endowment funds
​
Giving to one of our endowments gives a permanent, stable source of supporting our community now and forever! An endowment is a fund held by a tax exempt organization where the principal of the fund is not wholly expendable. Only the interest and appreciation earned in an endowment fund can be used for current operations. Our endowments are established to help us meet the long-term needs in the West Yellowstone Community for education, social services, health, economic development, the arts and more.
​
You can donate to any one of our Endowment Funds by notifying us of your wishes. Montana residents can also take advantage of the Montana Endowment Tax Credit, this has to be arranged prior to sending your donation so please call us first if you want to take advantage of this great tax savings.
​
​
Montana Endowment Tax Credit
​
Montana is one of the few states in the nation that has an incentive for charitable giving. Originally enacted in 1997 as the Montana Income Tax Credit for Endowed Philanthropy, it encourages charitable giving to qualified endowments by offering incentives to Montana taxpayers. It expires December 31, 2026.
​
How it Works
The Montana Endowment Tax Credit allows donors to pay less in Montana state income taxes when they give a qualifying planned gift to a qualified Montana charitable endowment like one of the West Yellowstone Foundation’s permanent endowment funds.
​
The Montana Endowment Tax Credit allows donors to pay less in Montana state income taxes when they give a qualifying planned gift to a Montana charitable endowment. The incentive is 40% of the gift’s federal charitable deduction up to a maximum $10,000 tax credit per year per individual, and a credit of 20% of a direct gift by a qualified business up to a maximum of $10,000 per year. For more information on how to join us in supporting this unique community many call home and millions travel through, call the Foundation’s office at 406-646-1152.
​
​
Our endowment funds
​
WEST YELLOWSTONE FOUNDATION ENDOWMENT
These funds are used to support our general operating fund so that we can continue to provide community support for many years to come.
​
WEST YELLOWSTONE FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP ENDOWMENT
These funds are used to award West Yellowstone graduates with up to $20,000 of support for their post-secondary education. It is our goal to grow this endowment to the point that it can fully fund our scholarship program.
​
Arne and steffi siegel scholarship endowment
These funds are used to award West Yellowstone graduates with up to $20,000 of support for their post-secondary education.
​
EXPEDITION: Yellowstone endowment
Support the local 6th graders travel to and discovery of the magical wonders of Natural Sciences in Yellowstone National Park with Expedition Yellowstone Endowment.
​
Heritage park endowment
Help preserve the historic relics of early travelers to West Yellowstone and the world’s first national park, Yellowstone, by a donation to the Heritage Park Endowment.
​
pat Lilly memorial gallery endowment
Celebrate and encourage the artistic talents of a chosen graduating senior from West Yellowstone School district with the Pat Lilly Arts Endowment. This endowment awards at least one West Yellowstone graduate with a scholarship to pursue post-secondary education.
​
smoking waters summer rec program endowment
This is a scholarship award fund for kids in the West Yellowstone Summer Recreation Program between the ages of 6 and 12. Each week has a different theme such as Zoo Week, Summer Fun Week, Survival Week, Theatre Week, and Old West Week. Also, there is an "Awesome Adventure" each week where the kids get to go on a field trip out of town such as to a climbing wall, white water rafting, or to the zoo.
​
food bank endowment
Providing support for our local Social Services Food Bank.
​
after school program endowment
Providing a fun and educational after school program for the local students of West Yellowstone School District.
​
fall river electric co-op educational endowment
Provides educational opportunities to all citizens in our community.
​
community west outreach endowment
CommUNITY West's mission is to advocate for a connected community, to create educational opportunities in West Yellowstone, and to promote basic needs services for all residents. Their vision is to see every segment of this town going together in a common effort to reorganize and understand community potential, explore all possible resources and opportunities, and work as one toward positive change. Their two biggest areas of impact are substance abuse and mental health.
​
Cameron Community club endowment
The Cameron Community Club is a neighborhood development and improvement group in Cameron, MT, which was founded in 2009
​
​