November 2023

Dear Friends,

November, the gateway to the year's end, holds a special significance in the world of charitable giving. It is a time when we express gratitude, reflect on the importance of giving, and prepare to make a profound impact on our communities. In this spirit of generosity and appreciation, I reflect on your unwavering support for the Montana Community Foundation (MCF). You have played a crucial role in the remarkable success of our organization, which equates to supporting the people and places of Montana.  

As the CEO of MCF, it is both a privilege and a passion to work for the place we call home. Over the past 35 years, we've dedicated our efforts to create permanent philanthropy, build stronger communities, and reinvest more than $100 million in Montana through scholarships, grants, and programs. We believe in the power of giving, and this November 28, 2023, we invite you to be part of something truly special – GivingTuesday. 

On the last Tuesday in November, MCF will join millions of individuals, organizations, and communities around the world in celebrating GivingTuesday, a global generosity movement that encourages people to do good. It marks the beginning of the generosity season, inspiring acts of kindness not only on that day but throughout the year. 

If you're as excited as we are about the opportunity to make Montana shine, we invite you to join our GivingTuesday initiative. Visit MTCF.org to explore causes you care about and help create a better Montana. You can also dream big and learn how to create a lasting legacy by preserving what you love about Montana through a legacy gift. 

On November 28, 2023, let's come together and show the world what Montana's generosity is all about. Join us in making GivingTuesday a day to remember and a year of giving that will transform our communities. 

Your continued support has been instrumental in our success. Let's make Montana shine brighter than ever. 

Sincerely, 

Celebrating 35 Years

MCF History Highlight

Elouise Cobell, a member of the Blackfoot Nation, is well known to Montanans for her community development work for the Blackfeet Indian Reservation; she founded the first Indian-owned bank on a reservation, spearheaded many community initiatives, including establishing a financial education program in elementary and middle schools on the reservation, and was instrumental in the creation of the Blackfeet Community Endowment Fund, the first Native American community foundation in Montana.

Elouise served on the Board of Directors of MCF from 1993-2000. Because of her leadership, the Blackfeet Reservation became one of three Montana communities selected to participate with MCF in the Ford Foundation Rural Development and Community Foundation Initiative in 1993.

Elouise Cobell posthumously received the Congressional Medal of Freedom in 2016 from President Barack Obama, and Montana Governor Steve Bullock issued a 2015 proclamation recognizing November 5 (her birthday) as Elouise Cobell Day.

Native American Heritage Month

November is recognized Nationally as Native American Heritage Month. If you would like to support Indigenous People of Montana this GivingTuesday, below is a list of funds that support Indigenous infinitives in Montana.

Funds that support Indigenous Individuals and Nonprofits in Montana:

• Montana Mental Health Access Fund
• Women’s Foundation of Montana
• Snowbird Fund
• Williams B. Pratt Fund

Montana Community Foundation Partners that support Indigenous People in Montana:

• American Indian Institute Endowment
• Bigger Sky Kids Endowment
• Last Chance Community Pow Wow Endowment Fund
• Nkwusm Salish Language School Designated Endowment
• Salish Institute Endowment

Supporting Montana Veterans

The Montana Veterans Fund, established in 2012, is dedicated to providing education, employment support, and mental health resources to our veterans. It's thanks to donors like you that we've achieved remarkable milestones, like the Big Sky Honor Flight, which honored 750 WWII veterans by taking them to Washington, D.C., to celebrate their service.

In 2021, MCF made a three year commitment to Adaptive Performance Center, Blackfeet Manpower, Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes Tribal Health, Fort Peck Assiniboine & Sioux Tribes, and Northern Cheyenne Tribe.

With a gift to the Montana Veterans Fund you can support programs like the Blackfeet Veterans Alliance, a program of Blackfeet Manpower. That supports veterans and their families in navigating government agencies like the Veterans Health Administration, Veterans Benefits Administration, and the National Cemetery Administration. They assist veterans in filing claims for compensation benefits, insurance, pensions, and home loans. Additionally, they help veterans access educational opportunities post-military by guiding them through programs like the Post 9/11 GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill, Reserve Educational Assistance, Veterans Educational Assistance, and transfers.

On GivingTuesday or anytime during November, please consider donating to the Montana Veterans Fund by visiting our website or contacting our office at info@mtcf.org.

Your generosity allows us to honor and assist the heroes who've sacrificed so much for our freedom.

Partner Highlight – Remembering Susanna Bogue

Susanna Bogue Charitable Endowment Fund

Susanna, an immigration lawyer, helped many families and couples with their journeys to the United States, and the effects of her work are felt far and wide. She was known for her impeccable reputation and earned the admiration and respect of peers and judges alike. Susanna wrote a column dedicated to telling her immigration stories and thoughts about the ever-changing world.

Outside of her work, Susanna was a humble, selfless woman known for her strong convictions, extraordinary intelligence, sense of humor, and her kind and caring nature. While Susanna has passed on, her spirit will survive through her family, friends, her world-renowned work, and love of life.

Support the Susanna Bogue Charitable Endowment Fund this GivingTuesday and be a part of Susanna’s extraordinary legacy.

Still Want to Make a Year-End Gift?

There is still time to make a year-end gift to support the causes you care about. The Gift and Estate Planning team at MCF is available to answer any questions you may have and to work with you, your family, and your financial and legal advisors as you consider the best ways to structure your charitable giving. Please call (406) 443-8313 or email giving@mtcf.org to learn more.

Important Dates to Pencil In:

• December 6 (Wednesday): Transfers of mutual funds may take additional time and should be made by December 6.
• December 21 (Thursday): Gifts of appreciated stock should be made by Thursday, December 21 to be received by December 29. Notify MCF prior to initiating the transfer.
• December 26 – 29 (Tuesday - Friday): The last week of the calendar year! Wire transfers of cash must be received no later than Friday, December 29. We recommend initiating the transfer no later than Friday, December 22.

Learn more about navigating the Year-End Giving process here. 

In Case You Missed It

• Fall 2023 Investment Webinar
• Valley County Community Foundation – Outstanding Foundation Award