Montana Community Foundation

10/28/2026

At the Montana Community Foundation, we believe that philanthropy is one of the most powerful ways to shape Montana’s future. Our team partners with individuals, families, and organizations to create lasting legacies that reflect their values and vision for our state.

By helping you shape Montana’s future through giving, we ensure your impact endures, supporting the communities and causes you care about most.

Let’s work together to turn your values into a legacy that lasts. Learn more at

Helping you shape Montana's future through giving.

10/27/2026

For Madeline Pomeroy of Bigfork, scholarship support is helping her take meaningful steps toward her dream of becoming a pediatrician.

Madeline is pursuing a degree in pre-medical sciences at the University of Montana. With the help of this scholarship, she can dedicate more time to volunteering and shadowing medical professionals, gaining valuable experience as she prepares for a future in medicine.

“This scholarship is helping me to pursue a degree in pre-medical sciences at the University of Montana. Because of this scholarship, I am able to dedicate more time to volunteering and shadowing medical professionals, which will permit me to accomplish my ultimate goal of becoming a pediatrician!”

Madeline’s story shows how scholarships can do more than help cover the cost of college. They can give students the time and opportunity to pursue experiences that bring them closer to their goals.

Are you or someone you know planning to attend college? Montana Community Foundation scholarship applications open January 1, and it’s never too early to start exploring opportunities.

Visit our scholarship directory to discover available scholarships and start planning for the next academic year: https://mtcf.org/scholarships/scholarship-directory

10/26/2026

The legacy we leave behind can help shape Montana’s future for generations to come.

In a new article, Jim Bennett, Vice President of Philanthropy at the Montana Community Foundation, explores how thoughtful estate planning can help you care for your loved ones while continuing to support the people, places, and causes that matter most to you.

Through initiatives like MCF’s Strive for 5 campaign, Montanans can consider how even a small portion of their estate could make a lasting difference in their communities.

Your legacy starts with understanding your options and making a plan that reflects what matters most to you.

Read Jim’s full article to learn more about estate planning and creating a lasting charitable legacy: https://mtcf.org/news/your-legacy-starts-with-a-plan

10/24/2026

Today is Make a Difference Day!

At the Montana Community Foundation, we’re honored to recognize the incredible impact of Montana’s 74 Local Community Foundations. These dedicated organizations are at the heart of our state’s communities, shaping Montana’s future through giving, supporting innovative solutions, and fostering powerful partnerships that create lasting change.

Each Local Community Foundation is making a difference, improving lives, strengthening local connections, and ensuring that generosity continues to thrive in every corner of Montana.

Learn more about the Local Community Foundations making an impact near you, and discover how you can give back today: https://mtcf.org/impact/local-community-foundations

Together, we’re building a brighter, stronger Montana, one community at a time.

10/23/2026

The results are in! Montana Community Foundation is proud to announce the winners of the 2026 Images that Shape Montana Art Contest.

This year, 50 artists shared their creativity and unique perspectives, capturing the people, places, and stories that make Montana extraordinary.

Congratulations to our grand prize winner, Jordan Lefler of Missoula, for “Still Here,” and our four category winners:

Community & Economic Vitality: Danielle O’Malley of Helena, “Cross Roads”
Education, Equity & Culture: Kami Love of Red Lodge, “Cowboy’s Companion”
Health & Well-Being: Juli Pace of Bozeman, “The Greater Good”
Land & Resiliency: Emilee Luke of Havre, “Golden Hour Magic”

We’re grateful to every artist who submitted their work and helped celebrate the many ways Montana’s stories can be shared through art.

Want to see the winning pieces and learn more about the talented artists behind them? Read the full article to explore their artwork and stories.

https://mtcf.org/news/2026-images-that-shape-montana-art-contest-winners

10/22/2026

A big thank you to everyone who submitted artwork to the Images that Shape Montana Contest!

We were inspired by the creativity, talent, and unique perspectives shared by artists across Montana. Each submission offers a meaningful glimpse into the people, places, and stories that make our state special, and we’re grateful to everyone who took the time to share their work with us.

The excitement continues tomorrow! Stay tuned as we announce our category winners and grand prize winner and celebrate the incredible artwork submitted this year.

10/21/2026

How can your organization build stronger donor relationships and make fundraising efforts more effective?

Join the Great Falls Area Community Foundation on Monday, October 26, for The Art of the Ask, a morning of fundraising insights, practical advice, and meaningful discussion for nonprofit professionals.

The event will begin with a panel of local nonprofit leaders sharing strategies that have worked for raising funds in the Great Falls community. Jim Bennett, Vice President of Philanthropy at the Montana Community Foundation, will then lead a presentation exploring donor motivations, effective messaging, and strategies for donor preparation, cultivation, and stewardship.

Whether you're looking to strengthen existing donor relationships or connect with new supporters, this event offers an opportunity to learn from experienced professionals and bring new ideas back to your organization.

Register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/art-of-the-ask-with-jim-bennett-tickets-2001902480208

10/20/2026

For Celia Fetterhoff of Kalispell, scholarship support is helping turn years of hard work into an important milestone.

Celia is studying Finance with a minor in Accounting at Montana State University, and thanks to the support of this scholarship and others, she’ll be completing her degree this spring.

“This scholarship has helped make my college education more affordable. Thanks to this scholarship and others, I will be completing my degree this spring!”

Celia’s story is a reminder of how donor generosity can make a meaningful difference in a student’s educational journey. At the Montana Community Foundation, we’re proud to help connect generous donors with Montana students as they work toward their goals and prepare for the opportunities ahead.

10/16/2026

Happy Boss’s Appreciation Day to MCF President & CEO Mary K. Rutherford!

Since joining Montana Community Foundation in January 2014, Mary has brought vision, strength, and a caring heart to her leadership. She sees what’s possible for Montana—and inspires our team to help make it happen.

Under Mary’s leadership, MCF’s assets under management have grown by $144 million, and our team has expanded to meet the needs of our donors and partners. From record-breaking years of community impact to initiatives like Impact Investing, she continues to help MCF reach new heights.

Behind those milestones is a leader who cares deeply about people, the communities we serve, and Montana’s future.

10/15/2026

What does it look like when a rural community invests in its future?

In Winnett, Montana, it looks like historic buildings finding new purpose, spaces that bring people together, and local leaders turning their vision into lasting change.

The Montana Community Foundation recently joined the Reimagining Rural Roadshow in Winnett, where community members showcased projects helping strengthen their town. From the Petroleum County Community Center to the restoration of historic buildings for housing, businesses, and gathering spaces, these efforts demonstrate what is possible when local commitment and community investment come together.

MCF is proud to support Winnett ACES through grant funding that helps advance projects and strengthen the community for generations to come.

Read the full article to see how Winnett is reimagining its future and creating new opportunities in rural Montana.

https://mtcf.org/news/reimagining-rural-comes-to-winnett