Legacy is a term used in many different contexts. In philanthropy, it’s especially common because it’s often linked to estate planning. But legacy also represents something much broader. 

On September 17, the Montana Community Foundation held a ceremony to unveil the new name of our building, the Siegel Giving Center, honoring two individuals who, through a lifetime of selfless acts, built a lasting legacy.

Both Arne and Steffi Siegel had remarkable careers, and both were committed to helping others. Steffi is a psychotherapist and author who worked with adoptive families and children. Together, they adopted three children.

Arne was an automotive engineer who conducted groundbreaking research and invented the child safety seat and the crash dummy. Two innovations that keep us safe in vehicles and saved millions of lives. These, along with his other accomplishments, could have made the Siegels incredibly wealthy. Instead of personally capitalizing on his inventions, Arne ensured that these safety measures were widely available and are now used by nearly everyone. 

Some people serve, and some people give. The Siegels did both. 

Arne was introduced to West Yellowstone in the 40s and 50s when he would travel there with his parents. He found his way back when he and Steffi began regularly vacationing in West Yellowstone early in their marriage and developed an affection for the place and its people. Arne learned about the local community foundation model through a friend visiting from Texas. As an early member of the Montana Community Foundation Board, he saw the potential in Montana.

In 1992, they established the West Yellowstone Foundation. Through their time and financial support, the foundation thrived. Today, WYF and the Siegels have entrusted MCF to administer 21 funds totaling $15 million and are leading efforts to address issues related to housing, transportation, and scholarships. 

Thanks to the Siegels, other local community foundations have an excellent model to look to. Today, there are 76 in Montana, 45 of which are affiliated with MCF that reinvest nearly $1 million directly into their community every year.  

But the legacy of the Siegels isn’t just about what they’ve done, it’s what Steffi continues to do. Steffi serves on our board and knows the challenges and opportunities ahead. By 2030, an estimated $37 billion will shift from one generation to the next. This is a historic opportunity, and she’s helping us to harness a portion of these resources to ensure they can benefit Montana communities for our grandkids and their grandkids. 

This building dedication and establishment of the Siegel Giving Center will forever connect their commitment to philanthropy to the betterment of Montana communities. This building will be a hub for local community foundations and other nonprofits to come together and do even more for the people of this state. 

During the ceremony, Steffi said, “There are few feelings as good as looking back on your life and knowing you've done some good. I hope what we’ve shown is that you don’t have to be a millionaire to make an impact in your community.”

We couldn’t agree more.

Their name on our building teaches others about all the ways to leave a legacy. We hope they serve as a model for others to build their Montana legacy, whether their family has been ranching the same land for generations or those newer arrivals developing a fresh love for this remarkable place. 

Next time you're in Helena exploring the walking mall, we hope you'll stop by our building at 33 S. Last Chance Gulch. Like Steffi said, “If we all take a little, leave a little, we can all have some.”

Mary Rutherford is President & Chief Executive Officer of the Montana Community Foundation. Founded in 1988, MCF manages more than $216 million in assets and administers more than 1,988 philanthropic funds and planned gifts. Since its founding, MCF has reinvested more than $122 million in Montana through scholarships, grants, and programs. Learn more at mtcf.org.