Foundation News

September Infinity 2024

September 30, 2024

September 2024

Letter from MCF Board Member, Karen Latka

Dear Friends,

Have you ever wanted to know more about the Montana Community Foundation Governing Board of Directors?

At the Montana Community Foundation (MCF), we believe in a brighter future for Montana—a future where every community flourishes through a shared commitment to philanthropy. As a nonprofit organization created by and for the people of Montana, MCF serves our entire state, offering diverse opportunities for individuals to strengthen their communities. With more than $150 million in assets across more than 1,400 funds, MCF is a permanent resource for Montana's charitable giving.

Our Board of Directors is central to our efforts, a group of passionate leaders who actively champion our mission and steer the course of our strategic planning. As a board member, I have experienced firsthand the profound impact we can make together. That's why I'm excited to announce that MCF is currently recruiting new board members for January 2025.

MCF board members play a vital role in advancing the mission by championing the organization's goals and priorities, both internally and externally. They participate fully in board and committee meetings, sharing their insights, asking tough questions, and actively engaging in fundraising efforts by setting an example through personal giving, cultivating prospective donors, and ensuring donors feel valued and appreciated. They advocate for MCF at every opportunity, enhancing their visibility and impact across the state, and upholding the highest ethical standards by avoiding conflicts of interest and adhering to MCF’s Code of Conduct.

We are looking for dedicated individuals who are eager to lend their expertise, time, and passion to the MCF's mission. If you are interested in joining us on this journey or know someone who might be, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Together, we can ensure that Montana remains a place where people and communities thrive for generations to come.

Thank you for considering this meaningful opportunity.

Sincerely,
Karen Latka
Board Member

Review Responsibilities of Board Members Download the PDF Application

Honoring Our Philanthropic Leaders

Micheal Schechtman and David and Louise Auer were true visionaries whose dedication to Montana’s communities laid the foundation for the Montana Community Foundation's statewide impact. We are honored to celebrate their legacy of generosity and commitment to all Montanans. — Mary Rutherford, CEO

Mike Schechtman

Michael Schechtman, a respected leader in Montana's nonprofit and philanthropic sectors, passed away on August 10, 2024, leaving behind a lasting legacy of leadership and generosity. As the executive director of the Big Sky Institute for the Advancement of Nonprofits, he was known for driving innovation and supporting nonprofits across Montana. Remembered for his integrity, kindness, and dedication to social justice, Mike’s contributions will continue to benefit Montana’s nonprofit sector for generations

Learn more about Mike here.

David and Louise Auer

David and Louise Auer, who both passed away in March of 2024, were instrumental in the early days of the Montana Community Foundation (MCF), laying the groundwork for what has become one of the state’s largest philanthropic organizations. David’s visionary leadership as MCF’s first chairman helped guide the Foundation’s mission to support Montana’s rural communities, believing deeply that local citizens could build lasting endowments to benefit their neighbors in partnership with MCF. His work, along with Louise's support, was essential in bringing this vision to life, fostering conversations across the state, and building connections with individuals who shared a passion for Montana’s future.

The Auer family’s dedication to rural Montana has had a lasting impact, not only through David’s early leadership but also through their family’s donor-advised fund. Their fund, with a specific focus on serving rural communities, will continue their legacy of ensuring that smaller, often overlooked areas of the state can build stronger, more vibrant futures. As MCF embarks on the next phase of its journey, we honor David and Louise for their unwavering belief in the power of philanthropy to transform communities for generations to come.

2024 Fall Investment Update

Our 2024 Fall Investment Update from Montana Community Foundation's (MCF) Outsourced Chief Investment Officer, Cambridge Associates. Learn more about how the assets in your fund are invested.

WFM Grantee Announcement

The Women’s Foundation of Montana (WFM) is proud to announce the complete list of our 2024 grantees. WFM has awarded $385,000 in grants to twenty-three incredible organizations across our state.

We’re immensely proud of the dedication and impact of WFM’s 2024 grantees. These organizations create greater economic security for women, advocate for a stronger social safety net, and provide essential services that women and families need to flourish. From housing and nutrition to leadership development and political participation - their work is not just inspiring—it’s essential to building a future where everyone, regardless of gender, has the opportunity to thrive.

This funding was made possible through the collective impact of donors who stand for the rights and empowerment of all women. Thank you for supporting WFM and the organizations across Montana working to make a difference in the lives of women and girls.

Learn about all the WFM grantees here.

Community Grant Cycles

Blaine County Grant Cycle

Deadline to Apply: October 15, 2023

Blaine County Community Foundation Fund grants must be used for projects benefiting communities or residents in Blaine County, the grantee organization does not need to be based in Blaine County. Only one application is allowed per organization.

Eligible projects must provide a direct benefit to residents, be sustainable, and address important, unmet needs. Ineligible projects include conferences, workshops, planning, research, untested projects, and partisan or sectarian activities.

Grants will range in size from $500 to $2,000.

Learn more and apply for a grant now.

The Montana Mental Health Access Fund

The Montana Community Foundation (MCF) is offering grants of up to $10,000 through the Montana Mental Health Access Fund to expand mental health services for Indigenous communities. Open from July 1 to November 1, 2024, the fund supports innovative projects that increase access to mental health care on Reservations.

Eligible projects should address barriers to care, leverage technology like telehealth, and provide services at no cost to patients. The goal is to support sustainable, evidence-based solutions that improve mental health access where other resources are lacking

For questions about the Montana Mental Health Access Fund, please contact Impact Programs Director, Elisa Fiaschetti at (406) 441-4953 or Elisa@mtcf.org.

To apply or learn more about the Montana Mental Health Access Fund here.

Planning for Year-End Giving

As 2024 is coming to an end, it's the perfect time to reflect on the causes that matter most to you. MCF is here to help you achieve your philanthropic goals.

Identify Your Cause

Think about what inspires you. Ask yourself:

What causes am I passionate about?
What problems do I want to help solve?
Which communities do I care about?

How MCF Can Help

Once you’ve chosen your cause, explore these giving options:

Donor Advised Funds: Create a fund to support your favorite causes and build a lasting legacy.
Donor Designated Funds: Direct your support to a specific organization.
Charitable Trusts & Gift Annuities: Provide income while supporting a cause.

MCF manages hundreds of funds and can help you find or create one that fits your goals.

Ways to Give

You can fund a new or existing fund with cash, real estate, stocks, or through your retirement account. Beneficiary designations from life insurance, IRAs, and brokerage accounts are also options.

Partner with MCF

Let MCF help you find the best giving options for a brighter Montana future.

Find a Philanthropy Team member in your area.

Scholarship Update

As students across the state return to campus, it’s the perfect time to celebrate the exceptional recipients of scholarships held at the Montana Community Foundation. The 2024 scholarship season was another remarkable year, with more than $1.3 million awarded to help students pursue their academic dreams.

Meet Some of Our Outstanding Scholars here.

Our scholarship applications open January 1, 2025, and close March 31, 2025. Learn more by exploring our Scholarship Directory.

Consider Making Grant Recommendations Now

If you have a Donor Advised Fund at MCF, now is a great time to make grant recommendations. Due to the high volume of recommendations that are made in December, your grant awards may be significantly delayed if you wait until the end of the year.

It’s easy to make your year-end recommendations on our donor portal. Not registered? Register here. (Please allow at least 1-2 business days after you register to complete the process.) If you need assistance, please contact Cathy Cooney, Director of Donor Services, at 406-441-4954 or ccooney@mtcf.org.