2024 Moonlight Community Foundation Grant

The Moonlight Community Foundation (MCF) is a philanthropic organization dedicated to supporting and enhancing the quality of life in Big Sky, Montana. MCF fulfills its mission by funding a wide range of programs and initiatives that center on youth education, environmental conservation, and addressing under-served community needs. It maintains a strong regional focus, directing its financial support exclusively toward efforts that positively impact residents in Big Sky and the surrounding area. MCF’s grantmaking process is structured around a semiannual cycle, offering funding opportunities in both the spring and fall each year. The foundation accepts applications from eligible organizations whose proposed initiatives align with its core mission and demonstrate the potential for significant and transformative community benefit. Applicants must be qualified public charities under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. MCF requires that all proposed activities take place in or benefit the Big Sky region, and that any awarded funds be fully expended within 12 months of disbursement. Eligibility for MCF grants is narrowly defined to support community-specific impact. Organizations must demonstrate that their total operating revenue for the most recent fiscal year falls between $25,000 and $2,000,000. In the case of capital projects, the applicant must either own the property in question or possess a lease with a minimum of five years remaining. This ensures stability and continuity for funded projects. In addition, projects can be new initiatives, expansions, or proven ongoing programs seeking further support. Applications are submitted through the Submittable platform, and grantees are expected to submit a Midterm Grant Report within six months of fund disbursement. The report is required for all recipients and is managed via an emailed reminder containing a link to the reporting form. The report ensures accountability and provides insight into the progress and impact of the funded work. Grant deadlines are firmly set each year, with applications due by April 15 for the spring cycle and October 15 for the fall cycle. These deadlines recur annually, establishing predictable windows for applicants to plan submissions. The foundation’s Board of Directors reviews each application in earnest, considering alignment with the foundation’s mission and the potential transformative effect on the organization and the community it serves. MCF does not publish direct contact email or phone information on its website, though a mailing address is provided: PO Box 161013, Big Sky, MT 59716. For inquiries, applicants are directed to use the contact form available on the foundation's website. While MCF highlights the importance of reviewing eligibility documents and FAQs prior to submission, it does not list specific application questions or tips within the publicly available grant materials.