Montana, Idaho and Wyoming Funders

Montana, Idaho and Wyoming Funders

Philanthropy Northwest connects funders in Montana, Idaho and Wyoming through tailored programming and communications. For over eight years, we have been offering the Montana-Idaho-Wyoming Funders Teleconference: a quarterly call convening grantmakers in the three-state region to share information and build relationships that inspire change. Thanks to the support of Philanthropy Northwest’s Sustaining Members these teleconferences are open to all public and private funders in Montana, Idaho and Wyoming.

The funder-driven discussions are opportunities for you to:

  • Solicit feedback from your peers on your programmatic, operational or financial strategies
  • Discuss lessons learned from successful or not-so-successful investments
  • Share information on public policies that impact your mission and/or the philanthropic sector
  • Explore opportunities and challenges faced by your local communities

Topics of recent calls have included:

For more information about the Montana Idaho Wyoming Funders Group or to propose a topic, please contact Paul Kim at pkim@philanthropynw.org or 206-443-8437.

FAQ: 

1)  What is MT ID WY Funders Group call?
The MT ID WY Funders Group call is supported by Philanthropy Northwest members as a way to extend and deepen our involvement with funders in Montana, Idaho and Wyoming. Now in its eighth year, the goal of each teleconference is to share information about critical issues and opportunities in each state and to promote, facilitate and build relationships that inspire collaboration and change in the region. The agenda for each teleconference is created by participants, for participants.

2) Do I need to be a Philanthropy Northwest member to join the teleconference?
Thanks to the support of Philanthropy Northwest members, these teleconferences are currently open to all public and private funders in Montana, Wyoming and Idaho as a way to build community and share information. At this time, you do not have to be a member to join the teleconference. However, please bear in mind that it is not appropriate to solicit donations, but collaborative grant making and information sharing are encouraged.

3) May I invite other funders to be a part of the teleconference? 
Yes, any grantmaking organization may join us. Because this is intended to be a peer-to-peer environment, we do ask that only grantmaking organizations participate. Registration with Philanthropy Northwest is required (please create a website user name and login to register). You can contact us at info@philanthropynw.org for more information.

4) Is there a cost to join the teleconference?
No, there is no cost to join the teleconference, but long distance charges apply. You can also use your computer to participate in the discussions. Log-in information and instructions are provided upon registration.

5) Want to learn more about Philanthropy Northwest?
Philanthropy Northwest is the regional philanthropic network for Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington and Wyoming. We promote, facilitate and drive collaborative action by philanthropic organizations to strengthen our communities. We envision vibrant, healthy Northwest communities – each with its own unique history, culture and traditions – connected to the natural environment and facing the future with optimism. Founded in 1976, we build, connect and inspire the philanthropic community through professional development, networking, research, publications, public policy work and consulting. Please contact us at info@philanthropynw.org or visit our website if you would like to receive the Philanthropy Northwest regional e-bulletins.

Events
Native Resources

Native Americans in Philanthropy
Slideshow of presentation to the Montana, Wyoming and Idaho Funders Group in March, 2013.  
Native Americans in Philanthropy is a growing circle of nonprofits, tribal communities and foundations committed to the beliefs, traditions and gifts of Native peoples. More information about the organization is on their website.

Hopa Mountain
Hopa Mountain invests in rural and tribal citizen leaders working in early childhood education, informal science education, service–learning, ecological and human health and nonprofit development.  Their programs foster collaboration among rural and tribal citizen leaders to build more vibrant and sustainable local economies, protection of the environment and local cultural traditions and enhanced health and well–being.

Strengthening the Circle, a program of Hopa Mountain
The program seeks to build the capacities of Native-led nonprofit organizations that are working to improve economic development, education, and social services on or near reservations.

Native Voices Rising
Report on the practices and challenges of community organizing and advocacy in native communities. Published jointly by Native Americans in Philanthropy and Common Counsel Foundation, 2013.

2010 Census Brief: The American Indian and Alaska Native Population
Fact sheet published by the U.S. Census Bureau.

Strengthening Community in Montana, Idaho and Wyoming

Intermountain West Funders Network
Intermountain West is a network of grantmakers that brings together funders to engage residents in strengthening their communities, support research and learning, and build a philanthropic community in the region.

Jobs, Jobs, Jobs, Exploring the Link between Civic Health and Employment
Presentation by National Conference on Citizenship to Montana-Wyoming-Idaho Funders group, January, 2013.  Describes the model that measures civic health and the data that suggests a link between civic health and less growth in unemployment.

Home Partnership Foundation - Avenues for Hope Housing Challenge
Report on 2013 annual online giving program to support safe, stable and affordable housing throughout Idaho.

Montana Policy Review, Community Responses to Energy Development
Fall, 2012 issues devoted to reporting on community efforts to mitigate the dramatic changes associated with new large scale energy development in the region. 

Nonprofit Resources in Montana, Idaho and Wyoming

Big Sky Institute for the Advancement of Nonprofits
The Big Sky Institute for the Advancement of Nonprofits builds rural communities by strengthening nonprofits and expanding philanthropy.

Idaho Nonprofit Center
The Idaho Nonprofit Center represents nonprofit organizations and serves as a broker of information and a bridge between the nonprofit, for-profit and government sectors.

Montana Nonprofit Association
The Montana Nonprofit Association is a membership organization that promotes a stronger nonprofit sector in Montana through public policy, products and services, organizational development, research and information sharing, and network building.

Wyoming Nonprofit Network
The Wyoming Nonprofit Network represents the collective voice of the Wyoming charitable nonprofit sector and brings best practices, resources and support to the nonprofit community so that each organization can more effectively fulfill its mission.