Montana Community Foundation Inc

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $10.5 million (2025 record)
• Success Rate: 9% (Otto Bremer Community Responsive Fund 2024)
• Decision Time: 3-4 months (varies by program)
• Grant Range: $1,500 - $75,000
• Geographic Focus: Montana statewide
• Total Assets: $188.5 million+

Contact Details

Website: mtcf.org

Phone: (406) 443-8313
Toll-free: (800) 443-8314
Email: info@mtcf.org

Mailing Address: PO Box 1145, Helena, MT 59624

Physical Address: 33 S Last Chance Gulch Ste 2A, Helena, MT 59624

Program-Specific Contacts:

• Community Investment Program: Shyanne Wallace, (406) 230-2785, shyanne@mtcf.org
• Otto Bremer Fund: (406) 443-8313, elisa@mtcf.org
• Women's Foundation: Kylie Gursky, (406) 541-7406, kylie@mtcf.org

Overview

Founded in 1988 in Billings and now headquartered in Helena, the Montana Community Foundation (MCF) is Montana's only statewide community foundation. With total assets exceeding $188.5 million, MCF manages more than 1,470 philanthropic funds and planned gifts for the benefit of Montana. Since its founding, MCF has reinvested more than $100 million in Montana through charitable grants, scholarships, and endowment distributions. In 2025, MCF announced record-breaking giving of $10.5 million, nearly double the $4.3 million distributed just three years earlier. Under President & CEO Mary K. Rutherford's leadership since 2014, the foundation's assets have nearly tripled. MCF works with 45 Local Community Foundation Affiliates across the state to further local grantmaking and serves as one of Montana's largest scholarship providers, distributing nearly $1 million annually to students. The foundation prioritizes reaching rural and tribal communities, with 58% of recent funded applications serving communities of 10,000 people or fewer and 28% of selected proposals directly benefiting Native Americans.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Otto Bremer Trust Community Responsive Fund

• Amount: Up to $75,000
• Total annual distribution: $1.5 million
• Application method: Fixed deadlines (April 1 - May 15)
• Focus: Literacy; adoption and foster care services; children's health; mental health (preference for ages 5-15); capital projects for hospitals and clinics

Community Investment Program

• Amount: Up to $50,000
• Application method: Two annual cycles (May 1 and November 1 deadlines)
• Geographic focus: Rosebud, Custer, and Fallon Counties, including Northern Cheyenne Reservation
• Focus: Projects enhancing quality of life, from workforce training to community space revitalization

Women's Foundation of Montana

• Amount: Varies (total 2025 distribution exceeded $700,000 to 42 organizations)
• Application method: Invitation only (as of 2026)
• Focus: Economic opportunities for women, reproductive and maternal health care, violence survivor support, leadership development

Local Community Foundation Affiliate Grants

• Amount: Varies by affiliate ($1,500 example from Cut Bank Community Foundation)
• Application method: Through 45 local affiliates statewide
• Total annual distribution: $254,329 to affiliates
• Focus: Local community needs determined by each affiliate

Indigenous Student Rapid Assistance Fund

• Amount: Individual emergency grants (over $34,000 distributed to 30 students in recent cycle)
• Application method: Closed/periodic basis
• Focus: Emergency financial relief for food, housing, childcare, transportation, medical care

Colstrip Impacts Foundation

• Amount: Varies
• Application method: Ongoing
• Focus: Workers and families impacted in Colstrip community

Snowbird Fund

• Application method: Ongoing
• Focus: Individuals conducting community searches for missing Indigenous persons

William B. Pratt Endowment Fund

• Application window: January 1 - March 31
• Focus: Montana Indigenous, Folk, Traditional, and Media arts

Annual Endowment Distributions

• Amount: $4.3 million distributed annually to more than 700 nonprofit organizations
• Timing: Paid each spring from qualifying endowment funds

Priority Areas

Montana Community Foundation's competitive grant programs prioritize:

• Basic Needs: Food security, housing, transportation, childcare
• Community Asset Building: Economic development, workforce training, community space development
• Health and Well-Being: Healthcare access, mental health services, children's health
• Education: Literacy programs, scholarships, Indigenous education support
• Women and Girls: Economic advancement, leadership development, reproductive health
• Arts and Culture: Traditional and folk arts, media arts, Indigenous arts
• Rural and Tribal Communities: Preference given to underserved communities with populations under 10,000
• Emergency Response: Crisis support, search and rescue, rapid assistance

What They Don't Fund

Based on specific program guidelines, MCF generally excludes:

• Annual or capital campaigns (program-specific)
• Endowments (program-specific)
• Debt retirements (program-specific)
• Religious, partisan, or sectarian activities (program-specific)
• For-profit organizations (unless through fiscal sponsor)
• Individuals (except through scholarship and specific emergency programs)

Note: Most MCF grants are distributed through donor-advised funds, designated funds, or local affiliates, each with their own specific guidelines and restrictions.

Governance and Leadership

Executive Leadership

Mary K. Rutherford - President & Chief Executive Officer
Joined MCF in 2014. Under her leadership, MCF's assets have nearly tripled while awarding record grants and scholarships across the state. Rutherford has been a vocal advocate for rural nonprofit capacity building, writing in January 2025: "A vibrant rural Montana needs vibrant nonprofits."

Jessica Stewart-Kuntz - Executive Vice President of Philanthropy

Kacie Tollefson - Executive Vice President, Finance & Administration

Board of Directors

Tom McGree - Chair (Helena)
Dan McLean - Vice Chair (Helena)
Kelly Cresswell - Secretary (Helena)
Sheila Rice - Treasurer (Great Falls)

Board Members:

• Curt Barnekoff (Havre)
• Sara Becker (Billings)
• Tracy Cosgrove (Helena)
• Dr. Shane Doyle (Bozeman)
• Dr. Jennifer Isern (Billings)
• Tod Kasten (Circle)
• Courtney Brown Kibblewhite (Billings)
• Leslie Messer (Sidney)
• David Peretto (Helena)
• Courtney Scott (Bozeman)
• Leonard Smith (Billings)
• Kenneth (Kenny) Smoker Jr. (Poplar)
• Maria Valandra (Great Falls)
• Alanna Weibert (Kalispell)

The board represents diverse geographic regions across Montana, from urban centers to rural communities, ensuring statewide perspective in decision-making.

Key Program Staff

Kylie Gursky - Director, Women's Foundation of Montana
Shyanne Wallace - LCF Program Officer
Corey Kopp - Impact Programs Operations Manager
Thad Houdeshell - Grants & Scholarships Administrator
Rebecca Connors - Marketing & Communications Director

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

MCF operates multiple grant programs, each with its own application process:

For Competitive Grant Programs:

1. Visit mtcf.org/funding/apply-for-a-grant to review current opportunities
2. Click "Apply Now" on the relevant funding opportunity page
3. Access the MCF Online grant portal (Foundant platform)
4. Create an account or log in with existing credentials
5. Complete the online application for your selected program

Otto Bremer Trust Community Responsive Fund:

• Applications open: April 1
• Deadline: May 15
• Submit through MCF Online portal
• Reviewed by expert advisory committee

Community Investment Program:

• Two annual deadlines: May 1 and November 1
• Submit through MCF Online portal
• Contact Shyanne Wallace with eligibility questions

Women's Foundation of Montana:

• Currently invitation-only basis (as of 2026)
• Previous years operated competitive application process

Local Community Foundation Affiliates:

• Contact your local affiliate directly
• Each affiliate maintains independent application processes and deadlines
• Find your local affiliate at mtcf.org/impact/local-community-foundations

Annual Endowment Distributions:

• No application required
• Automatic distributions to beneficiary organizations each spring

Before Applying:

• Review the "Applying for Funding Guide" on the MCF website
• Confirm eligibility requirements for specific programs
• Contact program officers with questions before applying

Decision Timeline

Otto Bremer Trust Community Responsive Fund:

• Application deadline: May 15
• Award announcement: August
• Funding available: Early September
• Total timeline: Approximately 4 months from deadline to funding

Community Investment Program:

• Timeline not publicly specified
• Two annual cycles suggest decisions within 3-6 months of deadlines

Annual Endowment Distributions:

• Payments made each March to qualifying endowment fund beneficiaries

Success Rates

Otto Bremer Trust Community Responsive Fund (2024):

• Pre-applications received: 413
• Total funding requested: $21.3 million
• Proposals funded: 36
• Success rate: 9%

Applicant Demographics (Recent Analysis):

• 39% of funded proposals came from low-capacity counties (though only 25% of applications)
• 58% of funded applications served communities of 10,000 people or fewer
• 28% of selected proposals directly benefited Native Americans

These statistics demonstrate MCF's intentional prioritization of rural and tribal communities, even when they represent a smaller portion of the applicant pool.

Women's Foundation of Montana (2025):

• 42 organizations funded
• Over $700,000 distributed

Overall Distribution:

• In 2024, MCF contributed $9,040,167 in grants through 274 awards

Reapplication Policy

MCF does not publicly specify reapplication restrictions for unsuccessful applicants. However, for the Community Investment Program, guidelines state that "applicants who have applied for previous grant cycles may apply for subsequent grant cycles for different phases of their project," indicating openness to reapplication with evolved or new projects.

For specific reapplication policies regarding unsuccessful applications, contact the relevant program officer or MCF's main office.

Application Success Factors

MCF's Strategic Priorities for Grant Selection

Geographic and Demographic Priorities: MCF demonstrates strong commitment to rural and tribal communities. Data from recent grant cycles shows they actively prioritize applications from low-capacity counties and communities under 10,000 people, funding these at higher rates than their application proportions would suggest. Organizations serving Native Americans also receive prioritized consideration.

Project Design Preferences (from Community Investment Program guidelines):

• Broad impact: Projects should affect a significant number of people
• Community-driven solutions: Address community-identified issues and problems
• Leverage: Demonstrate other sources of support
• Community engagement: Encourage others to get involved in addressing needs
• Innovation: Be creative and innovative in approach
• Responsiveness: Address emerging needs

Organizational Capacity and Inclusivity (from Women's Foundation):

• Organizations must "reflect and represent those they serve"
• Demonstrate commitment to inclusivity and diversity
• Show clear impact on the lives of beneficiaries
• Demonstrate potential for sustainable and positive change

Multi-Year and Flexible Funding Philosophy: According to MCF's partnership with Headwaters Economics, the foundation recognizes that rural and tribal organizations need "flexible, unrestricted, and multi-year funding, streamlined application and reporting processes, and prioritizing locally generated solutions."

Application Advice from MCF

From Otto Bremer Fund Guidelines:

• Carefully review revised guidelines to ensure you meet new qualifications
• Applications are reviewed by expert advisory committees specific to each funding priority
• Early preparation is essential given the short window (April 1 - May 15)

From Program Officers:

• Contact program officers before applying if you have eligibility questions
• For grants over program maximums, reach out directly to discuss possibilities
• Non-501(c)(3) nonprofits should call to discuss eligibility rather than assuming ineligibility

Recent Funded Project Examples

Community Investment Program:

• Expanding workforce training programs
• Upgrading search and rescue equipment
• Revitalizing community spaces

Women's Foundation of Montana (2025):

• Expanding access to reproductive and maternal health care
• Supporting survivors of violence
• Building leadership skills for women and girls
• Creating economic opportunities statewide

Indigenous Student Rapid Assistance Fund:

• Emergency support for food, housing, childcare, transportation, and medical care for Indigenous students

Local Affiliate Example:

• Glacier County Library: $1,500 grant from Cut Bank Community Foundation to expand after-school STEAM programming

Common Success Characteristics

Based on funded projects and stated priorities:

• Projects serve clearly defined community needs
• Strong focus on direct service delivery
• Measurable impact on beneficiaries
• Engagement with underserved populations (rural, tribal, women, children)
• Local community support and involvement
• Sustainable approach beyond grant period
• Alignment with specific fund priorities

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Prioritize rural and tribal focus: MCF actively seeks to fund organizations serving communities under 10,000 people and Native American populations, funding these at higher rates than their application proportions
• Demonstrate community-driven solutions: Projects should emerge from local needs and involve community participation, not top-down imposed solutions
• Choose the right program carefully: MCF operates multiple distinct grant programs with different focuses, deadlines, and application processes—ensure strong alignment before applying
• Prepare for competition in major programs: The Otto Bremer Fund had a 9% success rate in 2024, requiring exceptionally strong applications
• Consider local affiliate route: For smaller projects under $10,000, local community foundation affiliates may offer better success rates and more accessible application processes
• Don't self-select out: If you're unsure about eligibility, contact program officers—they encourage calls to discuss unique situations rather than organizations assuming they don't qualify
• Build relationships beyond competitive grants: MCF also distributes $4.3 million annually through endowment distributions and manages donor-advised funds—building relationships with MCF staff can open doors to non-competitive funding streams
• Emphasize sustainability and leverage: MCF looks for projects that leverage other funding sources and have potential for lasting impact beyond the grant period
• Reflect your community: Particularly for Women's Foundation grants, demonstrate that your organization's leadership and staff reflect and represent the communities you serve
• Time applications strategically: With only 2-3 competitive grant cycles annually across programs, missing a deadline means waiting 6-12 months for the next opportunity

References

1. Montana Community Foundation official website, mtcf.org, accessed January 2026
2. Montana Community Foundation Apply for a Grant page, https://mtcf.org/funding/apply-for-a-grant, accessed January 2026
3. Montana Community Foundation Our Team, https://mtcf.org/about/our-team, accessed January 2026
4. Montana Community Foundation Our Board, https://mtcf.org/about/our-board, accessed January 2026
5. GuideStar Profile - Montana Community Foundation Inc, https://www.guidestar.org/profile/81-0450150, accessed January 2026
6. Cause IQ - Montana Community Foundation (MCF), https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/montana-community-foundation,810450150/, accessed January 2026
7. "Montana Community Foundation gives record $10.5 million in 2025," Missoulian, December 2025, https://missoulian.com/news/state-and-regional/article_e5b81d50-2f8a-595c-8c25-be466f0802c1.html
8. "Montana Community Foundation leverages data to reach more rural and Tribal communities," Headwaters Economics, https://headwaterseconomics.org/economic-development/montana-community-foundation-data-rural-tribal-communities/, accessed January 2026
9. Montana Community Foundation Community Investment Program page, https://mtcf.org/funding/apply-for-a-grant/community-investment-program, accessed January 2026
10. Montana Community Foundation Otto Bremer Trust Community Responsive Fund page, https://mtcf.org/funding/apply-for-a-grant/otto-bremer-trust-community-responsive-fund, accessed January 2026
11. Women's Foundation of Montana Apply for Funding, https://wfmontana.org/our-impact/grantees/apply-for-funding, accessed January 2026
12. "Montana Community Foundation offers over $1 million in student scholarships," NBC Montana, accessed January 2026
13. Montana Community Foundation Contact Us, https://mtcf.org/about/contact-us, accessed January 2026
14. Mary Rutherford, "A vibrant rural Montana needs vibrant nonprofits," Bozeman Daily Chronicle, January 2025