Annual Site Visit: Gianforte Family Foundation
For almost a decade, PCP has coordinated an annual site visit to one of our members’ foundations, where the host foundation “lifts the hood” on several aspects of its grantmaking strategies and processes. This allows members to dig into the nuts and bolts of our shared profession, gleaning insights from others’ experience and practices.
I’m delighted to share that this year’s site visit will be hosted by the Gianforte Family Foundation (GFF) in Bozeman, MT. As is our custom, during our time together we’ll dig into our host foundation’s practices, including functioning as a fully remote team, developing giving strategies, working through quarterly grant cycles, and more.
In addition, we’re excited that this year’s site visit will include a unique opportunity for members to travel and learn together through visits to nonprofits working in Native communities, one of GFF’s focus areas. While Native communities are often portrayed as high-need, they also have incredible strengths and amazing leaders working to create change, similarly to other communities around the world that struggle with poverty. Visiting some of these groups together will give PCP members an opportunity to delve into strength-based development with partners.
Please plan to join us for this first-of-its-kind PCP site visit for a time of rich peer learning. Additionally, June is a gorgeous time of year in Montana, so consider extending your trip by a few days to explore Yellowstone, Glacier, or one of the countless other areas nearby!
Gianforte Family Foundation
Gianforte Family Foundation was established in 2004 by Greg and Susan Gianforte, in response to God’s great goodness to them. The Foundation makes grants that equip people with the knowledge and means to improve their lives and circumstances for the long term, as well as create lasting change in their communities. Since its creation the Foundation has become one of the top giving foundations in the state of Montana.
Foundation Focus Areas
1) Christian organizations in Montana engaged in outreach work, strengthening families, and helping the needy.
2) Organizations in Montana that improve education, provide training, and create jobs through entrepreneurship.
3) Organizations that enhance the local communities of Bozeman and Helena.
Quick Foundation Facts
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Majority of giving goes to work done in Montana
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Total giving since 2004: ~$130M
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Annual giving in 2024: ~$11M
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Over 300 grants awarded in 2024
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Total staff: 4 (3 grantmakers)
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Foundation offices: none
Bozeman, MT GFF Staff Bozeman, MT
June 25 (Bozeman, MT)
9:00 - Gianforte Family Foundation Nuts & Bolts
2:30 - Afternoon Adventures (options include hiking, Museum of the Rockies, fishing, and more)
6:00 - Dinner hosted by GFF
June 26 (Billings, MT)
8:00 - Drive to Billings
10:00 - Nonprofit Site Visits and Break
6:00 - No-host Group dinner
June 27 (Lodge Grass and Bozeman, MT)
8:00 - Drive to Lodge Grass
9:15 - Nonprofit Site Visits in Native Communities
12:00 - Return to Bozeman, stop for lunch on the way
5:00 - Wrap up; optional dinner in the evening for those interested
Trip Costs and Logistics
Fees
There is no registration fee for the site visit. Participants will cover their own travel, lodging, and most meals. In addition, we'll be driving together from Bozeman to Billings, so we'll ask participants to cover the costs for gas and, if needed, rental cars.
Lodging
We will reserve a block of rooms at hotels in Bozeman and Billings once we know how many people will participate, and share details about booking at that time. Room rates in late June typically range from $200-$400/night.
Meals
Participants should plan on about $100 for meals: three lunches (June 25-27) and one dinner (on June 26). Breakfast will be provided at hotels, and if anyone is still in town on the evening of June 27 we may arrange an optional gathering for dinner that night as well. GFF will host us for dinner on the first night of the Site Visit, on June 25.
Flights
Unless you'll be traveling elsewhere in Montana, plan to fly into Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN), which offers nonstop flights from many major US cities.
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We are a network of peers, and we are committed to cultivating spaces where trusted colleagues can learn with and from one another in community. If you are not a PCP member but like what you see here and would like to get involved, please learn more about us and our membership process here. We’re always delighted to welcome new members who fit our membership criteria and who will benefit from, and contribute to, our community.