Building Montana’s Rural Communities USDA Rural Development Initiative

Mission Form partnerships to help rural Montana communities build their capacity to remain vital places where people can choose to live and work.

Funding Anaconda Local Development Corporation received $150,000 grant September 2012 to increase community capacity MSU Extension and Montana Community Foundation each provided $75,000 match

Leadership Increase Rural Community Engagement Strengthen Relationships between Local Government, Education, Economic Development Professionals, Business, and Community Development Identify and Prioritize Community Needs Secure Assets to Sustain Rural Communities

Training Board Development and Governance Grant Making Marketing Asset Development Strategic Planning Facilitation Role and Benefit of Community Foundations

Building Community Resources Capture Transfer of Wealth Opportunities Build Endowments Invest Earnings to Increase Economic and Community Capacity Grant Making and Project Funding

System Change Recognize how local government, private, public, and community foundations can collaborate to accomplish community projects Create new partnerships that enhance educational, financial, and informational exchanges

Participants Train-the-Trainer Program for MSU Extension Agents Local Community Foundations Community Leaders who are interested in developing or enhancing community foundation

How Does it Work MSU Extension Agents provide training to local community foundations and assist in Transfer of Wealth Events Local Community Foundation Boards attend regional and statewide training events Community partners develop strategic plan

Why is it Important Montana ranks #4 among states with the oldest population Projection: In year 2017, number of deaths will surpass births. In year 2025, 25% of the population will be 65 or older. Largest intergenerational transfer of wealth in the US is occurring right now TOW in Montana (2010 – 2020) = $12 Billion (most is projected to transfer to heirs not living in Montana)

Create a Legacy Five percent of $12 Billion would create a $619 million endowment $619 million endowment would generate $31 million each year for Montana Communities.