What’s your impact on the future of our community?

I’ve noticed a trend. Over the last decade, I’ve had hundreds of cups of coffee with folks around Gallatin County — nonprofit leaders, business owners, government representatives, and neighbors — to learn about our changing community needs and opportunities. Recently, I’ve seen a common thread in these dialogues. Every time I sit down to have a coffee with someone, they want to start by sharing how long they’ve lived here. For some, their Gallatin County roots run generations deep. Others just moved to our community. Regardless of time, though, I’ve noticed similar reasonings for why they are here — the strength and vibrancy of our communities and the quality in Gallatin County.

At One Valley Community Foundation, we know that strong, vibrant communities don’t happen by accident. They are built and grown into places where folks want to put down roots because of the neighbors and newcomers who came before us and invested in these communities. They created businesses, civic infrastructure, and hardworking nonprofit organizations that shape the quality of life we benefit from today.

As your local community foundation, we encourage you to reflect on what you value most about the quality of life you enjoy in Gallatin County. Take a moment to consider the pivotal role played by our nonprofit organizations in creating and preserving this quality. Maybe it’s our ready access to outdoor recreation and skiing or the abundance of art experiences that inspire you. Or perhaps it’s the organizations that strengthen our social fabric by addressing food security, literacy, or access to mental health care that most align with your family’s values.

Regardless of how long you’ve lived in Gallatin County, your local community foundation, One Valley Community Foundation, is here to partner with you in supporting the causes that matter most to you and to help you maximize your impact on the future of our communities.

From November 12th to 18th, America celebrates National Community Foundation Week. Though you may not yet know your local community foundation, you’ve likely felt our impact through initiatives like Give Big Gallatin Valley, the free or low-cost nonprofit programming we offer, our emergency grantmaking during the pandemic and the Bridger Mountain fire, or our ongoing efforts to connect donors with the causes they care about through donor advised funds and philanthropic advising.

As we enter the season of giving, thousands of people from all walks of life will explore ways to give back to the communities that have supported them in Gallatin County. They’ll also look to ensure that their heartfelt giving — however they choose to give — will have the greatest possible impact. That’s why many will choose to give to or through their local community foundation. As experts in local philanthropy, we are here to support you and amplify the impact of your generosity.

Partnering with One Valley Community Foundation is an investment in the future of Gallatin County. We like to say that community foundations are “here for good.” At One Valley Community Foundation, we don’t focus on the next election or business cycle. Instead, we’re focused on the next generation and the next after that. While that can seem like a daunting task, it’s one that we all share. During this Community Foundation Week, I hope you’ll join us in recognizing our collective impact and the difference we can make together. I’d love to have a cup of coffee with you to learn about the impact you want to have on Gallatin County.

Guest Column by Bridget Wilkinson Published in the Bozeman Daily Chronicle