Question: Why was a new 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: Will the DreamCatcher Foundation continue to operate?

Answer: The DreamCatcher Foundation Board of Directors has acknowledged that once the Yellowstone Club Community Foundation receives formal notification of IRS approval of its tax-exempt status, then all remaining funds held by that foundation will be transferred to YCCF and the DreamCatcher Foundation will be dissolved.

Question: Who will run the YCCF and make decisions on grants?

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 will happen to Big Sky LIFT, the emergency fund established one year ago to help individuals and families struggling financially?

Answer: LIFT has continued to provide grants on an as-needed basis to eligible individuals and families. LIFT will be dissolved some time in 2010.

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 will be awarded twice a year, beginning with the second quarter of 2010. Applications for the first round of grants will be accepted until April 1, 2010. Applicants can apply online at www.yellowstoneclubfoundation.org.

Question: Where will the funding come from?

Answer: YCCF is currently in the initial stages of developing its fundraising activities. YCCF anticipates being supported by a broad variety of individual donors that support the YCCF’s programs and mission. In addition to anticipated individual contributions, YCCF will conduct periodic fundraising events such as charitable golf tournaments or charitable auctions.  Please check the YCCF website www.yellowstoneclubfoundation.org often for upcoming events.

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.