As we settle in for colder temperatures and the winter months, it’s also a time to reflect on the past year. SGCF made some big changes in 2021 and we can now look back on those changes and know they were in the right direction for us to reach our mission and goals. Planning the work of a nonprofit and the efforts its going to carry out should tie back to the mission of the organization. When decisions are made to make changes that effect major programming, the organization should have had effective discussions about those changes and how they might impact the work they are trying to accomplish. Give Where You Live was a big change from year’s past in a sense of the name and there being no run. But what happened though is the program is now more focused on the nonprofits, their work in our community, and raising funds to benefit these local organizations. Give Where You Live raised more than any year in the past and we look forward to building on 2021 to have even more of an impact next year. While nonprofits discuss and make planning decisions for their future, there are donors who are planning and making decisions about their giving goals and how they want to meet them. For some donors, this is making the decision to make a monthly gift to their favorite nonprofit, for others it’s about sitting down with their financial advisor and talking about how they’d like

their support to carry on once they are no longer here. Both types of gifts make an impact on the organization the donor chooses to give to and takes some discussion and planning for the donor. The donor has made a thoughtful decision that ties to how they want to support the community and the efforts that take place here. Without donors, the work of nonprofits couldn’t take place. Another way a donor may plan to support the work of nonprofits is through volunteering. For some organizations, this is how they accomplishing their mission. For others, the volunteers provide a strong support system for staff. Either way, the work of small nonprofits could not take place without those who give of their time. As SGCF plans for the future, approving a new strategic plan, a 2022 work plan that aligns with our strategic plan, and a budget to accomplish those goals, we keep in mind our community, our wonderful donors, and our fantastic volunteers. SGCF is here to support community efforts and to make an impact in Sweet Grass County and none of this could be done without all of you!

Thanks to you, the Give Where You Live kickoff event and fundraiser was a huge success! Thank you to everyone who attended the event and gave throughout the month. We are all extremely grateful for your incredible generosity. This year, with your help, we were able to raise our highest total yet in the history of the Community Fundraiser. The 17 participating organizations raised a total of $157,715.74 with a 52.8% Match. It was so nice to be able to hold the kickoff event and celebration in person. We are excited about developing GWYL from the first year, and we can’t wait to see it grow. Stay tuned for details for next years kickoff event, we have some fun ideas in the works! The Community Fundraiser plays a big role in accomplishing our mission to foster non-profit growth, simplify giving, build endowments, and distribute funds to benefit our community. Thank you!

SG County Search & Rescue raised the most during Give Where You Live, raising a total of $22,543.

Community members visiting at the successful first annual Give Where You Live kickoff event!

Weekly Incentive Winners Week 1 - Cookie Agnew - $250 to SG Partners in Education Week 2 -$250 to Friends of the BT Carnegie Library Week 3 -$250 to Sweet Grass Technical Institute Week 4 - Jill Bue - $250 to South Central MT Regional Mental Health Center

Dornix Park representatives at the kickoff event on 9/1.

Thank You For Supporting the Match Fund !

Through SGCF programs, efforts around our community are thriving. Here are a few updates that you, our SGCF supporters, have helped over the past year. The Hospitality House Senior Center is a place to gather and catch up with friends for many in our community. They serve and deliver over 800 meals a month. Not only do they serve meals, but there are coffee groups, cards, puzzles, kitchen band, and many other activities taking place in their main street location throughout the year. The Foundation was excited to be able to help with a major remodeling project for the space. During the 1st quarter Community Impact Granting cycle, $25,000 was awarded to the Hospitality House to assist in this effort, and in October, we were able to tour the newly updated space. The space has been transformed due to the hard work of many.

The Civic Center Project has been able to continue work in the building, making the improvements the community strongly supported last year. The roof has been completed, along with a new fire alarm system that has been installed. A filtered water bottle filling station is in place and a security door has been installed. Items coming up on the list include a camera and security system, bathroom and locker room updates, and updating the entryway. With these items, along with the new gym floor and bleachers, this project is making great progress!

8th Grade - Photo by Jill Bainter Photography

The junior high volleyball program needed new uniforms and new equipment at the Civic Center. SGCF was able to provide funding for a new net system and uniforms this past summer during the 2nd quarter Community Impact Granting cycle.

Before and after pictures of the Hospitality House kitchen pantry.

The new water filtration system is in place in the Fairgrounds Pavilion building. And the new HVAC system is installed in the American Legion. Both of these new systems will improve events in both locations.

Sweet Grass Animal Coalition has held 3 spay and neuter clinics in 2021, handling 108 cats and 2 dogs to date. The clinic held in September handled the 2 dogs, which went very well, and they now will open the clinics up to more canines moving forward. Sweet Grass Cancer Alliance continues to support families and individuals currently undergoing cancer treatments. SGCA provides funding to help offset

The new HVAC system in the Legion will provide quiet heat in the winter months and air conditioning in the summer.

the expenses incurred while having treatment. They also provide a great support system in our community for anyone effected by cancer. Cray Mountain Wrestling will kick off later this winter. This organization has become a great building block for the newer high school wrestling program. Sign up information will be sent through the grade school.

We would like to give a huge shoutout and thank you to Page Dringman for her time on the SGCF Board of Directors. Page is stepping off of the board after serving for six years. Page was an instrumental board member during our transition into a community foundation. Her background experience while in Helena and expertise in nonprofit work allowed her to help SGCF set up policies as a community foundation, providing the organization a strong

We want to take this opportunity to say thank you. Thank you to all of you for your support and trust in SGCF. Without you and your support, the impact made in the community through our programs would not be possible. Through the many ways to support the Foundation, whether it be donating through a newsletter, the annual report, GWYL, or

base to move forward on. We will miss Page and all she brought to the organization! Before her term is complete, the whole SGCF board will be putting the finishing touches and approving an updated strategic plan. A lot of time and effort from the board was invested into putting together new goals and ways the Foundation can make an impact in our community. SGCF’s future is not possible without the work of those with the Foundation now. Thank you Page!

volunteering to help stuff the newsletter, purchasing a license plate, making a pledge, establishing a fund, or naming SGCF in your estate, your support and trust in the Foundation makes all of these wonderful things happen in our community. We appreciate you and all that you do for our community. Wishing you all the best over the holiday season!