Dear Friends,
As I write this, my outdoor thermometer gauge reads 92 degrees. The heat of another Montana summer is upon us- though this summer is not quite like any other. I didn't expect face masks to be the latest fashion item or that socializing 6 ft apart would be the new social norm. I feel lucky to live in Montana, where wide-open space is readily available, and it is easier to escape to a remote spot.
We cannot, however, escape the reality that many Montanans are struggling to thrive right now. They are figuring out how to keep food on the table and a roof overhead. Adjusting to a new business plan (which for some simply means figuring out how to stay open) or taking care of their families, while daycares shut down, schools ponder remote learning, and the safety of our older population is a big concern. It continues to be a very uncertain time for our state.
Knowing all this, I am certain of one thing- community matters. People are pulling together to help their fellow Montanans navigate this crisis. Nonprofits continue to provide critical social services and more. Businesses are implementing new methods for ensuring the public can get the food and supplies they need. Friends and families are finding new ways to connect in this strange new world. Through these efforts, our state is weaving together a support network that is critical for helping our local communities get through this pandemic.
I am also reminded why the work we do at MCF matters. Through this crisis, we have continued to serve as a conduit for philanthropy to support Montana communities now, while also helping nonprofits and donors establish funds and make gifts that will support generations of Montanans to come, especially in future moments of crisis. Since March, we’ve processed more grants from MCF’s Donor Advised Funds than we could have ever imagined. People have practiced increased generosity aimed at supporting the causes that matter most to them. We are humbled to be The Agent of the Philanthropist in Service to Montana.
Below, you will also read about how our PowerHouse Montana program is connecting women with a valuable network of tools and resources and how a Local Community Foundation Affiliate is taking an active part in disaster work for their community.
Like many other businesses, MCF has had to adapt and adjust as we do our work in this new reality. We all continue to work remotely, only going to the office when we absolutely must. I'm proud of our staff and grateful for our board leadership as we continue to cultivate a culture of giving so Montana communities can flourish, even in a pandemic.
Sincerely,
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Mary K. Rutherford
President & CEO
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Census 2020: July Update
A big focus of Census 2020 right now is ensuring that tribal communities, commonly undercounted in the Census, get counted.
“Montana’s census response rate is 56 percent, trailing the national average of 62 percent. Looking closer at the numbers, some of the lowest response rates are among reservation residents.”
Listen to learn more.
“After ceasing field operations in March due to COVID-19, the U.S. Census Bureau is redoubling efforts to get Indian Country counted, including doing house visits to tribal communities in Montana,”
reports the Billings Gazette
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We're Hiring!
MCF is currently hiring a Communications Associate to join the Communications and Outreach Department. This individual will provide general communications and marketing support to MCF, including the Women’s Foundation of Montana. Review of applicants begins this week.
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New Missoula Office Address
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Our Missoula office has a new address! We are still in the Florence Building downtown, but we have moved to the fourth floor.
Our new address is:
111 N. Higgins Ave, Ste. 410
Missoula, MT 59802
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Endowment Presentations Happening Across the State
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This week, MCF hits the road (virtually) to talk about endowments in communities across the state through a series of presentations happening via Zoom. If your organization has a nonprofit agency endowment fund at MCF, you do not want to miss this!
MCF President & CEO, Mary Rutherford will explain the basics of endowments and answer common questions often heard from our nonprofit partners. Below is information about the endowment presentations happening across the state over the next two weeks.
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Making the Connection: Disaster Toolkit Grant Already at Work Helping Toole County Forward
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This month,
Sunburst Community Foundation made a $2,500 contribution to support
Toole County Forward, a program that has distributed over $100,000 to assist 19 businesses in Shelby, Sunburst, and North Toole County with payroll, rent, utilities, inventory and other costs of re-opening after the shutdown. Applications continue to be received daily.
A portion of SCF’s contribution ($1,700) came from a grant SCF received from the Montana Disaster Relief Fund at Montana Community Foundation for re-granting in its community. SCF received the grant for successful completion and submission of their Community Disaster Preparedness Toolkit and to address a need they identified in their community through their work on the Toolkit concerning disaster preparedness/recovery. SCF chose to support Toole County Forward as it continues to help small businesses survive the financial impacts of the pandemic.
Read more about Toole County Forward here.
“When we met with MCF staff in October 2019 about completing a Disaster Preparedness Toolkit, we had no idea how quickly a disaster would hit our community, says Lynda Clark, Board Chairman at Sunburst Community Foundation. “Just like that, the toolkit took on a more profound meaning for us.”
“We are pleased to support what Toole County Forward is doing. The community members who created it should be commended. They very quickly got together and made it possible to put funds into the hands of business owners in need.”
MCF was able to provide the Community Disaster Preparedness Toolkit Grant to participating local community foundations through its involvement with Philanthropic Preparedness, Resiliency, and Emergency Partnership (PPREP), a program of the Funder’s Network. PPREP provides participating community foundations with knowledge, skills, tools, and resources about disasters and the unique roles that community foundations can play within the cycle of disaster: preparedness (including strengthening resilience and adaptation), response, and recovery. The Center for Disaster Philanthropy serves as the curriculum development and technical assistance partner for the program.
MCF is excited to see disaster philanthropy at work in our local communities and acknowledges the important role Toole County Forward, and other great programs around our state have played in getting the funds to those who need it most.
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Dahl Memorial Hospital Establishes Endowment Fund
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Dahl Memorial Hospital has received a generous donation of $100,000 from an anonymous donor to establish the Dahl Memorial Hospital Endowment Fund at the Montana Community Foundation (MCF) to benefit the Carter County community forever.
The Dahl Memorial Endowment Fund will provide a perpetual source of income to support the hospital’s important work of “improving the lives and health of the Carter County community through comprehensive services provided in a professional and dedicated atmosphere of compassion.”
“We are excited to announce the creation of this fund to provide lasting support for the health and well-being of our community,” says Ryan Tooke, Chief Executive Officer at Dahl Memorial Hospital. “An endowment fund is a great way to ensure that the hospital’s work continues for generations.”
Dahl Memorial Hospital is a private, non-profit corporation established in 1957 in Ekalaka, Montana. The hospital strives to promote general wellness for all and serve those in need. Learn more at www.dahlmemorial.org.
You can contribute to the Dahl Memorial Hospital Endowment Fund by mailing your checks to the Montana Community Foundation at P.O. Box 1145, Helena, MT 59624. For more information about the fund, contact Ryan Tooke at
[email protected].
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PowerHouse Montana: Are You Tapped In?
PowerHouse Montana has been hard at work to provide a network of support for Montana women as they navigate the impacts of COVID-19. From hosting helpful webinars to sharing useful resources and opportunities, PowerHouse Montana is striving to hone the power of connection. As an initiative of the Women’s Foundation of Montana, PowerHouse Montana aims to connect Montana women with what they need to thrive, including each other. Over 500 individuals are already connected through the PowerHouse Montana online platform. There are many ways to get involved.
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In the last month, MCF has awarded over $45,000 in grants to benefit Montana communities, thanks to the generosity of our state. Thank you!
THANK YOU!
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