November marks the start of the holiday season, and a time of year when many of us are looking for ways to give back to our community. Giving back comes in many forms; whether it’s through donations, volunteering, or advocacy, it’s our way of using our resources to show that we care about contributing to the vibrancy of our valley. Read on for a list of potential organizations to support in this season of giving.
COMMUNITY
- Befrienders: Volunteer to foster intergenerational friendship across the valley by spending time with senior citizens to combat loneliness and isolation.
- Casting for Recovery: Fund retreats that offer opportunities for women in all stages of breast cancer treatment and recovery to find inspiration, discover renewed energy for life and experience healing connections with other women and nature.
- HAVEN: Support confidential support, legal advocacy, counseling, and a safe place to stay for people impacted by domestic violence, sexual assault, sex trafficking, and stalking.
KIDS
- Big Sky Youth Empowerment: Support vulnerable teens by building a transformative community rooted in belonging, mentorship, adventure, and a deep connection to nature.
- Thrive: Provide mentoring, education, and support for children and families so that everyone in our community has the tools they need to be successful.
- Windhorse Equine Learning: Donate to provide kids and teens ages 8-18 with experiential and reflective learning opportunities with horses, empowering them to discover and realize their full potential through their relationship with a horse.
ENVIRONMENT
- Friends of Hyalite: Donate or volunteer to contribute to the stewardship of and access to year-round recreation in Hyalite Canyon, including plowing, trail maintenance, and monitoring traffic patterns.
- Gallatin Valley Land Trust: Support the conservation of open spaces and creation of trail systems throughout the valley.
- Upper Missouri Waterkeeper: Donate to help enforce clean water protections, reduce pollution to our rivers, and secure science-based solutions vital to the future of Montana's rivers.
ARTS
- Bozeman Library Friends and Foundation: Invest in the next generation of readers and ensure that the library remains a dynamic, ever-evolving, world-class resource for everyone.
- Emerson Center for the Arts & Culture: Support art classes, contemporary exhibitions, gallery & studio spaces, youth camps and more.
- Random Acts of Silliness: Donate or volunteer to support whimsical, joy inspiring, all-ages art and theater for free, including Bumblewood Thicket, Cabinets of Curiosity, and Menagerie of the Imaginary Lantern Parade.
For an even more comprehensive list of nonprofit organizations to support in and around Bozeman, visit Give Big Gallatin Valley's website at www.givebiggv.org/. Happy giving!