EBS STAFF
Moonlight Community Foundation announced its recent award of more than $1 million in grants to various local initiatives, as part of its annual fall grant cycle.
A press release from MCF called it a “remarkable” year for philanthropy, listing the 39 organizations that received funding, including 51 initiatives and 41 scholarships for local kids to attend Camp Moonlight in 2025. The foundation focuses on initiatives for youth education, conservation and underserved needs benefiting Big Sky.
“We are proud to support these incredible programs that embody our community’s spirit,” MCF board chair Bob Rhea stated in the release. “Reaching $1 million in grants this year is a remarkable milestone, especially considering our humble beginnings with just $32,000 awarded 10 years ago. This achievement demonstrates the power of coming together to invest in our shared future.”
Executive Director Anna Shipley added, “we are deeply grateful for our donors and partners whose efforts make this possible.”
To conclude the year, MCF has launched a “25 by the End of 2025” Campaign, aiming to invite and engage 25 new Headwaters Circle Donors, each committing a minimum of $5,000.
“Looking ahead, MCF remains committed to empowering our community through strategic investments and collaborative efforts,” the release concluded.
Organizations received the following for local initiatives, by category.
Conservation
Big Sky Sustainability Network Organization (SNO) received $40,140 for energy efficiency, car reduction and composting programs.
Gallatin River Task Force received $35,000 for five restoration projects, which focus on combating erosion, restoring degraded habitats, and managing access to protect natural resources.
Big Sky’s “Trail Dogs” chapter of the Southwest Montana Mountain Bike Association received $15,000 for its Mountain to Meadow Green trail.
Grow Wild received $10,000 for its fire-wise landscaping demonstration at Historic Crail Ranch.
Lone Peak Film Institute received $4,000 for the inaugural Lone Peak Film Festival.
Underserved needs
Big Sky Rotary received $47,500 for its Big Sky Bandage and Community Support Group programs.
The Big Sky Community Food Bank received $46,600 to support its workforce food security and social services program, in addition to supplemental produce vouchers for this month.
Be Well Big Sky received $40,000 for its community health programs.
Bienvenidos a Gallatin Valley received $25,000 for its “El Centro” program.
Befrienders received $7,500 for its local “Growing Connections” initiative.
The Big Sky Community Organization received $96,320 for Camp Big Sky and recreation projects.
The Big Sky Community Housing Trust received $80,000 for its Rent Local incentive program.
Eagle Mount Bozeman received $7,500 for its Big Sky snowsports program.
Family Promise of Gallatin Valley received $7,500 for family homeless stabilization and prevention program.
Friends of Montana Shakespeare in the Parks received $4,500 for local theater performances and residency.
Lone Peak High School received $20,000 for athletics.
Projecto Salud received $1,000 for a medical bus sponsorship.
Roots Family Collaborative received $5,000 for “Blossom Mom Big Sky.”
Special Olympics of Montana received $3,248 for participant prizes.
Warren Miller Performing Arts Center received $9,000 for the 2025-26 performance lineup.
Wellness In Action received $100,000 for affordable counseling.
World Language Initiative received $20,000 for its Big Sky Community Language Learning program.
Youth Education
The Arts Council of Big Sky received $15,000 for its ArtVenture program.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Big Sky Country received $10,000 for its local program.
Big Sky Futbol Club received $12,000 for scholarships and accessibility efforts.
The Big Sky School District PTO received $113,800 for its teacher cost of living allowance, or “COLA” program.
The Big Sky School District received $18,000 for its local foods and sustainability project.
The Big Sky Ski Education Foundation received $20,000 for its team jacket sponsorship program, and scholarships.
Bozeman Symphony received $5,000 for its “Symphony in Schools” program.
Camp Moonlight received $35,450 for scholarships to local families.
Gallatin River Child Care received $15,000 its infant and toddler care program.
Greater Gallatin United Way received $20,000 for its kidsLINK afterschool program.
HATCH received $10,000 for Global Voices in Big Sky.
Jack Creek Preserve Foundation received $4,777 for youth conservation education.
Lee Poole Scholarships received $14,000 for Ennis and Lone Peak High Schools.
Morningstar Learning Center received $70,000 to support equitable wages.
The MT 64 Hockey Association received $10,000 for equipment.
Opera Montana received $2,500 for “Wheels of Harmony.”
