EBS STAFF
As Gallatin County nonprofits prepare for the 11th annual Give Big Gallatin Valley, a new report from One Valley Community Foundation reveals an urgent reason to support local nonprofits: nearly $34 million in anticipated federal funding is now at risk.
The report, based on survey responses from 44 regional nonprofits, highlights the growing instability of federal support for organizations that provide essential services like housing, health care, food access and education. With 75% of federally supported nonprofits saying they couldn’t operate for more than a year without that funding, One Valley leaders are calling on the community to step up through local philanthropy.
“Local nonprofits are facing significant challenges as federal funding becomes increasingly uncertain,” Bridget Wilkinson, president and CEO of One Valley, stated in a press release. “This report highlights what’s at risk—but also what’s possible.”
Scheduled for May 1 and 2, the 24-hour online Give Big campaign aims to raise flexible, unrestricted funding for more than 250 nonprofits across Gallatin County. In 2024 alone, Give Big brought 6,018 community members together to raise over $3.13 million for 272 local nonprofits.
“Give Big raises the kind of flexible, unrestricted funding nonprofits need most right now,” Wilkinson added. “It’s one of the most powerful ways our community can respond to uncertainty—by giving local organizations the freedom to meet needs as they arise.”
One such organization is Haven, Gallatin County’s only nonprofit focused exclusively on supporting survivors of domestic violence and sex trafficking. Haven has provided emergency shelter, legal advocacy, counseling and prevention education for more than 40 years. But without federal support, its reach could shrink dramatically.
“We anticipate a 30% reduction in the number of survivors we can serve on an annual basis should federal funds disappear,” stated Erica Coyle, executive director of Haven. “This translates to 400 survivors in our community being turned away from safety and support when they need it most.” One Valley will host a public event on Monday, April 28, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at the HRDC Marketplace in Bozeman. The presentation will explore the report’s findings and share local strategies for nonprofit sustainability. RSVPs are encouraged online.
