Valley County is full of energetic Montana people working hard to make this a great place to live. Whether a project starts from scratch or improves something already in place, people of all ages join to complete that project and improve life for their families and friends.

Ask any volunteer and they will tell you that financial support is a wonderful complement to strong backs and willing hands. That's where the Valley County Community Foundation comes in, by awarding grants that help to pay for worthwhile community projects.

Grants are funded through earnings from the endowment. Non-profit organizations working in five areas of need are welcome to apply. These are arts and culture, basic human needs, economic development, education, and natural resources and conservation.

A volunteer board of directors oversees the work of the Foundation and each director helps to build the endowment, encourage applications for grants, and deliberates on the grant awards. A formal application and review process ensures the impartial allocation of earnings.

Generous gifts from many people and businesses have helped to build the endowment over the years. VCCF is part of the Montana Community Foundation in Helena, a statewide organization that helps non-profit organizations raise and administer charitable gifts.

Pooled with millions of dollars from other similar organizations, VCCF benefits from the strength of this buying power. Annual earnings return to the community as funding for worthwhile projects.