Economic Development
We champion increased opportunity and robust, sustainable local economies.
​
Communities that support each other are stronger, more connected, and secure. Opportunities beget opportunities.
115
Grants Awarded
$1.87 M
Granted
37
Organizations
​​​
​Below are the organizations we’ve supported doing this critical work.
​
​
Arlee Community Development Corporation
The Arlee CDC will assist and foster the planning and development of projects deemed to be beneficial socially, physically, economically, and culturally to the public interest of the Arlee-Jocko Valley community.
MAT aims to equip students with the skills needed for successful entry into the automotive industry. They focus on preparing students for technical positions by providing hands-on experience, emphasizing problem-solving, and fostering critical thinking.
Mainstreet Uptown Butte's mission is to revitalize Uptown Butte, Montana, by leveraging the transformative power of the arts to foster economic vitality and cultural vibrancy.
Seeley Lake Community Foundation
Seeley Lake Community Foundation's mission is to engage philanthropy, provide leadership, and improve the quality of life and economic vitality of the Seeley Lake area
The Paradise Center's mission is to serve as a community, visitor, and arts hub in Paradise, Montana, repurposing the former Paradise Elementary School.
Red Lodge Area Community Foundation
RLACF mission is to connect people and build community by catalyzing change and sharing resources to build a strong, vibrant, resilient, inclusive community
Front Step CLT's mission is to demolish barriers that limit wealth, using tools like land trusts, housing cooperatives, and deed restrictions to make permanently affordable homeownership achievable for everyone. They advocate for equitable city policies to address gentrification and displacement and strive to be welcoming to all residents of Missoula, Montana.
Gallatin Valley Economic Development Foundation's mission is to strengthen the economy of Gallatin County, Montana through local business development activities in an effort to attract, retain and grow jobs and businesses throughout Gallatin County.
NPRC organizes Montanans to protect our water, land, air, and working landscapes; supports a healthy, localized, and sustainable economy in farm and ranch country and in our towns; and build strong grassroots leaders, always considering the next generation.
MWED's mission is to promote economic diversity, job growth, and healthy businesses in Northwest Montana.
MCDC is committed to fostering cooperative enterprises across various sectors, harnessing the potential of Montana's unique cooperative legal landscape to facilitate the formation of successful cooperatives.
BLDC's mission is to nurture entrepreneurship, foster economic development, increase access to capital, and assist businesses relocating to or expanding in Butte. They aim to create a vibrant business landscape through strategic planning, innovation, and collaboration.
Future West's mission is to empower communities to shape their desired future by fostering shared identity, robust economies, and responsible stewardship of resources.
Covellite International Film Festival
The Covellite International Film Festival's mission is to showcase honest, resilient, and impactful storytelling, celebrating the "everyman experience" through a diverse range of films.
BREDD's mission is to accelerate the conservation the conservation, development, and utilization of natural and human resources to improve the level of economic activity, and to enhance the environment, quality of life, and standard of living in Mineral, Missoula, and Ravalli Counties, Montana
Blackfoot Pathways: Sculpture in the Wild's mission is to celebrate the cultural, environmental, and industrial heritage of the Blackfoot Valley through contemporary art, fostering community engagement, and promoting the area as an "art destination".
American Independent Business Alliance
They are a nonprofit membership organization of local business alliances, affiliates and supporters. Discover what drives the local movement!
AIBL is the only American Indigenous non-profit organization solely dedicated to empowering business students in the United States. Their programs are designed to engage students in activities that stimulate, enhance, and expand educational experiences beyond traditional academic methods. All students are encouraged to participate in AIBL regardless of race, academic major, or career objectives.
American Jobs for America's Youth
AJAY aimed to ensure every high school graduate participates in a year of National Service, paid internship, or apprenticeship while college graduates ready to work are guaranteed a full-time job at a living wage.
Promotes businesses by working with individuals, businesses & government as a whole, ensuring stability & sustainable economic growth in Dawson County.
MCF's mission is to cultivate a culture of giving so Montana communities can flourish.
FCV aims to work to enhance sustainable vitality of communities in Montana and its surrounding region with a focus on Native American communities.
Homeword's mission is to strengthen Montana communities by teaching homebuyer education and financial skill building and creating safe, healthy homes people can afford.
Missoula Community Foundation's mission is to enhance community vitality by inspiring community giving and strengthening nonprofits.
Missoula Community Radio mission is to create a medium for all community members to enrich and engage their community directly and freely by producing educational, socially just, culturally aware, and entertaining radio programming.
Yellowstone Historic Center's mission is to discover, preserve, and present the history of Yellowstone National Park, West Yellowstone, and the surrounding area for the education of visitors and residents.
Opportunity Link is committed to finding systemic ways to reduce poverty and help the communities of Northcentral Montana achieve independence, prosperity and a better way of life.
MoFi’s mission is to provide financing and advisory services for economically underserved and distressed populations and areas, transforming lives and communities.
Friendship House of Christian Service is a faith-based community development organization collaborating with individuals of all ages. Fueled by compassion and steadfast encouragement, our commitment lies in directing lives toward more promising futures.
The Park County Community Foundation's mission is to improve the quality of life in Park County.
Rural Dynamics, Inc.'s mission is to empower individuals and families to achieve financial security and pursue economic opportunities.
Sanders County CDC's mission is to improve the economic and social condition of Sanders County Residence.
Stevensville Main Street Association's mission is to promote the historic preservation, culture, architecture, and public use of downtown Stevensville, including its commercial, civic, and residential areas.
Sustainable Business Council
Sustainable Business Council's mission was to advance sustainable principles and practices through the power of business.
Winnett ACES mission is to strengthen their community by enhancing the health of the land, economy, and traditions for future generations
If your organization's logo or mission statement has been updated, please send the correct information to loi@highstakesfoundation.org, and we will update this page.




































