BIG SKY INSTITUTE FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF NONPROFITS
PO Box 1514, Helena, MT 596241514 www.bigskyinstitute.org

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Organizations Filed Purposes: The mission of Big Sky Institute for the Advancement of Nonprofits (BSI) is to build Montana's communities by strengthening nonprofits and expanding philanthropy.

200 Montana Nonprofit Sector Development. Under the umbrella of BSI's Montana Nonprofit Connections (MNC) Program, BSI completed the final stage of its initiative with the Billings Community Foundation (BCF) to develop a community-based, capacity-building grantmaking program, which was named the Billings Project for Nonprofit Excellence (BPNE). During the prior year (2018), BSI assisted BPNE to launch its inaugural cycle of capacity building grant awards. Two awardees were chosen: Wise Wonders Children's Museum, and The Family Tree Center. Organizational assessments were conducted by the consultants to lay groundwork for determining capacity building priorities for organizational development projects to be conducted in 2019. The capacity building projects were successfully conducted by mid-year of 2019, and BCF decided to continue capacity building grant making in the future, but on a smaller scale. BSI put on hold replicating this community-based model for a capacity-building grantmaking program in other Montana communities until new funding sources to underwrite the program can be secured. During 2019, BSI completed its work with Bozeman-based Child Care Connections (CCC) on the multi-year Fund Development Assistance Program (FDAP) pilot project. FDAP is an evolving suite of capacity building services developed by BSI to enable nonprofits to diversify their sources of funding, expand non-government revenues, and become more sustainable. CCC is a Child Care Resource and Referral agency, and like its peers across Montana, has been heavily dependent upon government funding. During 2018, BSI worked with CCC on the hiring of a full-time Development Coordinator, and then assisted the new staffer in taking on her new responsibilities. During 2019, BSI continued coaching and assisting the Development Coordinator, which tapered off over the year as she continued to grow into her position. This included helping with promotion and recruitment of attendees for CCC's first-ever fundraising luncheon, and advising about potential business sponsors and prospective donors. Revenues from non-government funding sources continued to grow at an accelerated pace. During 2019, BSI continued to offer seminars, training and technical assistance on fundraising skills through the various component programs of BSI's Helena Development Initiative (HDI). Monthly meetings of HDI's Helena Development Roundtable program component averaged attendance by 28 nonprofit staff and Board members (an increase over the prior year) who participated in trainings and discussions on a diverse range of fundraising topics. Of particular note was a seminar with the Helena City Manager and the Lewis and Clark County Chief Administrative Officer to explore the needs of Helena-based nonprofits and begin to identify opportunities where local government could help strengthen nonprofits and enhance their capacity to provide programs and services, as well as address special needs in the community. BSI conducted an introductory seminar on the fundamentals of endowment development for interested nonprofits that were unable to attend the one offered the previous fall. This was a continuation of BSI's efforts to build audience and knowledge for ongoing seminars on endowment development to be conducted in 2020 and beyond. HDI's Excellence in Nonprofit Communications (ENC) grant award program chose Rocky Mountain Development Council (Rocky) as the 2018 awardee. The six communications business partners contributed to Rocky over $20,000 in pro bono consulting services and products to enhance communications, materials, signage and outreach for increasing community visibility, and expanding financial support from the Helena community. Much of the program was conducted during 2018, and the balance of the consulting assistance and services was completed in 2019. Due to the loss of several of the business partners, the ENC program went on hiatus during 2019 to explore options to recalibrate the program and increase potential efficiencies, as well as recruit new partners. BSI conducted its annual Helena Celebrates Community Philanthropy Dinner and Recognition Event in November to honor individuals, businesses and foundations that are broad and inclusive in their charitable giving and grantmaking. The 2019 awardees included Bev Gibson, First Interstate Bank - Helena, and The Wall Family Power Townsend Foundation. 170 attendees helped honor these generous philanthropic role models, and drew inspiration from the evening's program that highlighted the awardees' charitable endeavors. Through its Access Helena Resources! program component, BSI worked on developing and updating handouts and informational materials to help new Executive Directors and new fundraising staff quickly get up to speed on community resources that can help them be successful in their new jobs.

800 Institute Activities.During 2019, BSI began a new initiative, the Big Sky Nonprofit Board Development Academy (The Academy). This a collaborative initiative to develop a high-quality, annual training program for Boards of Directors of Helena-based nonprofits. In time, the program will be extended to other Montana communities. Sessions will provide in-depth understandings of the roles and responsibilities of nonprofit board members. Over the course of each year, periodic seminars will be conducted on priority topics, such as working effectively with the nonprofit's Executive Director, and understanding financial statements. Certificates will be awarded to Board members who participate in all sessions. An eight member advisory committee was recruited by BSI to work together to develop an initial concept paper for The Academy and the training activities to be conducted. The advisory committee members also worked with BSI to design a process for informing nonprofits, community leaders, volunteers and funders about the plans for The Academy, and engaging these audiences in the development of The Academy.

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