Montana Nonprofit Association Receives Nearly $200,000 in Grants from Foundations

The Montana Nonprofit Association (MNA) is pleased to announce the receipt of four multi-year grants totaling $199,412 from local, regional, and national foundations to support MNA’s ongoing work to strengthen the nonprofit sector. The grant awards will allow MNA to expand its programming in advocacy and public policy, professional and organizational development, and discount products and services. The foundations and grant awards are:

Northwest Area Foundation – 2-year grant totaling $137,412 to support building the advocacy capacity of nonprofits and poverty reduction organizations, individually and collectively so that nonprofits may help to shape public policy in Montana.

The Steele-Reese Foundation – 3-year grant totaling $102,000 to support the development of professional and organizational development resources for nonprofits in Montana including trainings and web-based technical assistance resources.

Lora L. & Martin N. Kelley Family Foundation Trust – 3-year grant totaling $45,000 to support membership and member service development including discount products and services for nonprofits in Montana.

Mountain Sky Guest Ranch Fund – 3-year grant totaling $15,000 to support membership and member service development including discount products and services for nonprofits in Montana.

Brian Magee, MNA’s Executive Director, commented, “We are very pleased to have the support of these foundations to launch these critically important programs for nonprofits in Montana. The resources that will result from these projects will significantly enhance MNA’s ability to strengthen the nonprofit sector and support the continued development of high functioning and mission driven organizations in this state.”

Work on the various projects will begin immediately in all cases, though some project activities will require hiring additional staff (doubling the staff to a total of 4 employees) in September to implement the work. The MNA board of directors chair Joy McGrath of Helena explained, “All of the projects are designed to be sustainable in the long-term so that program activities will continue when the grant funds are fully expended. In this way, MNA expects a considerable return on investment for the foundation funds invested in MNA program development.”

Founded in 2001, MNA is a membership organization of nearly 350 charitable nonprofits that promotes a stronger nonprofit sector, supportive public climate, and the ability of nonprofits to accomplish their missions. Representing the richness and diversity of Montana’s nonprofit sector, MNA members address a broad array of missions, come from all four corners of the state, and range in size from the largest organizations to the smallest unstaffed nonprofits. MNA achieves its mission through advocacy and public policy, access to affordable goods and services, training and technical assistance, and research and education. For more information about MNA, visit http://www.mtnonprofit.org.

CONTACT:

Brian Magee, Executive Director

[email protected]

406-449-3717