New Name, Growing Mission: Montana’s One Valley Community Foundation
/
Bonita R. Cheshier/shutterstock
What used to be the Bozeman Area Community Foundation is now known as the One Valley Community Foundation (OVCF), following a recent rebranding process to reflect the organization’s growing mission. Based in Bozeman, Montana, and with a focus on the Gallatin Valley of Montana, OVCF is a transparent and accessible community funder that offers several ways for local groups to get involved.
Here are some top things to know about the One Valley Community Foundation and its approach to Montana grantmaking.
From past to present
The history of OVCF dates back to 1998 when the organization first formed as the Planned Giving Foundation of Montana. It adopted the name Bozeman Area Community Foundation in 2002 and brought on its first staff member in 2013. In 2020, the foundation rebranded itself as the One Valley Community Foundation to be more inclusive of all Gallatin County communities. In the past 20 years, the funder has distributed over $7.7 million to more than 250 local nonprofits.
Grant opportunities
Like most community foundations, OVCF awards grants in a variety of ways, including through donor-advised funds, nonprofit endowment funds, giving circles and disaster relief funds. One significant opportunity is the Gallatin County Nonprofit Vitality Grant, a partnership with the Gallatin County Commission. Past OVCF grantees include the Belgrade Community Coalition, Gallatin Valley Land Trust, Cottonwood Day School and the Arts Council of Big Sky.
Giving interests are broad and touch on nearly any local nonprofit need. The foundation’s website lists current opportunities that organizations may apply for, as well as information about responsive funds from the past, like the Southwest Montana Covid-19 Response Fund and the Bridger Foothills Fire Relief Fund.
Getting local youth involved
Another aspect of OVCF’s giving is its Youth Giving Project, which introduces young people to issues in their communities and empowers them to take action to find solutions. Local students participate in the program to distribute grants to regional nonprofits. The foundation has awarded over $75,000 to nonprofits through this program so far. Sponsors for the program include Andrea Dumke-Manship and Michael Manship, and the Doll Family Foundation. Nonprofits can request up to $2,500 for project support or unrestricted funding. Students choose a different focus each year, such as health or animals.
Other foundation initiatives
OVCF aids fundraising for local nonprofits through its Give Big Gallatin Valley program. The foundation also establishes endowments for small organizations and provides nonprofit trainings, a nonprofit directory, community events and a nonprofit café gathering on the fourth Friday of every month. There’s also the Regional Housing Coalition, an ongoing project of the foundation that addresses affordable housing in Gallatin County.
The foundation makes its staff available for grant-related and general questions and is open to starting conversations and keeping communication open with prospective grantees. Grantseekers are welcome to provide information about their organizations by mail, phone, email or in-person visits.
Learn more about locally-focused foundations in this part of the country by browsing our Montana grantmaking guide.
