LOCAL COMMUNITY FOUNDATION Programs & Benefits
2007-2008

The Montana Community Foundation has forty-five affiliates across Montana, with more in development. To assist our affiliates in getting started, growing their endowments and building their leadership skills, we offer the following programs and benefits:

1. LCF+ Grants
When an affiliate raises $10,000 in new gifts for its endowment, the Montana Community Foundation will award $2,500 for immediate re-granting. Affiliates can now also earn $1,000 for their endowments per planned gift obtained (minimum size $5,000) up to $5,000.

2. Leadership Grants
The Montana Community Foundation will provide a $15,000 grant for up to two affiliates a year for a significant community project in a rural area, for which the affiliate plays a major leadership role.

3. Operating Grants
The Montana Community Foundation just started a new competitive operating grant program. Affiliates can apply for up to $2,000 for a matching grant for operating support. The Foundation will match each dollar that an affiliate devotes to operating support.

4. Training
Program Director Cathy Cooney will provide a fall workshop in eight locations during September and October. Affiliates will receive $100 mini-grants for operating support for each board member that attends the workshop (up to $500). Additional training opportunities are planned via conference calls and web seminars.

5. Free Membership to the Montana Nonprofit Association
The Montana Nonprofit Association (MNA) offers an annual conference and a wide variety of services, such as group health insurance, as well as an excellent monthly e-newsletter. MNA is an important resource for building the capacity of the nonprofit sector in Montana.

6. Other services
We provide a webpage for each affiliate on the Montana Community Foundation website. Sample forms and templates for governance, grantmaking, fundraising and marketing are available. Through the Montana Community Foundation affiliates gain access to materials and information from the Council on Foundations, a national membership organization. Technical assistance is always available from LCF Program Director Cathy Cooney and the Montana Community Foundation's experienced staff.

For more information about these services and the LCF program, please contact Program Director Cathy Cooney.

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