Montana is home to vast open landscapes, resilient communities, and an unwavering commitment to preserving both natural heritage and human potential that characterize the Pacific Northwest. From the eastern plains to the Continental Divide, Montana's communities embody the bold spirit and collaborative approach that Jack Murdock deeply admired.
Through five decades, the Murdock Trust has been honored to support Montana nonprofits with more than 800 grants totaling over $130 million, partnering with organizations that understand the unique challenges and opportunities of serving both urban centers and vast rural territories.
Today, we honor the dedicated organizations and individuals working to create lasting impact across Montana's varied landscapes and communities.
Healthcare organizations such as One Health, Big Sandy Medical Center, Cabinet Peaks Medical Center, St. Peter’s Health Foundation, and Providence Montana Health Foundation ensure that residents across the state have access to quality medical care, addressing the unique challenges of healthcare delivery across Montana's expansive geography.
Environmental stewardship groups like Center for Large Landscape Conservation, Blackfoot Challenge, Five Valleys Land Trust, Montana Land Reliance, and many others protect the state's pristine wilderness areas, working rivers, farmlands, and wildlife corridors through science-based conservation efforts that balance ecological preservation with community needs.
Educational and cultural institutions including International Traditional Games Society, Museum of the Rockies, Holter Museum of Art, Historical Museum at Fort Missoula, and others preserve the rich heritage of Native American tribes, other local history, and contemporary Montana culture.
Youth development organizations such as Youth Dynamics, Missoula Family YMCA, Code Girls United, Friends of the Children Montana, and Big Sky Youth Empowerment provide young Montanans with opportunities to develop new skills, connect with nature, and build pathways to success.
Arts groups like Archie Bray Foundation, Missoula Children’s Theater, Montana Ballet Company, Bozeman Symphony Society, and North Valley Music School bring world-class performances and creative experiences to communities across the state, ensuring that geography never limits access to transformative arts programming.
Mental health organizations such as Intermountain, Rural Behavioral Health Institute, Suffer Out Loud, Tamarack Grief Resource Center, and others address Montana’s mental health challenges by providing resources for Montanans to heal in community, process grief well, and develop transformative tools for mental wellbeing.
Food security and community service organizations including Helena Food Share, Montana Rescue Mission, Love and Sonshine Ministries, and Montana Food Bank Network provide critical services that meet immediate needs so Montanans in unstable situations can find a pathway forward.
Universities and institutions like the Weissman Hood Institute, Montana State University, and University of Montana conduct groundbreaking research in fields from wildlife biology to sustainable agriculture, preparing students to tackle tomorrow's challenges while meeting today’s needs.
Community development organizations like Montana Nonprofit Association, American Indigenous Business Leaders, 4 Ranges Community Recreation Foundation, and Great Falls Development Authority strengthen local nonprofits, build strong economies, and foster collaborative solutions to complex challenges, understanding that Montana's communities thrive when they work together.
To these organizations and the many others dedicated to Montana's wellbeing, we extend our deepest gratitude. Your commitment to serving communities across this magnificent state exemplifies the collaborative spirit that makes Montana an essential part of the Pacific Northwest's story, and the story of the Murdock Trust.
May your vital work continue to flourish, and may we continue to partner together in building a future as bright and beautiful as Montana's endless skies.