Red Lodge Area Community Foundation

In 2024, community volunteers contributed 1,601 hours to thriving nonprofit projects, valued at $53,617.the 21st annual fun run awarded $380,613 to 65 participating charities, the largest amount awarded ina single year in the event's history.through fiscal sponsorship, the foundation provided a legal nonprofit framework for charitable initiatives, offering administrative support to groups without formal tax-exempt status. This arrangement enabled donors to contribute to these initiatives with tax-deductible gifts. The foundation granted $143,539 on behalf of these groups, allowing them to focus on their missions while benefiting from the foundation's nonprofit status and oversight.the community grantmaking program awarded $18,000 to 17 carbon county nonprofits, supporting a wide range of community-driven initiatives.the two conference rooms at the nonprofit shared services center provide valuable collaborative space for nonprofits and community leaders. In 2024, they hosted 210 meetings for community groups and an additional 117 meetings for the foundation's staff and committees, fostering collaboration and supporting local initiatives, including groups that lack access to meeting space.the red lodge area community foundation hosted a two-day gracious space training event, led by creator pat hughes, in red lodge. Offered free to the public, the training brought together more than 55 community members from diverse organizations to explore the principles of gracious space, including listening deeply, fostering inclusive dialogue, and creating a welcoming environment for all voices. Participants were immersed in the theory behind gracious space and had the opportunity to apply its core tenetssuch as respect, curiosity, and shared understandingto real-world scenarios, strengthening their capacity to engage in meaningful, constructive conversations across differing perspectives.

In 2024, community volunteers contributed 679 hours to robust arts & culture projects, valued at $22,740.the roosevelt center hosted 345 events, attracting 18,686 attendeesa 38% increase over 2023. Highlights include: david and cheryl whitcomb's open mic nights showcased over 100 performances across eight events, with a total audience of 340. The missoula children's theater returned in february, hosting auditions, rehearsals, and two performances of blackbeard the pirate, featuring 29 local youth actors. The performances drew 269 attendees. Montana shakes! Visited twice in 2024, offering a play performance and acting workshops. The april performance for elementary students attracted 162 attendees, while the october performance for middle and high school students drew 195. Red lodge high school presented two nights of one-act plays at the roosevelt center, drawing 197 attendees. The red lodge theater company hosted two performances of its montana renaissance festival show, attended by 45 people. Additionally, 11 young actors participated in four free acting workshops led by the company. Summer fest, now in its third year, was organized by roosevelt center staff and spanned three weekends in 2024. The festival featured 12 musical acts, with the largest event on july 27 drawing 1,052 attendeesmaking it the most attended single-day event in the building's history. Despite rain and lightning, staff seamlessly adapted, moving the final performance indoors for an intimate show. The festival as a whole welcomed 2,200 attendees.the roosevelt center also proved its capacity as a premier conference venue, hosting a three-day event for 240 guests of the intermountain ski areas association. The venue accommodated all attendees across various spaces, including the auditorium, conference room, outdoor grounds, harper recital hall, and four breakout rooms. Staff efficiently transitioned the auditorium from a 250-seat speaking event to a business fair with 30 vendor booths, marking the largest multi-day event in the roosevelt center's history.efforts to restore the historic part of the building continued in 2024. East wing exterior restoration was completed, including parapet, faade, and chimney work, funded by the montana historic preservation grant and the foundation for montana history. Construction began on an elevator in the historic east wing, providing ada-compliant access to the gregory t. Harper recital hall. Additionally, 6,000 square feet of maple flooring in the auditorium was refinished.the roosevelt center also featured free exhibits by 15 carbon county artists throughout the year.a 12-panel solar array was installed in the youth and art garden at the roosevelt center, saving $1,774 in electricity costs.

In 2024, community volunteers contributed 2552 hours for connected youth projects, valued at $85,466.48.the early childhood fund granted $25,665 to support 25 children and their families to help offset the high cost of childcare. The youth enrichment fund provided $10,908 in funding assistance for 76 area youth to participate in activities such as piano lessons, dance lessons, volleyball, school ski days, swim lessons, soccer, and jiu-jitsu. Meadowlark children's center completed its first full year in september 2024, providing care for 20 children since opening in the fall of 2023.connected youth highlights: completed comprehensive childcare assessments with employers and employees across carbon county. Partnered with seven community organizations and churches to serve over 600 meals through the lunch in the sun program at the red lodge city pool. Future of montana volunteer corps high school students gave back in a big waylogging 2,396 volunteer hours to strengthen their community and support local causes. Delivered safe sitter training to six youth participants at the boys & girls club, preparing them for safe and responsible babysitting. Facilitated monthly early childhood coalition meetings to share updates and collaborate on montana's childcare support services. Transitioned the resilient youth mental wellness program to a sustainable model through direct partnerships between school districts and the service provider. Convened the annual youth steering committee, fostering youth voice and leadership in local program planning.