2023 MCF Impact Report

GROWING WITH GRATITUDE 2023 IMPACT REPORT

GROWING WITH GR ATITUDE:

Nur turing Possibilities G

RATITUDE As we reflect on another

impactful year, one word encapsulates our

commitment of individuals like you who believe in

hearts; gratitude. 2023 was impressive. MCF

the potential of Montana. However, we’re not done;

reached new heights in achievements, celebrated

there is more to do. Together, as we navigate the

35 years of fulfilling our mission, introduced new

road ahead, fueled by the momentum of our shared

programs to help Montana communities thrive, and

vision, we remain steadfast in our commitment

attracted new talent to support the work we do. All

to forging collaborations with national partners,

of this would not have been possible without the

making impactful investments in Montana, and

support of the Montana Community Foundation

embarking on the exciting journey of developing

board members, supporters, partners, and friends

a new strategic plan—because our work, like

of MCF. For that, we are thankful.

Montana itself, is an ever-evolving testament to

In this Impact Report, you’ll read stories and data

possibility and progress.

points regarding how your support positively

As a token of our appreciation for you, the Montana

impacted Montana in 2023. Lives and communities

Community Foundation team made a special video

have been changed for the better because of you.

expressing our gratitude to our supporters. Use the

It’s amazing to see hopes and dreams being

QR code below or utilize our digital annual report at

realized in the work we do.

MTCF.org for viewing.

All that we have accomplished is a testament to

With Gratitude,

Camila “Cami” Skinner Board Chair, 2024

Scan the QR Code

2

the collective power of our shared vision and the

The Montana Community Foundation

Mary Rutherford President & Chief Executive Officer

View our thank you message at bit.ly/MCFthankyou

2 02 3 Y E A R IN R E V IE W JANUARY Awarded $459,000 to support mental health access and awareness in Montana from the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation.

1

2

F E B R UA R Y Women’s Foundation of Montana (WFM) received a $200,000 matching gift for the Big Sky No Limits Campaign.

MARCH

3

Red Lodge Area Community Foundation received the Secretary’s Award for Public Philanthropic Partnerships for their Workforce Housing Initiative.

4

M AY

5

The opening of the Community Investment Program (CIP Grid United, a grant program to support communities in Rosebud, Custer, and Fallon Counties.

6

JU N E

The Governor signed SB 506 into law, increasing the Montana Endowment Tax Credit (METC), which went into effect on January 1, 2024.

APR IL

J U LY

7

Best Beginnings Childcare (HB 648, supported

by WFM, was signed by the Governor. The bill expanded support for families up to 185% of the federal poverty line with $14 million in funding.

MCF awarded more than $1 million in scholarships to deserving Montana students, thanks to the generous scholarship funds established by our donors.

8

AUG U ST

SEPTEMBER

9

WFM awarded $110,000 in grants to groups that are working to advance gender equity through service, advocacy, community organizing, and leadership development strategies.

Establishment of the Nkwusm Salish Language School Designated Endowment to support the mission to keep the Salish Language alive and bring it back to the people.

10

NOVEMBER

11

Announcement of the Transfer of Wealth Study for Montana which estimated that $37 billion will transfer from one Montana generation to the next by 2030.

12

D EC E M B E R

Received a $52,179 bequest gift to support the Butte Silver-Bow Community Foundation Endowment Campaign from Jim and Margie Thompson.

O C TO B E R

MCF received a $1.56 Million gift for the intermediaries pilot project to support area nonprofi ts through the Otto Bremer Trust Community Responsive Fund.

Growing with Gratitude: Nurturing Possibilities

3

Our Impact JULY 1, 2022 - JUNE 30, 2023

Total Assets

Funds & Contributions

(Last 5 Years)

2019

$

108.2 MILLION

2020

$

124 MILLION

2021

$

2022

$

2023

TOTAL FUNDS

TOTAL CONTRIBUTIONS

9.6 M

813

NEW FUNDS

TOTAL # OF PLANNED GIFTS

$

163.5 MILLION

152.1 MILLION $

Planned Gifts

$

162.9 MILLION

Non-Permanent Assets

716

24

Endowed Assets

Fund Composition 3%

4% <2% Local Community Foundations Nonprofit Organizations Women’s Foundation

<1%

10%

5%

4%

%

Planned Gifts Funds Benefiting MCF

13%

8% 32% 26%

TOTAL FUNDS

%

TOTAL DOLLARS

Scholarships MCF Granting (purpose defined) Donor Advised Funds

46%

<1%

12% 2%

4

The Montana Community Foundation

32%

2023 Highlights JULY 1, 2022 - JUNE 30, 2023

Grants, Scholarships, & Annual Endowment Distributions

Annual Endowment Distributions

Scholarships

Grants

The green dots denote where annual endowment distributions were made in Montana. The red dots show where grants were awarded.

The orange dots show the hometowns of scholarship recipients.

SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED

1,006,900

$

STUDENTS SERVED

206

TOTAL GRANTS

597

TOTAL ANNUAL ENDOWMENT DISTRIBUTIONS

5,253,328

$

Growing with Gratitude: Nurturing Possibilities

5

KEEP WEALTH IN MONTANA

Transfer of Wealth Study In 2022, The Montana Community Foundation completed a Transfer of Wealth Study for Montana.

A Transfer of Wealth study provides a reasonable estimate of the total household wealth that will transfer from one generation to the next over a 10-year period in Montana.

Why this Data Matters Montana needs these assets. Healthy and vibrant places take investment in schools, housing, main streets, businesses, hospitals, and much, much more.

What the Data Told Us

• Montana’s total wealth is $290 billion.

• The estimated Transfer of Wealth over the next 10 years in Montana is $37 billion.

• If 5% of that $37 billion were endowed, $1.85 billion would forever benefit Montana. These endowments would ensure charitable organizations, schools, and communities had ongoing, reliable support.

• $1.85 billion in endowments would generate $83 million every year forever to benefit Montana.

Understanding Montana’s Wealth The Transfer of Wealth Study looks at current net worth, which is the total value of all permanent resident household assets less all permanent resident household debts. This includes homes, retirement assets, and family-held businesses, including farms and ranches.

6

The Montana Community Foundation

Keep Wealth in Montana Imagine what $37 billion could do in Montana.

That is the amount that will transfer from one generation to the next in Montana by 2030. If 5% of those funds were endowed, organizations in Montana would receive more than $83 million annually forever.

How do we keep this wealth in Montana?

By making a planned gift to a Montana nonprofit or organization.

Planned gifts are typically made in the form of charitable gift annuities, charitable trusts, and estate gifts. They can be made using gifts of cash, publicly traded stock, real estate, or other property. Planned gifts can be a way to receive income during your lifetime. Planned gifts are also helpful estate and tax planning tools.

How can you take advantage of the Montana Endowment Tax Credit (METC)?

By making a planned gift of $2,500 or more to an existing qualified charitable endowment or we can help you create a new endowment. As the endowed fund grows, returns are used to support the organizations and causes you care about forever.

Through the METC and endowed philanthropy, you can leave a legacy in the place you love for the causes you care about. Keeping the wealth in Montana.

$290 Billion Total Wealth in Montana

$37 Billion

2030

Estimated Transfer of Wealth by 2030

If 5%

was endowed for the benefit of Montana.

AVAILABLE

$1.85 Billion

in endowments would benefit community priorities and grants.

$83 Million

THE MONTANA ENDOWMENT TAX CREDIT Encourages gifts to qualified endowments that forever benefit Montana nonprofits and local communities.

Many Montana taxpayers, both individuals and businesses, are still unaware of the Montana Endowment Tax Credit (METC). Since 1997, the METC has encouraged individuals, businesses, and organizations to make lasting investments in their communities through endowed philanthropy.

What is a tax credit?

It is a direct credit on your Montana income tax.

When making a planned gift, the METC offers donors, both individuals and businesses, an above-the-line credit on their Montana tax liability.

In May of 2023, the Governor signed SB 506 into law, increasing the METC which went into effect on January 1, 2024.

SB 506 eliminated the sunset on the bill. What does that mean?

Organizations like MCF will not need to lobby every six years to make sure Montanans can take advantage of the METC when planning their charitable giving in Montana. Plus, it can save you money on your Montana income tax.

4 0 PERCENT

2 0 PERCENT

of an individual planned gift value is eligible for tax credit

of a business direct gift value is eligible for tax credit

Maximum Allowable Tax Credit Effective 2024

a year would benefit Montana forever.

Scan the QR code to learn more about the TRANSFER OF WEALTH

INDIVIDUALS $15,000

COUPLES $30,000

BUSINESS/ORG $15,000

Growing with Gratitude: Nurturing Possibilities

7

8

The Montana Community Foundation

ENERGIZING EASTERN MONTANA:

The Dual Impact of North Plains Connector In Eastern Montana, the North Plains Connector represents a significant investment in the country’s energy infrastructure. The North Plains Connector is a 400-mile transmission line that will connect the U.S. eastern and western electric grids in Montana and North Dakota, running through Rosebud, Custer, and Fallon Counties. This project will alleviate congestion and increase reliability, which will help to mitigate the impact of extreme weather events and accommodate the growing electricity demand.

Despite these positive impacts on the electric grid, an infrastructure project of this scale can also impact the communities through which it is being developed. As a result, the North Plains Connector, through its parent company and independent transmission developer Grid United, partnered with the Montana Community Foundation to establish the Community Investment Program (CIP). Launched in 2023, CIP supports innovative projects that enhance the quality of life while strengthening communities in Rosebud, Custer, and Fallon Counties. Like most programs at the Montana Community Foundation, CIP uses a participatory grantmaking model where individuals in the community make the funding decisions.

CIP, like the North Plains Connector, represents a substantial investment in this corner of Eastern Montana. In 2023, the program granted $486,867 to 30 projects; these projects ranged from funds for the Forsyth Public Library to purchase hot spots to

increase rural internet connectivity, to funds for One Health to renovate a historic property in Miles City into a community healthcare center.

The Northern Cheyenne Food Pantry received a $19,500 grant to purchase a vehicle and freezers for the food pantry established during the pandemic. “We are so thankful for this grant from CIP,” said Emma Harris, founder and board chair of the organization. “It will help us meet our mission: ensuring that the most vulnerable families on the Northern Cheyenne Reservation have their basic needs taken care of during the most difficult times.”

“The program is helping rural communities create a better tomorrow,” said Melissa Higbee, Executive Director of the Baker Chamber of Commerce. The organization received $29,770 for equipment for the recreation department, which provides youth activities for 30% of all students in Fallon County. “This grant will target our youth’s character and well-being by keeping them active. How our children spend their time is a critical part of raising good, well-rounded individuals that will be our community’s future one day.”

CIP is anticipated to continue over the next two years, distributing over $1.5 million in total to communities extending from Lame Deer to Baker. This investment – along with the North Plains Connector – will have a lasting impact on communities in Rosebud, Custer, and Fallon Counties.

Growing with Gratitude: Nurturing Possibilities

9

10

The Montana Community Foundation

SWEET GR ASS COUNT Y HIGH SCHOOL CENTENNIAL SCHOL ARSHIP

The First Scholarship Fund In 2023, the Montana Community Foundation (MCF) awarded more than $1 Million in scholarships, 223 to scholars, through 41 scholarship funds.

But the scholarship program all started with one. The very first scholarship at Montana Community Foundation was created 35 years ago in conjunction with the Sweet Grass County High School all-class reunion, held in Big Timber, MT in 1989. The purpose of the fund has been to provide scholarships to graduates of Sweet Grass County High School. And the Sweet Grass County High School Centennial Scholarship Fund has continued to do just that, every year since 1990.

Joseph Enders’ journey from Sweet Grass County High School, Class of 2013, to a registered Patent Agent exemplifies the impact of the Sweet Grass County High School Centennial Scholarship in nurturing rural Montana scholars. He applied to the scholarship with a clear goal - to secure

financial support for a career in STEM innovation.

Graduating with honors from California Lutheran University in Biology and Global Studies, he also showcased athletic prowess in NCAA DIII Men’s Soccer. Further studies at Boston College (M.S. in Biology) and St. Thomas University College of Law (J.D. and Intellectual Property Law Certificate) equipped him with a unique blend of skills.

In late 2023, Joseph became a registered Patent Agent with the United States Patent and Trademark Office. Armed with diverse skills and a passion for STEM, he is now actively pursuing opportunities, seeking clients for patent prosecution, and exploring roles in technology transfer.

Joseph’s story serves as a testament to the enduring impact of the MCF Scholarship program by helping transform aspirations into tangible achievements.

Growing with Gratitude: Nurturing Possibilities

11

Plenty Doors Community Development Center:

Apsáalooke Women, Building a Healthy Community Charlene Johnson, a member of the Crow Tribe, dedicated her career to improving the health and wellbeing of her community. Starting as a nutritionist with the Indian Health Service, she realized that holistic health involves factors beyond food, including stable economies, affordable housing, clean environments, social support, and healthcare. After retiring, she founded Plenty Doors Community Development Corporation, a nonprofit focused on community economic development, supported by a grant from the Women’s Foundation of Montana (WFM).

Plenty Doors, established in 2018, provides assistance to small businesses, financial literacy classes, and water sanitation projects. In 2021, they created a Community Development Financial Institute (CDFI) offering small business loans and Individual Development Accounts to reduce debt and save for various purposes.

Recognizing the need for physical infrastructure, Plenty 12

The Montana Community Foundation

Doors is building the Crow Innovation Center, set to be completed in 2026, to incubate businesses, offer meeting spaces, a market area, a commercial kitchen, and office space.

The organization’s team, predominantly women, plays a crucial role in supporting businesses tailored to individuals’ specific situations. In the Native CDFI industry, women hold 72% of leadership positions.

Plenty Doors has already made a significant impact, creating jobs, supporting new businesses and nonprofits, and quadrupling their client base in just two years. Charlene aims to extend Plenty Doors’ impact beyond the Crow Reservation boundaries, seeking partners to invest in infrastructure and tap into the community’s untapped potential. The Women’s Foundation of Montana is proud to collaborate with Plenty Doors, inspired by Charlene’s leadership in fostering equitable financial approaches.

Photo Credit: Yellow Bird Life Ways

2023 Women’s Foundation of Montana Grantees Creating Financial Stability

Our grantees create access to education, training, capital, and fulfilling work with a livable wage and quality benefits.

•

Code Girls United, (Kalispell, serves statewide) $10,000

Developing Powerful Leaders

Our grantees increase leadership skills and opportunities for women and the participation of women in policy advocacy.

•

Montana Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence (Helena, serves statewide) $10,000

•

National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center (Lame Deer) $10,000

•

Mountain | Plains Regional Native CDFI Coalition $125,000

•

Montana Native Growth Fund (Hays) $2,500

•

NACDC Financial Services Inc. (Browning) $2,500

•

•

Native American Development Corporation (Billings) $2,500

Planned Parenthood Advocates of Montana (Billings, serves statewide) $10,000

•

•

People’s Partner for Community Development (Lame Deer) $2,500

Pretty Eaglewoman Resource Foundation (Lame Deer) $10,000

•

•

Plenty Doors Community Development Corporation (Crow Agency) $2,500

Red Ants Pants Foundation (White Sulphur Springs, serves statewide) $10,000

•

Yellow Bird Life Ways (Lame Deer) $10,000

•

Rocky Mountain Women’s Business Center (Billings, serves statewide) $10,000

Building Strong Families

2023 WFM Advisory Committee

Our grantees provide direct services to meet basic needs including housing, nutrition, safety, and financial stability.

They advocate for public policies that strengthen the social safety net, improve the availability of affordable childcare, and increase access to healthcare.

Amy Allison Thompson, Chair (Missoula)

• Calling Our Spirits Forward (Lame Deer) $1,000

Barbara Bessette (Great Falls)*

• Domestic and Sexual Violence Services of Carbon County (Red Lodge) $10,000

Erica McKeon-Hanson (Havre)

• Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies: The Montana Coalition (Helena, serves statewide) $10,000 • Montana Budget & Policy Center (Helena, serves statewide) $10,000

Jayne Morrow, Vice-Chair (Chinook)* Hillary Folkvord (Bozeman)*

Barbara Stiffarm (Harlem) Ashlie Wise (Kalispell) Karen Latka, MCF Board Liaison (Helena)

• Mountain Home Montana (Missoula) $10,000 • Women’s Resource Center of Dillon $1,000

* Outgoing Advisory Committee Members

• YWCA Helena $10,000 Growing with Gratitude: Nurturing Possibilities

13

LOCAL COMMUNIT Y FOUNDATION HIGHLIGHT

Valley County Community Foundation’s 25 Years of Impact Nestled in Montana’s Missouri River Country, Valley County is home to a little over 7,500 residents. It is a rural county with tight-knit communities – like Glasgow, Hinsdale, and Opheim – tucked between ranches and farms. Rural counties often struggle with access to philanthropic resources, but Valley County has a great asset: Valley County Community Foundation (VCCF).

In 1998, a group of residents established the community foundation, guided by the mission to “improve life in Valley County for its residents and communities one project at a time.” In the past 25 years, VCCF has played a pivotal role in enhancing the quality of life in Valley County. VCCF maintains six endowments with assets totaling $1.3 million. As board members have explained, these endowments are like Valley County’s community-wide savings accounts; donors have entrusted VCCF with gifts to meet the challenges of the future, whatever they may be.

These endowments allow VCCF to reinvest back into critical projects in their community each year. Since 2000, VCCF has distributed over $390,000 in grants that have benefited over 165 projects. In addition, VCCF has provided over $58,000 in scholarships, empowering youth in the area to pursue their

14

The Montana Community Foundation

educational aspirations.

As a volunteer-run community foundation, VCCF’s impact is a testament to the dedication and passion of its board members who represent all corners of Valley County from Nashua to Glasgow to Fort Peck.

The board brings funds to Valley County for so many diverse projects,” said Doris Leader, VCCF’s Chair.

“These projects have made the communities in Valley County a better place to live. We could not do this without the generous donations made each year.”

In 2023, VCCF’s impact was acknowledged with the “Outstanding Foundation Award” from the Montana Association of Fundraising Professionals. This accolade celebrated VCCF’s impact on the region.

“We are deeply honored to receive this award and to be recognized for our achievements as a community foundation in Valley County,” said Maggan Walstad, VCCF’s Treasurer.

VCCF’s 25th anniversary is not just a milestone; it is a reminder of the community foundation’s unwavering commitment to making Valley County an even better place to live, work, and play.

Local Community Foundation Affiliates Make a Meaningful Impact in Montana Local Community Foundations (LCFs) across Montana are delivering innovative and lasting solutions to help their communities to thrive.

MCF is proud to partner with 44 LCF Affiliates that support local projects and initiatives through meaningful grantmaking and building permanent philanthropy that will benefit future generations.

$

36

Counties Served

593,925

$

Total Dollars Raised

$

19 Million

$

Total Assets at MCF for the Benefit of LCFs

$

761,050

$

Reinvested in Montana through LCFs

Growing with Gratitude: Nurturing Possibilities

15

MARCY AND DAN MCLEAN:

A Family Tradition of Generosity Marcy and Dan have also made meaningful contributions through their charitable giving, which they credit in large part to their parents’ legacy. In 2001, they received an IRA from Dan’s late father and started using the distributions to support local organizations. A small inheritance from Marcy’s mother, a career retail clerk at JCPenney, enables them to regularly make donations of stock to their favorite causes.

Marcy and Dan McLean believe that to be part of a community is to contribute to it.

This belief is rooted in what they experienced growing up in Montana. Though Dan grew up in Anaconda and Marcy grew up in Wolf Point, they both witnessed their family and friends give their time and resources to benefit their communities.

It has inspired their service to and support of their community now and for future generations.

Through board service and volunteer work, Marcy and Dan have given their time to help causes close to their hearts. Marcy has served as a board member for the Helena Area Community Foundation (HACF) and has been very involved with the Friendship Center. Dan was a founding board member of HACF and currently serves on the board of the Montana Community Foundation.

Additionally, he offers pro-bono legal advice at Montana Legal Services where he served as a board member for many years.

16

The Montana Community Foundation

“These gifts allowed us to start making more impactful contributions and to grow what they gave us,” says Dan. “We know they would be pleased to see us using their gifts to benefit our community in this way.”

Additionally, their parents’ generosity inspired them to start building their own legacy. In 2019, Marcy and Dan partnered with the Montana Community Foundation to establish the Marcy and Dan McLean Charitable Fund through a payout from Dan’s life insurance policy.

Through this fund, they regularly support the causes and issues they care about. As an endowment, the fund will have an impact long after they are gone.

Marcy and Dan have decided to include the fund in their will and estate plan. As members of the Montana Legacy Society, they are inspiring others to consider the legacy they want to leave.

When asked about their legacy, Marcy and Dan are quick to mention their parents. “We want our legacy to not only benefit Montana but to also honor our parents who taught us what generosity looks like. We want our giving to make a difference. It is not about the recognition. It is about the lasting impact.”

Leaving a Legacy for the Good of Montana Forever Legacy giving at the Montana Community Foundation enables donors to leave a meaningful legacy in Montana for the causes they care about. Whether giving to a favorite charity, supporting a local community project, or building a legacy that supports various important causes, legacy giving has a lasting impact.

The Montana Legacy Society honors and celebrates those

Ginny Abbott Theresa Louise Ambuel* Charles L. and Polly Anceney* Walter and Elaine Anderson* Anonymous (6) Anonymous*(1) Annette R. Bailey Donald J. Baker* Jean Fallan Barrett* Laura G. Barrett* Joan K. Bennett* Alan and Janette Blackburn* Constance C. Blackwood & Larry Blackwood Franklin Davy Bland* Harry Bowers Jr.* Nancy H. Brown Richard and Heather Carosone Hulda and Sam Clark* Amanda L. Coker Ellen L. Coker Cathy and Ned Cooney John S. & Elaine Cuklanz Cowan* Louise A. Dean* Bernice Wallace DeHaas* Karl I. and Margaret Deshler* Alleyne W. DeVeber* Jo Ann Eder Russel & Dorothy Erickson* Carl B. Field* Stephen M. Frankino* C.L. “Gil” Gilbertson*

who have chosen to make a lasting commitment to Montana by including any fund at MCF in their will or estate plan.

Through thoughtful planning, these individuals are having a permanent and meaningful impact on Montana. They are also inspiring others to make the same commitment. We are honored to work with these donors, their professional advisors, and their heirs to fulfill their philanthropic wishes.

Lynn Ellen Gossett Dawn Hammermeister Earl E. Marjorie L. Hanes* Jane G. Hibbard* Marie M. Hinchcliff* Joan Treacy Holter* Ripley Schemm Hugo* Barbara J. Hunter* Charles M. Jarecki & Henrietta M. Jarecki Albin H. and Evelyn B. Johnson* Michael Keith* John Markel “Mark” Kelly* George Kent* Dorothy M. Kienenberger* Curtis F. Kiniken* Louis F. Kinney* Bill Kitterman* Dr. and Mrs. Robert Korenberg Eveline B. and Joseph Kyle* Roland and Helen Lapee* Sol Lovas Fr. Jeremiah Lowney* Nep and Mary Ellen* Lynch Mardele L. Maryott* Char Matejovsky Judith Matthews* Daniel N. McLean & Marcia McLean Kay McMillan* Ann Mickelson* Shirley McShane Miller* Robert Walter Moran*

Norma Watson O’Laughlin* Teresa O’Neill Edna C. Olson* Ursula H. Pappas Robert G. Pedersen* William B. Pratt Virginia C. Reed* Madge T. Reiland* Mary K. Rutherford Leonard “Len” Sargent* Dr. Elliott J. Schaffer, Ph.D.* Melvin “Swede” Schlesinger* John Schumacher* Meredith B. Sheane* Arne* & Steffi Siegel Jonathan A. & Camila C. Skinner Ben Smith and Lorraine Lake-Smith* Oleta “Pete” Smith* Owen Evans Sowerwine* Mabel L. Redding Staehnke* Dean and Connie Studer* Margaret Sullivan* Pamela Jo Sveinson Jim & Margie Thompson* George and Emily Vucanovich* Aldo Wolff* Dale R. Woolhiser & Nancy D. Thompson T. Eugene Young* Melody* and Richard Zajdel *Deceased

Growing with Gratitude: Nurturing Possibilities

17

UNLEASHING DREAMS:

Bigger Sky Kids Transforms Lives in Wolf Point In the heart of Wolf Point, Montana, on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation, Bigger Sky Kids (B!SK), a creative haven, unites underserved children from grades 4 to 8 in exploring their imaginations.

Founded in 2017 and officially launched in 2018, this 501(c)3 grassroots nonprofit is more than an afterschool program; it’s a lifeline, nurturing dreams and unlocking potential.

Distinguished by an unwavering commitment to inclusivity, B!SK dismantles barriers, offering a safe space without financial hurdles. Every child, regardless of background, gender, or means, is welcomed.

In this imaginative space, children don’t just draw and sing; they dance, act, cook, sew, and garden.

B!SK focuses on holistic development, shaping wellrounded individuals with diverse skills.

As the sun sets over Wolf Point, laughter and joy from B!SK echo stories of transformation. Teachers and artists serve as mentors, guiding young minds through self-discovery in visual arts, music, dance, and drama.

18

The Montana Community Foundation

The program extends beyond traditional arts, recognizing life skills as threads for a successful future. In a corner, children huddle around computers, learning not just about technology but about possibilities. They cook together, sew together, and tend to the earth together, acquiring skills that go beyond the confines of a classroom.

B!SK’s impact reaches further than Wolf Point, creating a ripple effect of empowerment, and transcending socio-economic challenges. Success stories unveil not only artists but leaders and dreamers. It’s a catalyst for change, an anthem of hope.

In the twilight, as children return home with Montana sky smiles, B!SK emerges not just as an organization but as a family. Believing in every child’s extraordinary potential, it strives to ensure recognition, celebration, and unleashing of that potential.

Bigger Sky Kids isn’t just a program; it’s a testament to compassion, creativity, and community forging a brighter, bigger sky for Wolf Point’s children.

TR ANSFORMATIVE RECOVERY:

Inspiring Hope in Butte In the serene landscapes of Butte, Montana, Demetirus Fassas has to remind himself to find time for his own recovery, in between the long hours spent growing and managing the Butte SPIRIT Homes. As the Executive Director of the Butte SPIRIT Homes, a haven for men and women in early recovery from Substance Use Disorder (SUD), his journey unfolds as a testament to resilience.

Demetrius emphasizes that recovery is not just about acknowledging the problem but navigating a transformative journey toward a solution. Recovery Support Services play a pivotal role, with licensed addiction counselors, peer support specialists, case managers, and community groups guiding individuals toward positive change.

To learn more or contribute, visit www.buttespirit.org or reach out directly to Demetrius at director@buttespirit.org.

Let us collectively rally behind initiatives paving the way for transformative recoveries and brighter tomorrows, affirming a shared reality of recovery.

The Butte SPIRIT Men’s Home, operational since January 2021, symbolizes collective dedication.

Initially reliant on grants and donations, the facility now receives insurance reimbursements, yet fundraising remains vital, constituting about 20% of the operating budget.

In partnership with the Montana Community Foundation, the Butte SPIRIT Homes established the Butte SPIRIT Recovery Endowment, with over $130,000 already raised.

Before 2021, Butte lacked a licensed SUD recovery home, even though all other major cities in Montana had at least one. As the Men’s Home

achieves sustainability, Butte SPIRIT Center is actively addressing the remaining gap in recovery housing services for women.

From July 2022 – June 2023, with support from a Montana Healthcare Foundation Planning Grant, Butte SPIRIT Center worked with a consulting firm, Cascadia Management Group, on plans to open a new home for women. After reviewing interviews and survey results from 11 other women’s SUD recovery homes in Montana and recent changes to the administrative rules of Montana, the board decided to serve women, individually, with a new ASAM Level 3.1 home. Butte SPIRIT believes that this new home is a necessary stepping stone towards opening a home to serve both parents and children in the future.

In navigating the complexities of addiction and recovery, the Butte SPIRIT Homes stand as a testament to the indomitable human spirit. With most of its board and staff active in recovery themselves, the Butte SPIRIT community shares what they were given by offering their experience, strength, and hope to those still searching for a better way of life. One of the greatest joys is to watch a fellow person recover and flourish, and the SPIRIT Homes offer ample opportunity to witness such growth. Strength emerges from unity, hope from action, and a path from darkness to enduring recovery.

Growing with Gratitude: Nurturing Possibilities

19

FOUNDATION BOARD January 1, 2023 - December 31, 2023

Kelly Bruggeman Billings

Mack Clapp Missoula

Shane Doyle Bozeman

Ed Eck Missoula

Jo Ann Eder Red Lodge

Greg Hanson Philipsburg

Karen Latka Helena

Angie Main Cut Bank

Dan McLean Helena

Tom McGree Helena

Mary Ann Phipps Glendive

Sheila Rice Great Falls

Tawnya Rupe Mraz Wilsall

Courtney Scott Bozeman

Cami Skinner Sidney

Leonard Smith Billings

20

The Montana Community Foundation

Kenny Smoker Jr. Poplar

Dale Woolhiser Huson

FOU N DATIO N STA FF

Jim Bennett Gift & Estate Planning Director

Rebecca Connors Marketing & Comms Director

Cathy Cooney Director, Donor Services

Taylor Crowl LCF Program Officer

Elisa Fiaschetti Program Director

Alley Fontenot Gift & Estate Planning Director

Kay Gray Senior Accountant

Kylie Gursky Director, WFM

Thad Houdeshell Grants & Scholarships Administrator

Diane Hulst Senior Accountant

Corey Kopp Scholarship Manager

Daphne Kurtz Office Manager

Joanne MacIsaac Finance Associate

Sarah Morris Philanthropy Coordinator

Alison Munson Database Manager

Heather Ohs Gift & Estate Planning Director

Connie Robinson Executive Coordinator

Mary Rutherford President & CEO

Jessica Stewart-Kuntz Vice President – Philanthropy

Kacie Tollefson Vice President – Finance & Admin

Sara Whittle Gift Planner

Kristin Williams Communications Manager Growing with Gratitude: Nurturing Possibilities

21

O ur Invest me nt Philosop hy At MCF, we are all about Montana’s future. We provide sustainable funding for philanthropy in Montana through thoughtful fund distributions and long-term investing so charitable gifts deliver the greatest impact for generations to come.

Our pooled investment portfolio is designed with this long-term view in mind.

Cash 2.6%

Emerging Markets Equity 4.8% TIPS 4.9%

U.S. Equity 28.6%

Treasuries 9.9%

148.2 Million Pooled Endowment $

(As of December 31, 2023)

Private Investments 12.8%

Developed ex-U.S. Equity 12.3%

Global Equity 12.1%

22

The Montana Community Foundation

Diversifying Strategies 12.0%

Financial S u m mar y As of June 30, 2023

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF

AS OF JUNE 30, 2023 & 2022

FOR YEARS ENDED JUNE 30, 2023 & 2022

FINANCIAL POSITION Assets

ACTIVITIES

2023

2022

Cash and cash equivalents

$1,695,922

$2,007,680

Contributions

Pooled investments

161,326,176

147,195,517

Net property and equipment

1,863,272

Other assets TOTAL ASSETS

Support and Revenue

2023

2022

$9,222,469

$14,493,527

Community impact fees

400,665

486,367

1,941,620

Net investment return

13,165,530

(15,934,492)

1,050,674

944,020

Change in value planned gifts and PIF

(1,636,126)

(304,394)

$165,936,044

$152,088,837

280,334

306,605

$21,432,872

($952,387)

Rental and other income TOTAL SUPPORT AND REVENUE

Liabilities and Net Assets

2023

2022

Grants and distributions payable

$1,838,428

$1,583,892

Expenses

Planned gift liabilities

5,065,184

3,677,166

Long-term debt

1,420,143

1,471,137

Funds held as agency endowments

13,153,190

12,685,153

158,635

Total liabilities Without donor restrictions

($952,387)

2023

2022

Total grant and philanthropic distributions

$7,163,674

$7,080,866

Total operating and administrative expenses

2,499,527

1,994,343

TOTAL EXPENSES

9,663,201

9,075,209

140,696

INCREASE IN NET ASSETS

11,769,671

(10,027,596)

21,635,580

19,558,044

NET ASSETS, beginning of year

132,530,793

142,558,389

1,194,623

1,450,039

$144,300,464

$132,530,793

Time or purpose

4,667,784

4,224,124

Unappropriated earnings

22,642,108

16,987,963

Perpetuity

115,795,949

109,868,667

Total with donor restrictions

143,105,841

131,080,754

Total net assets

144,300,464

132,530,793

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS

$165,936,044

$152,088,837

Other liabilities

NET ASSETS, end of year

With donor restrictions

Growing with Gratitude: Nurturing Possibilities

23

PO Box 1145

Helena, MT 59624

p 406.443.8313

f 406.442.0482

e info@mtcf.org

www.mtcf.org