Second round of wildfire relief fund grant applications opening

From Montana Community Foundation

HELENA — The Montana Community Foundation Inc. has announced the opening of the second grant cycle for the Montana Wildfire Relief Fund, a charitable fund dedicated to supporting wildfire relief efforts following the unprecedented wildfire season in Montana.

The fund originated as a partnership between MCF and the Montana Television Network. Launched in early September, the fund has grown to more than $500,000 through the generosity of individuals, businesses, private foundations, and many others across the country.

Applicants must be either a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, an exempt governmental unit or, if neither, provide a fiscal sponsorship agreement with an organization who is a 501(c)(3) or exempt governmental unit. Grants will be up to $15,000. Only one application is allowed per organization.

Successful grantees will have the following characteristics:

• Preference will be given to organizations that provide(d) direct relief to individuals affected by the wildfires in Montana in 2017.

• Provide a direct benefit to Montana residents.

• Do not support projects, programs, or activities that are partisan or sectarian.

Grant requests are reviewed by a grants committee comprised of MCF staff and board members, nominated members of Montana communities affected by wildfires, and wildfire experts from government agencies and other qualified organizations. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Grant applications will be accepted Nov. 11 through Dec. 11.

To apply for a grant, access the online application at http://mtcf.org/grants. Online applications are strongly preferred. For questions, people can contact MCF Director of Operations and Grants Jessica Stewart-Kuntz at 406-441-4950 or [email protected].

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Montana Community Foundation’s mission is to cultivate a culture of giving so Montana communities can flourish. Founded in 1988, MCF manages approximately $89 million in assets and administers more than 900 philanthropic funds and planned gifts. MCF’s accreditation through the Council on Foundations’ National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations ensures MCF complies with the strictest standards in gift administration and grantmaking.

Since its founding, MCF has reinvested more than $41 million in Montana through grants to charitable organizations and causes across the state. MCF serves as a center for philanthropy in Montana, working with donors, charitable organizations and communities to provide simple and effective ways to give back to Montana.

For more information and to learn how to support Montana communities, people can visit http://www.mtcf.org or call 406-443-8313 or visit the Montana Community Foundation’s Facebook page.