United Way of Gallatin County was founded.
The United Way of Gallatin County's (original name) first board meeting was held on September 14, 1978 after the Bozeman Chamber of Commerce hosted public comment on the concept of a centralized philanthropic organization for our community. Members of the Chamber volunteered as board members, actively recruited board members, raised funds, wrote by-laws, and drafted the Articles of Incorporation. Some of these far-sighted individuals included Jerry Cashman, Joe Billion, Gary Sisson, Gary Tschake, Bob Planalp, and many others.
Carol Townsend joined the board
The board grew to 30 members with diverse representation across business and government sectors.
1992
ESTABLISHED ENDOWMENT FUND
Diversified Funding
The board of directors sought to diversify funding beyond the annual campaign. $6,201.20 in donations from the board and community members established an endowment fund.
1997
kidsLINK INITIATIVE FOUNDED
First Afterschool Program
A 1997 community needs assessment identified specific issues demanding attention. United Way of Gallatin County became bolder and stronger and established an $8,000 "venture grant". The grant provided the avenue for rural communities to voice their needs and to become part the solution. As a result, the first afterschool program, known today as Greater Gallatin United Way kidsLINK Afterschool, was established to support working families in Three Forks, MT.
Expanded Afterschool Programs
Rural communities and school districts were pleading for afterschool programs similar to that of Three Forks. United Way of Gallatin County submitted their first grant to Mountain Sky Guest Ranch Fund (known today as AMB West Philanthropies) to help expand afterschool programs to other rural communities.
2003
STRATEGIC SHIFT FOR YOUTH SUCCESS
Lead & Convene
In 2003, Greater Gallatin United Way (GGUW) was named to better reflect the region it serves—Gallatin, Madison, Meagher, Park, and parts of Sweet Grass County.
Recognizing the need for united efforts to address health, education, and financial stability, GGUW not only invests time and money but also leads and convenes crucial conversations. GGUW launched Success By 6, a collaboration including MSU Dept. of Education, THRIVE, MSU Early Childhood, Community Health Partners, Gallatin City/County Health Department, area school districts, Child Care Connections, and others, to ensure children enter school ready to learn. This initiative focuses on a holistic approach to education, addressing both cognitive skills and social-emotional development.
2010
COLLABORATION FOR EARLY LEARNING
Community Needs Assessment
Recognizing GGUW's leadership, Gilhousen Family Foundation shifted their $100,000 annual gift to cover overhead expenses, allowing more funds to go directly into local initiatives. GGUW led a successful $135,000 grant application for an early childhood services assessment, collaborating with the Gallatin County/City Health Department and over 30 community partners. In 2013, a comprehensive needs assessment was delivered.
2012
CONVENING FOR YOUTH SUCCESS
Montana Afterschool Alliance
GGUW, the largest afterschool program provider in the state, helped spearhead a statewide initiative for out-of-school time programming, the Montana Afterschool Alliance (MTAA). GGUW lead and became the fiscal agent for MTAA, which is an established statewide network of key stakeholders who champion for quality, accountability, sustainability, and success of all out-of-school time programs in Montana. Rural Dynamics, Inc. became the fiscal agent for MTAA in 2017.
2014
EVIDENCE BASED PRACTICES FOR EARLY LEARNING
Early Childhood Partnerships
Our community received a grant through the Montana Project LAUNCH Initiative (MT-PLI). This $800,000 per year, five-year federal SAMSHA grant received by Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) with the goal of engaging Montana’s early childhood partners to improve systems and access to mental health services for young children and families. GGUW, ECCC, Childcare Connections, Gallatin Mental Health Center, Thrive, Early Childhood Project, Gallatin City-County Health Dept. and Community Health Partners were collaborative partners that piloted evidence-based practices in Gallatin and Park Counties.
2016
MENTAL HEALTH & WELL-BEING
Building a Resilient Community
GGUW established The Resilience Project, an initiative that aims to build a healthier and more resilient community through a shift to a new collective mindset about behavioral health and mental well-being and how to improve whole-person health.
Investing in Our Community
Since 1978, GGUW has invested over $15M through the Community Impact Fund into local health, education, and financial stability programs. Additionally, GGUW funds collaborative work, pilot projects, and programs like the Early Childhood Community Council, New Early Child Care Provider Fund, and Greater Gallatin Homeless Action Council.
Mobilizing People & Resources
GGUW unveiled a revised 2018-2023 Strategic Plan that utilizes the strength of UWW and to integrate UWW’s mission and goals into its efforts to solve confirmed social needs in the communities it serves. The plan guides GGUW to provide inspirational leadership to mobilize people and resources to achieve long-term positive results in the following four community impact areas: Basic Needs, Behavioral Health & Mental Well-Being; Child & Youth Success, and; Senior Stability. GGUW envisions local communities where all individuals and families achieve their full potential through education, income stability, and healthy living.
23 kidsLINK Afterschool Programs
2023
EXPANDED OUT-OF-SCHOOL TIME CARE
Summer Camps + PIR Days
GGUW began offering summer camps, spring and winter break camps, and out-of-school care during PIR days to help support youth success and working families.