Dear Friends,
There is nothing quite like a Montana summer. Longer days and warm weather lend themselves to plenty of time spent outside under the Big Sky. Here at MCF, we are especially excited about the arrival of July as our new strategic framework is already in motion.
We will continue to be laser focused on a vibrant organizational culture; seeking, securing, and stewarding charitable gifts for the benefit of Montana; effective financial management; supporting local community foundations; and advancing the work of the Women’s Foundation of Montana.
We are excited to remain on this journey with you as your partner in philanthropy and work to inspire giving for the good of Montana forever.
I also want to recognize our Board Chair, Kelly Bruggeman, as she transitions into retirement. Kelly retired on July 2nd after a 30-year legacy at First Interstate BancSystem and First Interstate BancSystem Foundation. Kelly spent her entire career at First Interstate, spurring on and sustaining the institution’s unique brand of philanthropy and commitment to community. Read more about Kelly here.
Upon her retirement, First Interstate BancSystem is honoring Kelly’s service with a charitable contribution to the nonprofit of her choice. Kelly has decided to establish a Donor Advised Fund at MCF. The Sisters Fund is our newest endowment which will continue forever as a way to demonstrate Kelly’s commitment to multi-generational philanthropy.
Thank you, Kelly, for your committed years of service and for all you do on the MCF Board. Enjoy your retirement!
I hope you all enjoy the amazing beauty and peace Montana summers offer.
Sincerely,
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Mary K. Rutherford
President & CEO
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We're Hiring a Senior Accountant! |
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The Montana Community Foundation is looking to hire a Senior Accountant that will be responsible for assisting in the proper accounting of the financial assets of MCF and working with MCF’s financial information contained within the accounting, grants, and donation software systems.
MCF offers a friendly, dynamic, and rewarding workplace. If you're looking to join a team dedicated to Montana's future and growing philanthropy in our great state, you've found it! Find out how to apply here.
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Spirit of Philanthropy Award Winners: Dan and Marcy McLean |
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The Helena Area Community Foundation (HACF) recently announced that Dan and Marcy McLean are the 2021 recipients of the Spirit of Philanthropy Award. After serving as MCF’s legal counsel for 30 years, Dan became a board member this year after retiring. Marcy previously served on the Helena Area Community Foundation Board of Directors.
In 2015, HACF introduced the Spirit of Philanthropy Award, named in honor of Steve Browning, and given to community members who carry on Steve’s commitment to make the Helena Area a great place to live, work, play, and raise a family. Steven Browning was one of the founding members of the HACF and was well known for his generosity in time, talent, and money in supporting non-profits in Helena.
Dan and Marcy have been philanthropic powerhouses in the Helena community. A great number of nonprofits have benefited from their support.
Congratulations, Dan and Marcy!
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Local Community Foundation Highlight: West Yellowstone Foundation |
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The West Yellowstone Foundation (WYF) was established in 1992. Arne and Steffi Siegel spent countless hours helping WYF get its start as the first affiliate of the Montana Community Foundation (MCF). Today WYF continues to provide fiscal vitality and community support to West Yellowstone and Hebgen Lake Basin.
Since its inception nearly 30 years ago, WYF has provided scholarships for local students who graduate and go on to receive additional education. For several days a week, a Foundation bus provides round-trip transportation for seniors and others who have medical appointments and other needs in Bozeman. The WYF also sponsors local events that bring joy to the community which includes the return of the Music in the Park concert series and supports the community through programs like Operation Warm Coats for kids.
The charitable contributions made to WYF have grown into endowments, scholarships, gifts, bequests, and grants that support the community’s nonprofits, students, historic preservation efforts, artists, and families. Learn more about WYF here.
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Longtime Community Partner, Nelson Seeley, Celebrates 100th Birthday
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Last month, Nelson Seeley celebrated his 100th Birthday. To celebrate the momentous occasion, MCF staff surprised Nelson with a visit that included balloons and chocolate.
Nelson first started donating to MCF in 1998 and is an avid supporter of his hometown of Baker, MT. Nelson’s story started with humble beginnings in a small Montana town and losing his father at age 4. He went on to put himself through college and earn two degrees. He served in World War II, and later became the director for the Internal Revenue Service in Montana. Among his career highlights were three meetings with American presidents and earning the federal employee of the year award for the entire state. Read more about Nelson’s life.
Thank you for your continued generosity, Nelson, and congratulations on 100 years of life!
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MCF Awards Nearly $450,000 in Scholarships |
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The final numbers are in and MCF is pleased to award $446,967 in scholarships to over 200 Montana students as they head to college or technical school this fall! Learn more.
“Thanks to the generosity of so many, we are able to provide these scholarships to Montana students as the cost of education continues to rise,” says Mary Rutherford, President & CEO. “We are committed to ensuring a strong future for our state and these students are a part of that future. I am proud we can provide needed financial support as they pursue their dreams.”
P.S. If you are a previous MCF scholarship recipient, we would love to hear from you! Complete this online form or email kristin@mtcf.org.
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William B. Pratt Endowment Fund Grants $8,000 to Support Montana Indigenous Arts and Culture |
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MCF is proud to announce the recipients of $8,000 in grant dollars from the William B. Pratt Endowment Fund to support Montana indigenous, folk, traditional, and media arts. Grant recipients include the Playwrights Network, Fork Peck Community College, Big Sky Film Festival, and Blackfeet Community College. Read more.
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L.P. and Teresa Anderson Family Endowment Fund Contributes $21,000 to Local Organizations |
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The L.P. and Teresa Anderson Family Endowment Fund at MCF has granted $21,000 to local nonprofit organizations in Custer County and the surrounding area.
According to Marilynn Anderson, daughter of L.P. and Teresa Anderson, “I am pleased to award these grants to local organizations. I enjoy this opportunity to follow in my father’s footsteps of giving back to the community that has given so much to our family.”
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Who are the people that spend their days working for Montana's future? Let's find out!
When she joined MCF: September 2020
Where she’s from: Belgrade, MT
What she does: As the Communications Associate, she helps promote and disseminate key Foundation messages through publications, web platforms, videos, social media, events, and marketing campaigns.
What she did: Kristin previously worked at Carroll College as an Annual Giving Officer in the Office of Institutional Advancement. Before that, she worked for, among others, the State of Montana, St. Peter’s Health, and as Mom.
What the fancy stuff on her wall is: She received a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Marketing from Colorado State University.
Favorite place in Montana: In her car, on a backroad, discovering more of Montana’s beauty.
If she had to choose another profession: Novelist, Private Investigator, or a Racecar driver.
Something most people don't know about her: She has her motorcycle endorsement but hasn’t been on a motorcycle since her son was born. Someday she’ll ride again but that is for a later chapter.
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- ReImagining Rural Returning Fall 2021 - Register Now!
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Missoula Law Firm Provides Legal Assistance to MMIP Families - Learn more!
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