The Bozeman Area Community Foundation is connecting people who care to causes that matter in the Bozeman area. On March 31st, $24,000 in grant funding was distributed through the Community Leadership competitive grants process to 12 local nonprofits. Since 1998, the Foundation has has distributed more than $300,000 in grants and other support to 100+ local nonprofit organizations. The Bozeman Area Community Foundation recognizes that it takes a community of leaders to work together to solve challenges, seize opportunities, and meet the needs of our growing valley. This year, the Foundation’s grants have been directed to support organizations that are stepping up and out to lead in creative and impactful ways. Organizations of all size help the Gallatin Valley thrive. And, leadership comes in many forms and exists in places you might least expect it. “This year, we received the highest caliber of applications from organizations of all sizes to date through our Community Leadership grants process. The nonprofits that were selected by our grants committee represent the diversity of community challenges, needs and opportunities. We are thrilled to partner with these dynamic organizations who are stepping up and creating change in our community,” said Bridget Wilkinson, Executive Director of the Bozeman Area Community Foundation.
“In addition to grantmaking, our goal is to help support the area’s vibrant nonprofit community to provide opportunities for collaboration, education, and engagement. The Foundation hosts free monthly “Nonprofit Café” educational gatherings for nonprofit leaders and provides a weekly e-newsletter to share what’s happening in the community,” said Wilkinson. The Bozeman Area Community Foundation also helps community members learn about opportunities to give in the community and how they can make the greatest impact with their time, talent, and resources. The Foundation manages donor-advised funds and endowments for individuals and local organizations. On May 3rd, the Community Foundation will also be hosting the second annual “Give Big Gallatin Valley,” a 24-hour celebration of giving for 133 local nonprofits. Community foundations are independent, public entities that steward philanthropic resources from institutional and individual donors to local nonprofits that are the heart of strong, vibrant communities. Community foundations represent one of the fastest-growing forms of philanthropy. Every state is home to at least one community foundation–large and small, urban and rural–that is advancing solutions to a wide range of social issues. This year twelve $2,000 Leadership Grants were distributed to the following organizations: Adventurers and Scientists for Conservation–Gallatin Microplastics Initiative; Anchor Ministries Center–God’s Garden; Befrienders–General Support; Bridger Ski Foundation–Community Nordic Trails; Bridgercare–Empowering Youth Leaders Conference; Cancer Support Community–Voices for Youth; Eagle Mount–Improving the Lives of Eagle Mount’s Parents and Families; Future West–Fostering Local Food Systems in the Gallatin Valley; Gallatin Valley Farm to School–Monforton Farm to School Partnership; HAVEN–End the Silence; HRDC, District IX–Youth Transitional Housing; and Montana Ballet Company–Discover Dance. Established in 1998, the Bozeman Area Community Foundation is connecting people who care to causes that matter most to them. The Bozeman Area Community Foundation serves the areas of Bozeman, Big Sky, Belgrade, Manhattan, Churchill, Three Forks, and the rural areas in between. Since its inception, the Foundation has distributed more than $300,000 in grants to 100+ local nonprofit organizations. Learn more at bozemanfoundation.org/. •