Question: Why was a the Foundation created?

Answer: The Yellowstone Club Community Foundation (YCCF) was established to reflect the commitment of the club members, ownership and management to the Big Sky community. The Foundation will have a clearly established process for awarding grants to eligible community-based nonprofit organizations.

Question: Who makes decisions regarding grant allocation?

Answer: A board of club members has been installed to govern the Foundation and award grants, based upon clearly established criteria and guidelines. Board members include: Sam Byrne, Loren Bough, Charlie Callander, Jodi Shelton, Chris Wright and Jamie Alexander.

Question: How can I make a donation to YCCF? Is it tax deductible?

Answer: YCCF is organized as a Montana charitable public benefit corporation and presently has its application for recognition of its status as a Section 501(c)(3) charitable organization pending with the IRS.  Upon approval, the determination of charitable status will be retroactive to the date of organization, which was December 22, 2009.  This will also entitle donors to a charitable income tax deduction under Internal Revenue Code Section 170(c)(2) for contributions made to YCCF to the full extent otherwise allowed by law.  Until formal approval is received, YCCF has entered into an arrangement by which tax deductible charitable donations can be made for the exclusive benefit of the Yellowstone Club Community Foundation.  Please contact YCCF Executive Director Casey Schwartz at casey.schwartz@yellowstoneclubfoundation.org or 406-995-4900 for complete information.

Question: What kinds of charities will YCCF support?

Answer: The Foundation’s mission is to support the Big Sky and Bozeman communities through grants to eligible locally based nonprofit organizations that promote community service, education and conservation, or qualified government entities such as schools.

Question: How can nonprofits apply for grants?

Answer: Grants are awarded twice a year. Applications are accepted in the spring and fall with deadlines for submission: November 1 and May 1. Applications must be submitted online. No mailed applications will be accepted.

Question: How can I recommend a charity for a grant?

Answer: You could direct the organization to our website to learn more about our guidelines and grants process, and provide a letter of recommendation to accompany the application.