When Montanans think about rural Montana, they picture the small towns where they grew up, raised their families, visited relatives, or built their businesses. These communities, which have always been at the heart of Montana’s identity, rely on strong local engagement to thrive. From bustling downtowns to active schools and strong local businesses, Montanans dream of vibrant towns filled with engaged citizens and vital services. But this vision of thriving rural areas cannot become a reality without the support of people, organizations, and local nonprofits.
The Importance of Volunteerism and Local Nonprofits
Communities thrive because of the generosity of their residents, volunteers, small businesses, and nonprofits. In Montana’s rural communities, where financial resources are often limited and populations are small, local nonprofits are indispensable in keeping communities alive and thriving. These organizations play a significant role, providing essential services and improving the quality of life for people in need.
However, nonprofits often struggle to meet their goals due to limited budgets and a lack of full-time staff. In some of Montana’s truly rural areas, it is challenging for nonprofits to afford specialized workers, such as grant writers or fundraising staff, which limits their ability to raise the necessary funds and expand their impact.
Local Community Foundations (LCFs) Are the Heartbeat of Montana’s Rural Areas
This is where Local Community Foundations (LCFs) come in. These foundations are vital to the success and sustainability of small towns across Montana. They focus on addressing financial challenges, local issues, and community needs with a combination of passion, knowledge, and dedication.
LCFs serve as local champions, solving problems and helping their communities survive. They focus on critical issues such as food security, healthcare, childcare, housing, and transportation. In addition, LCFs help build community vibrancy by supporting the arts, local theaters, parks, and recreational activities. By offering scholarships, gathering school supplies, and ensuring children have enough food to eat, these organizations provide important resources that help families and children stay strong.
The Role of Montana’s Nonprofits
The work of nonprofits and LCFs has improved the lives of countless Montanans. Across the state, organizations focus on making communities safer, healthier, and more connected. They are helping to reduce domestic violence, supporting foster children, and working to create more affordable housing. Nonprofits also play a role in stimulating economic growth by providing workforce development opportunities and ensuring that communities remain vibrant.
Some examples of the work being done include Roundup revitalizing its downtown with improved signage and converting a retired school building into affordable housing. In Broadus, a new pocket park and expanded trail system are breathing new life into the area. Meanwhile, Polson is teaching swimming lessons and beautifying its downtown, ensuring the community stays safe and welcoming.
In addition, the Powder River Community Foundation funded a vehicle for first responders, enabling telemedicine visits, home safety checks, and outpatient services. Fort Peck’s community theater is driving economic growth in the region, and West Yellowstone has purchased a van to transport residents to medical appointments.
The Threat of Legislation to Nonprofits
Despite the undeniable impact nonprofits have on local communities, several proposed bills threaten the ability of nonprofits to continue their vital work. One such bill seeks to introduce unnecessary taxes on nonprofit organizations. Nonprofits are exempt from state and federal income taxes because they serve the public good, reinvesting revenue back into the community rather than distributing it to shareholders. Imposing new taxes on these organizations would likely force many to close, causing long-term harm to rural Montana communities.
Another proposal would prevent nonprofits from receiving state funding. This proposal undermines the competitive process for managing state tax dollars, further hampering efforts to address domestic violence, support foster children, and create economic opportunities.
The Need for Continued Support for Nonprofits
The support of local nonprofits is critical to Montana’s rural communities. These organizations tackle problems head-on, improve lives, and help build a stronger Montana for future generations. If the legislature passes bills that undermine nonprofits, Montana’s small towns could lose their most vital resources.
We must protect the hard work of these organizations that are driving change and uplifting communities throughout the state. Montana’s thriving towns and successful nonprofits depend on public and legislative support to continue their work.
The Role of the Montana Community Foundation
The Montana Community Foundation plays a vital role in supporting nonprofits across the state. In 2024, the foundation awarded over $5 million in grants to 739 organizations, supporting everything from food banks to rural healthcare initiatives and schools.
As a proud supporter of local nonprofits, the Montana Community Foundation provides technical assistance, financial support, and resources to ensure these organizations can continue their important work.
Conclusion
On January 30th, 2024, over 200 nonprofit leaders gathered in Helena to speak with state legislators about the importance of nonprofits in Montana. It was a powerful reminder of the difference these organizations make in people’s lives and the importance of protecting their future.
Legislators must reject proposals that could undermine Montana’s nonprofits. Without these organizations, many of Montana’s small towns would struggle to survive, and the heart of the state would lose its beat.
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