scholarship open on January 1, 2025. You review eligibility here and apply on January 1, 2025.
For questions, contact Corey Kopp at 406-262-7711 or corey@mtcf.org.
Giving Tuesday is December 3, 2024
This Giving Tuesday let’s come together to make more possible for Montana. Through your support, the Montana Community Foundation has a lasting impact on our state—helping build thriving communities, secure legacies, and provide scholarships for students.
At the Montana Community Foundation, we believe in the power of community. Your generosity fuels initiatives that touch lives, open doors, and provide hope and resilience across our beautiful state.
Today, let’s continue to make more happen. Join us in creating lasting change and empowering our Montana communities to thrive. Your gift, no matter the size, makes more possible!
Need help finding a cause to support?
Explore MCF's Funds Explore LCF's
Supporting Montana CASA/GAL: A Lasting Legacy for Children in Need
Thanks to the generosity of Tom & Carol McElwain, the Montana CASA/GAL Association (MTCASA) has established an endowment with the Montana Community Foundation. This fund provides ongoing support for MTCASA’s mission to advocate for Montana’s most vulnerable children.
How the Endowment Helps MTCASA
With this endowment, MTCASA secures a stable income stream to sustain its work, empowering advocates for abused and neglected children through trained volunteers. These Court-Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) and Guardians ad Litem (GAL) give children a trusted voice in court, helping them stay safe now and build a stronger future.
Join MTCASA in Creating a Brighter Future
Your donation to the MTCASA Endowment Fund helps ensure that Montana’s children receive the advocacy, protection, and opportunities they deserve. Together, we’re building a legacy of care that will benefit future generations.
