Human Services Funding for Nonprofits from Washington Foundation

Human Services Funding for Nonprofits from Washington Foundation is sponsored by Dennis & Phyllis Washington Foundation. Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations providing direct health and human services, education, arts, or community programs in Montana and select nearby communities can apply for grants supporting disadvantaged individuals and families.

Pay It Forward Stories 2026 - Dennis & Phyllis Washington Foundation The Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation in 2026 awarded $200,000 in grant funding to employee-recommended charities in the 18th annual Pay It Forward program.

Employees from Envirocon, Modern Machinery, Montana Resources, Washington Corporations, and the Washington Family Office participated by nominating organizations that are investing in people and improving the quality of their lives. Launched in 2009, the program benefits not only the recipient non-profit organizations, but encourages volunteerism and giving among employees.

The Moog Center for Deaf Education Submitted by Stephen Graham – Envirocon This organization provides services to children who are deaf or hard of hearing and their families. I have experienced their transformative impact through my wife’s passion for the field of deaf education and the families that she works with.

The Moog Center served nearly 400 children last year through it’s five programs and continually supports families and schools to increase skills that help kids succeed.

Submitted by Patti Boylan and Paul Richter – Envirocon Patti Boylan: After my parents retired and were ailing in their later years, Missoula Aging Services was there to bring them meals, offer companionship and even gave them little gifts at Christmas, etc. My parents loved the people and the service. Missoula Aging Services was instrumental in keeping my parents independent and in their own home for as long as possible.

Paul Richter: I have seen how MAS has helped the community and individuals firsthand. Food, Housing and Caregiver support. Submitted by Rich Townsend – Envirocon The Buddy Pal for Life Fund benefits pediatric oncology patients and their families.

The goal is to give a sense of hope to every newly diagnosed patient and their families when they are overwhelmed and scared of what the future might hold. Their “Hope Packages” show that someone else cares. This organization is important to me because I saw the pain and struggle my sister and her family went through after her son was diagnosed with brain cancer shortly before his 1st birthday.

For six years they were in and out of Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia until her son, Zach Windle, passed away at 7 years old. I’ve seen firsthand how any support you can give a family is greatly appreciated. Ferndale Community Services Submitted by Cory Hagler – Envirocon Ferndale Community Services provides a wide range of services throughout the City of Ferndale and North Whatcom County.

Their programs include a Community Resource Center, Friendship Community Garden, a Severe Weather Shelter, and more, investing in individuals and improving the quality of their lives. One program that particularly stands out is the Ferndale Holiday Giving Store. This program supports over 600 children and provides low-income families the opportunity to experience a brighter and more joyful holiday season.

Submitted by Pete Joy – Envirocon Youth Homes helps at risk youth through their counseling, foster and adoptive programs. Youth Homes was instrumental in our family’s journey into foster care. Their guidance, insight and support allowed our family to process what lay ahead and receive the necessary training in a non-pressure and encouraging environment.

After providing our therapeutic foster care training, they helped us navigate the State foster system, provided consistent resources and guidance, and supported us all the way through the adoption process. My wife and I volunteered in their foster parent training program for several years and after 10 plus years still have friendships there.

Boys & Girls Club of Missoula County Submitted by Bryce Ottman – Envirocon The local Boys & Girls Club started as a teen program focused on serving high school students. Shortly into the Club’s existence, they found that elementary school kids needed a safe place to be after school, too. It expanded by forming partnerships with schools, churches, and community organizations to add more Club locations and services.

They work hard to adapt to the changing demographics of Missoula to provide a safe, fun, and affordable place for youth to go eaach day. Submitted by Tripp Winfree – Envirocon By providing essential items such as clothing, diapers, and baby supplies, Little Hands Virginia delivers immediate, practical assistance that improves quality of life for children and reduces financial strain on parents.

This organization is important to me because I live in Richmond, Virginia, and know the meaningful impact that timely, local support can have on families during critical early stages of childhood. I value Little Hands Virginia’s hands-on approach and its ability to turn generosity into tangible assistance that strengthens families and builds a healthier community.

Family Promise of Gallatin Valley Submitted by Erin Cebuhar – Envirocon Family Promise of Gallatin Valley is a vital nonprofit serving the Bozeman community with direct, impactful programs that help families become more stable and self-sufficient. They offer emergency shelter, transitional and bridge housing, case management, and connect families in crisis to community resources.

This work supports the Foundation’s mission by giving disadvantaged individuals the tools they need to succeed. In addition to housing support, Family Promise operates the Rising Stars Early Learning Center, offering high-quality early childhood care and education with scholarship support, which directly enables working parents to maintain employment and provides children with important developmental opportunities.

I have personally served on Family Promise’s fundraising committee and have supported the organization for many years. Through this involvement, I have seen firsthand their strong community partnerships, effective local fundraising, and deep commitment to helping families throughout our community. Their work is widely recognized in Bozeman and remains a key resource for families and individuals requiring extra support.

Boys & Girls Club of Whatcom County Submitted by Tracy McDaniel – Envirocon I would like to give back to the community in an area we are currently working. This program offers after-school and summer programs for local youth, helping children and teens develop academically, socially, and physically in a safe, inclusive setting. Activities include homework assistance, athletics, arts, technology, and community service opportunities.

Scholarships are offered to ensure no child is turned away for financial reasons. Submitted by Karra Scudder – Washington Corporations The Bonner PTA has completed phase 1 of the new Playground at Bonner School. It is amazing and brings so much joy to the community.

Many families bring their children here to play after school and on weekends. My children have played here outside of school hours many times and have attended birthday parties here as well. The PTA is now fundraising for additional phases of the Playground.

Phase 2 will add additional play equipment and accessible areas for students with disabilities. I am most excited for the accessible additions to allow all children in the area to play and have fun. Missoula Writing Collaborative Submitted by Marsha Carlson – Washington Corporations The Missoula Writing Collaborative teaches literary competence, critical thinking, cultural awareness, and artistic joy through creative writing.

They place writers in rural, tribal, and town schools throughout Western Montana to show young people the power of words and help them find their voices as writers. Our daughter has such a love of literature and to see how being introduced to the different types of literature and how she can express herself through creative writing has made such a huge difference in how she sees the world.

In the summer she gets the opportunity to work at their Words with Wings summer camp. It is such a positive experience. Words with Wings is held at the University and the campers get to ride the bus to the Butterfly House, the work with the Watershed Education Network, The Montana Museum of Art and Culture and the UM Planetarium.

It is such a wonderful program. Missoula is also home to so many authors and writers and the children get to work with them, too. The Missoula Writing Collaborative embraces the Education, Arts & Culture and Community Service areas of focus that the Foundation builds upon.

Helping Hands of Alberton Submitted by Terri Cheff – Washington Corporations Helping Hands of Alberton is a volunteer-run nonprofit that supports residents of Alberton and the surrounding rural area. They award scholarships, deliver meals and seasonal gift baskets to seniors, and assist families facing financial hardship with basic needs such as clothing, household items, and emergency help when unexpected situations arise.

Because services are limited in rural communities and families often must travel long distances for assistance, the organization frequently becomes the first place neighbors turn when they need help. This organization is important to me because my sister is the Superintendent of the Alberton School District. Through her work, I see how important community support is to student success.

In rural communities, schools cannot do it alone. When the community steps in to support families and meet basic needs, children are better able to focus on learning and growing.

Submitted by Brandon Parker – Washington Corporations This organization and its work is important to me as I have seen firsthand how their philosophy and teachings impact young children’s development, spirit, and connections with the community through their impact on my two daughters. They have been influential in my children’s positive experiences at a young age.

Spirit at Play has definitely played a significant role in getting them exposure to all sorts of learning and development opportunities, introduction to community services, and the importance of building a connection and being a positive member of the community. Their program taps the immeasurable potential of the mind and they reach children through early childhood education that helps our young people get the start they deserve!

Submitted by Stephen Galovich – Washington Corporations The Amani Center provides forensic evaluations and support for victims of child abuse. The reason it is important to me is that my wife worked there for 12 years, starting as a forensic interviewer, and then as the Executive Director. We are passionate about providing the children of our community, who may have been abused, a safe place during a very traumatic time.

Submitted by Brandon Lorensen and Brenda Shimek – Washington Corporations Brandon Lorensen: Through projects like the Skyline Ridge View Trail at the Mount Dean Stone Community Forest, Five Valleys is expanding equitable access to the outdoors by creating a universally accessible trail designed for people of all abilities.

This work removes barriers to nature, supports physical and mental well-being, and fosters a shared sense of community and belonging. By protecting community open spaces and ensuring they are welcoming, inclusive, and accessible, Five Valleys Land Trust empowers individuals and families to connect with the land, enjoy Montana’s natural beauty, and experience the lifelong benefits of outdoor access now and for future generations.

Brenda Shimek: Five Valley Land Trust is an organization that helps keep public lands accessible to everyone in the community. Personally, my family and friends use the local trails and open spaces regularly and appreciate their efforts. They help maintain trails and open space on just about every mountain around Missoula.

They offer many volunteer opportunities and I look forward to spending my time with them each year. Watsons Children’s Shelter Submitted by Daniel Gagen, Haley Nelson, and Pauline Sanders – Washington Corporations & Modern Machinery Daniel Gagen: Watson Children’s Shelter does inspiring work to provide shelter and safety for children in Missoula.

It’s important to me because children are vulnerable and should be protected and cared for at all costs. Haley Nelson: Watson Children’s Shelter provides emergency shelter and compassionate care for children in need – from newborns to 14‑year‑olds. With 24 beds across two Missoula shelters, Watson serves more than 100 children each year.

Many arrive having experienced trauma, abuse, or neglect; others are displaced due to unexpected family crises. Regardless of circumstance, every child receives high‑quality, trauma‑informed care in a safe and nurturing environment. I joined the Board of Directors this year and have been inspired by the organization’s impact.

Pauline Sanders: They are a safe haven for children in crisis. The church I go to gives at least annually with a special drive at Christmas. 2025 Christmas ‘wants’ included presents, but the year before they were asking for food and other supplies.

It’s important to me that we help these children. Anaconda Community Foundation Submitted by Trent Hansen – Washington Corporations The Anaconda Community Foundation is important to my wife and myself because we live in Anaconda and are raising children there. My wife is a high school English teacher at Anaconda High School.

She experiences firsthand how important it is when people support the less fortunate students to give them a chance at life. The world is trying to keep them down but a few good people in their lives can set them on paths to success and health in adulthood. The Anaconda Community Foundation supports our teachers and students.

Helena College Foundation: Joe Smietanka Second Chance Scholarship Submitted by Devin Clary – Washington Corporations The Joe Smietanka Second Chance Scholarship was created in 2016 in honor of Joe’s legacy of perseverance and second chances by supporting Helena College students who have overcome significant personal challenges and are committed to creating a better future through education.

The scholarship, created by his family, is available to students pursuing a degree or vocational certification. Eligible applicants are those who have experienced personal adversity, such as a felony conviction, single parent family, recovery from substance abuse, or other challenges including housing insecurity, foster care history, or disability.

Awards help cover the cost of tuition, books, tools, or program-related supplies, easing financial barriers and encouraging continued academic and personal success. Tamarack Grief Resource Center Submitted by Joe Gentri – Washington Corporations Tamarack Grief Resource Center strengthens and honors individuals, families, and communities throughout their journey with grief.

With offices in Missoula, Kalispell, and Browning, they help individuals and communities navigate grief and loss through counseling, grief camps and retreats, school-based programs, support groups, community workshops, and professional education. I can attest to their commitment to their mission. They were indispensable to me and my family as we navigated the death of our son.

We also had the good fortune to witness how they worked with individual clients and the communities they serve. They are incredible people. Habitat for Humanity of Missoula County Submitted by Andy Tomascak – Washington Corporations Missoula has one of the most challenging environments in the USA to provide housing for low- and middle-class earners.

Habitat for Humanity of Missoula is a charity devoted to providing working families with stable, affordable housing based on the model of “barn raising”, that is neighbors voluntarily helping others, inspiring a caring community, and training volunteer builders in modern construction skills. Homes are refurbished or new builds, and costs are based on what the families can afford versus the maximum cost a property could command.

Working with the families, who are required to complete volunteer hours building and learning to care for their home, Habitat is able to stabilize neighborhoods, give a sense of belonging to marginalized families, and prevent the working poor from falling into homelessness.

Arts Missoula: Wheels on the Bus Submitted by Kristal Fifield – Washington Corporations Wheels On the Bus is a mobile ceramic art studio on a converted retired school bus with ten clay throwing wheels. The Bus offers summer programs through Missoula Parks and Recs, providing the true joy of creating ceramic arts to kids that otherwise would not have the opportunity to learn, create or experience the delight of ceramic arts.

Wheels On the Bus is such an amazing program and truly close to my heart. They asked me to help supervise several clay art classes when my daughter Scarlette was young. Seeing Wheels On the Bus expand is a soul-warming and life-affirming realization.

I cannot think of a more deserving non-profit. Hi-Line Home Programs, Inc. Submitted by Anonymous – Washington Corporations Hi-Line provides direct support services for children and adults with developmental disabilities, helping individuals live safely and independently in their homes and communities.

Family Promise of Great Falls Submitted by Anonymous – Washington Family Office Family Promise’s mission is to help families experiencing homelessness and low income families achieve sustainable independence through a community-based response. Submitted by April LaRocque – Modern Machinery This charity is important to me as The LifeGuard Group is doing the difficult work of educating communities about human trafficking.

It IS in our town, our schools, and our communities. They practice what they preach and they are working hard daily to provide a safe house for those that have escaped human trafficking and education on how to recognize when it is happening. They also provide search groups for missing individuals and work tirelessly to bring those who are missing home.

Their motto is “Knowledge without Action is Powerless. ” Idaho Sled Hockey Association Submitted by Frank Renzo – Modern Machinery The Idaho Sled Hockey Association exists to educate, train, motivate and encourage individuals who have physical disabilities, to participate in the sport of hockey and assist with developing self-confidence, self-reliance, and rehabilitation in a team atmosphere.

I’m originally from Colorado Springs, CO and the year before we moved to Idaho, I was coaching my son’s hockey team. We had the opportunity to participate in practice with the USA Paralympic hockey team as they were practicing for the Olympics. It was a life-changing experience.

On the ice, these guys were amazing. They also showed our 12-year-old players that we really can do anything we put our minds to with hard work and good attitudes. I haven’t worked with the Idaho Sled Hockey players, but what the organization is doing is inspiring.

Who knows? Maybe one of them will be on the next Olympic team. ALSAC – St.

Jude Children’s Research Hospital Submitted by Ray Nyman – Modern Machinery St. Jude is leading the way the world understands, treats, and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. Families never receive a bill from St.

Jude for treatment, travel, housing, or food. My family has been fortunate to never have had to use St. Jude, but our hearts break every time we hear of a family with a child battling cancer or other serious diseases.

Lewis County Food Bank Network: Pe Ell Food Bank Submitted by Mark Habersetzer – Modern Machinery Funding is needed at local food banks. Submitted by Dori Jenkins – Modern Machinery Once again, I recommend Child Bridge.

I’m aware of Child Bridge as our church is one of the contacts should there be some needs for clothing, beds, kitchen supplies, etc. Child Bridge finds and equips families for children who have suffered abuse and neglect.

They offer free services from informative meetings on how to support children in foster care, to licensing processes, four-week classes on how to prepare oneself for fostering, foundational trauma education, faith-based encouragement, and connections with people who get it. Each year, 2,200 Montana children enter foster care due to abuse and neglect, but there are less than half that number of licensed foster families to care for them.

Child Bridge helps meet this need. Ronald McDonald House of Western Montana Submitted by Lucas Hren and Gary Burt – Modern Machinery & Montana Resources Lucas Hren: It’s for the kids, not much more needs to be said. 🙂 My wife has volunteered a few times and just loves it.

Gary Burt: This past year my grandson was born 9 weeks early and had to be life-flighted to Missoula, where he had to spend 39 days in the NICU. During those 39 days, the Ronald McDonald House took my daughter in and gave her a place to stay. It was one less worry she had to think about during this difficult time.

Submitted by Keith Moody – Modern Machinery My wife has worked for the Youth Ranch for 15 years. Over that time, I have supported the Youth Ranch with contributions and volunteering.

They help young people who are struggling with challenges such as family conflict, trauma, homelessness, behavioral issues, mental health concerns, neglect, or abandonment — and to do so in a way that helps them heal and grow rather than just manage symptoms.

Idaho Youth Ranch offers a broad continuum of services, including emergency shelter and crisis intervention, residential care and therapeutic programs, outpatient counseling and therapy, adoption services and support, job readiness and life skills programs, and family support and education.

Portland Youth Philharmonic Association Submitted by David Hawkins – Modern Machinery It is the mission of the Portland Youth Philharmonic Association to prepare young people for success through musical excellence. They are an organization that teaches youth life skills and makes sure no child is excluded, regardless of financial standing. They have different groups and levels so the child is taught the skills they need and can advance.

If a family cannot afford to participate, they are given financial aid. We have a good friend that cannot afford their child’s instrument, an oboe. PYP loans her an instrument each year.

The musician and family are so grateful. Big Sky Bravery Foundation Submitted by Randy Kleinhans – Modern Machinery Big Sky Bravery’s mission is post-deployment support for Active-Duty Special Operations Forces (SOF). Founded in 2015 this non-profit organization utilizes the backdrop of S.

W. Montana to help recipients decompress through weeklong programs (Task Forces). Big Sky Bravery offers these recipients the ability to uncouple from the world and recharge their batteries and has even saved some recipients’ lives.

It has been an honor to be a volunteer for Big Sky Bravery since 2023. In July 2025, I will participate in my 3rd Summer Task Force. Having an already deep appreciation for our US Military, each Task Force has given me more than what I feel that I have given it.

My commitment to being a volunteer is taking a week off from work and my family so I can volunteer 100% of my time and focus on these recipients. This commitment is measured in time obviously, but also the commitment is measured in emotions. We start out a Task Force week as complete strangers and leave as brothers.

These men continue to be impactful to me. Shriners Hospitals for Children – Spokane Submitted by Mitch Chapin – Modern Machinery Shriners Children’s Spokane is where hope and healing meet. Their highly skilled team of physicians specializes in orthopedics, fractures, orthotic and prosthetic care, and scoliosis and spine care.

They are deeply committed to caring for children and families in our community and beyond. The Shriners Children’s Spokane staff sees patients from Washington, Idaho, Montana, Alaska and Canada, as well as other national and international locations. The Shriners Hospital helped my daughter Michaela out when she was younger.

The did amazing surgery on her back for her scoliosis. They are an amazing organization. They really do care about children and their families.

Submitted by Alicia Veselits – Modern Machinery Helping Captives gives adult female victims of trafficking real tools to rebuild their lives. The charity does this by investing in programs and services that create long-term stability, dignity, and opportunity rather than short-term fixes. The charity also connects trafficking victims with residential 24-hour housing and spiritual and medical care.

Helping Captives strengthens individuals with practical resources such as trauma therapy and reintegration support. Helping Captives also offers prevention education to anyone potentially encountering survivors. Helping human trafficking victims is important to me because the issue is often hidden and overlooked.

Many women become trapped by abuse, financial instability, or addiction, making escape incredibly difficult. No one should feel stuck in a life of suffering. With the right support, people can rebuild their lives, find stability, and contribute to society with self-respect and hope.

Treasure Valley Family YMCA: Tomlinson South Meridian Submitted by Breanna Nielson – Modern Machinery The YMCA is important to me because it directly serves our local community and supports people at every stage of life. It offers a safe and welcoming environment for children, families, and individuals to grow physically, mentally, and socially.

I value the YMCA’s commitment to inclusion and accessibility, and I appreciate knowing that this support helps strengthen the community I live in and care about. Butte Silver-Bow 4-H Council Submitted by Zanae Bates – Montana Resources Great organization for the youth of the county to learn about animals, how to cook, sew, become leaders in your community.

This organization teaches so many skills to these young children that they can take with them for a lifetime. Also, they create bonds with animals, friends, and the community that teaches respect. Submitted by Tyler Dunkerson – Montana Resources Montana Grit Outdoors is a 501(c)3 that has a mission to encourage female veterans and first responders through hunting.

I chose this organization because of what Bre is doing for female veterans and first responders by taking them on hunts all while raising three kids. Bre has always been a person that wants to help other people while not asking for anything in return. I respect what she’s doing as does everyone involved and everyone in our community.

Butte Kiwanis Sunshine Camp Submitted by Jeremy Fleege and Anonymous – Montana Resources Jeremy Fleege: I am proud to be a member of a local Kiwanis group since 2010. We are devoted to serving the children in our local community and also children across the country and worldwide through unique and innovative service projects and fundraising initiatives.

A few of the local items that we continue to make an impact include: an annual bicycle “rodeo,” where we are able to tune-up bicycles, teach bicycle safety, and provide free helmets (as well as pizza and drinks); park cleanups/refreshes; and support of Key Club in the Butte community.

Exchange Club Foundation of Butte Montana Submitted by Jack Haran, Buck Sullivan, and Anonymous – Montana Resources Jack Haran: They do the field of flags but mostly do programs about child abuse prevention and provide scholarships. Buck Sullivan: This organization has programs focused on child abuse prevention.

Submitted by Johnathan Hoover and Anonymous – Montana Resources Johnathan Hoover: The world museum of mining helps share the history of mining and the culture and customs it brings to the state and local community. The museum is focused on mining and minerals-related education and showcasing Butte’s rich history of mining, both past and present.

Rotary Club of Butte Foundation Submitted by Jacob Bentley, Josh Wiley, Thomas Kloker, and Tim Boyle – Montana Resources Jacob Bentley: The Butte Rotary Club has been involved in the Butte community since 1914. They are especially involved in the youth programs within the area.

I had the pleasure of getting the opportunity to get a taste of what this club was about when I was selected to go to the Rotary Youth Leadership Award Camp (RYLA) when I was in high school. The club sponsors several teens each year within the community to attend a leadership camp and they get a chance to learn about their leadership style and how to utilize it and develop it for the future.

I credit that camp for helping be become the leader that I am today. My family, including my great grandfather and grandfather, were/are part of the club today. The motto that Rotary chooses to live by is “Service Above Self”, and the people that run this organization truly do live by that motto.

Their entire goal of this club is to support the community and provide help in areas that many people don’t. They are always looking for the next project or program to sponsor and support to help the community. Josh Wiley: The Butte Rotary club supports many kids in Butte, Montana.

Thomas Kloker: This group does a lot for the community of Butte. Tim Boyle: Good group of volunteers and supports the Butte community. City and County of Butte-Silver Bow: Fire Department’s Child Passenger Safety Clinic Submitted by Anonymous – Montana Resources The Uptown Fire Department offers monthly child passenger safety clinics that are free of charge and open to the public.

They also provide car seats at no cost for those in need. Submitted by Robert Miller – Montana Resources New Level Boxing goes above and beyond. They are deeply committed to helping youth stay on a positive path by teaching discipline, self-control, and mental focus, all while providing challenging and engaging physical training.

I have been attending the program for about a month with my son, who has ADHD, and I have already noticed significant improvements in my son’s impulse control, emotional regulation, and overall confidence. The coach demonstrates remarkable patience and understanding, creating a fun, structured, and safe learning environment where children of all abilities can grow and succeed.

Through New Level Boxing’s dedication to youth development, they positively impact not only physical health, but also character, responsibility, and emotional well-being.

SW Montana Veterans Food Pantry & Services Submitted by Cliff Curnow – Montana Resources The SW Montana Veterans Food Pantry provides essential services to Montana veterans, such as nutritious food and individualized support through food distribution, appointment transport, suicide prevention, and thrift store.

This charity is important to me because I am a veteran myself and far too often basic services are not available to us in many areas of Montana. From the charity website: Many veterans refuse assistance or support. Their humility and sense of duty to others often lead them to neglect their own care and wellbeing.

At SW Montana Veterans Food Pantry and Services, we are committed to meeting veterans where they are by reframing services offered as a ‘hand up’ rather than a ‘handout. ” This way, we instill a sense of dignity while encouraging veterans to seek the help they need.

City and County of Butte-Silver Bow: Police Department’s Shop With a Cop Submitted by Mike McGivern, Pete Steilman, Bart Bacon, Mike Watson, & James McCarthy – Montana Resources Mike McGivern: Supporting under-privileged kids. Fostering relationships between young people and law enforcement can change perspectives.

Law enforcement is demonized by so many young people and society and any way to help break that cycle will help with a safer community. Pete Steilman: The Butte-Silver Bow “Shop with a Cop” program