Leroy and Claris Strand Foundation
Accepts applications
Leroy and Claris Strand Foundation is a private foundation in Stanford, Montana. In tax year 2025 it gave $201,017 in 62 grants; the typical grant was $2,000 and the largest $15,000. It accepts applications; its filing gives the instructions below.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2025.
- Grants paid, 2025$201,017
- Number of grants62
- Typical grant$2,000
- Largest grant$15,000
- Assets$40.9 million
- New grantees37%
Giving in 2025 was up from $86,433 the year before.
37% of its 2025 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, a mix of repeat and new grantees.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $81,607 | 49 | $2.0 million |
| 2024 | $86,433 | 50 | $2.5 million |
| 2025 | $201,017 | 62 | $40.9 million |
How to apply
| Contact | Dawnita D Sampsel PO Box 528, Stanford, MT 59479 |
|---|---|
| Phone or email | (406) 799-2379 |
| What to submit | Completed application with additional information if necessary |
| Deadlines | May 1 and november 1 |
| Restrictions | Specific geographical communities - contributions are restricted to organizations located within or nearby the following cities and towns: raynesford, fort benton, stanford, geyser, belt, geraldine and highwood but not in or nearby denton, coffee creek, windham, hobson, utica, and great falls, Montana. |
Foundation website IRS filings on ProPublica
What Leroy and Claris Strand Foundation funds
Where it gives
All of its grants went to recipients in Montana.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Montana | 62 | $201,017 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Highwood Rural Fire Department | Charitable | $15,000 |
| Judith Basin County 4-H Council | Charitable | $15,000 |
| Geraldine Community Ambulance | Charitable | $10,000 |
| Geyser Fire Dept | Charitable | $8,000 |
| Geraldine Youth Sports Inc | Charitable | $7,500 |
| Geyser Community Club | Charitable | $7,500 |
| Geyser Senior Citizen Center | Charitable | $7,500 |
| Fort Benton Memorial Ambulance | Charitable | $6,000 |
| Basin Wellness Center Inc | Charitable | $5,000 |
| Belt Golden Agers Senior Center | Charitable | $5,000 |
| Belt Swimming Pool | Charitable | $5,000 |
| Geraldine Senior Citizens | Charitable | $5,000 |
| Geraldine Swimming Pool Assoc Inc | Charitable | $5,000 |
| Little Belt Cowboys Assoc | Programs | $5,000 |
| Spire Health Incorporated | Charitable | $5,000 |
| Stanford Ambulance | Charitable | $5,000 |
| Judith Basin Food Pantry | Charitable | $4,000 |
| Judith Basin Senior Center | Charitable | $4,000 |
| Belt Theater Co | Programs | $3,500 |
| Chouteau County Free Library Foundation Inc | Charitable | $3,500 |
| Shonkin Community Club | Charitable | $3,500 |
| Chouteau County Food Bank | Charitable | $3,000 |
| Fort Benton Volunteer Fire Department | Charitable | $3,000 |
| Geraldine Historical Committee | Charitable | $3,000 |
| Stanford Beautification Project Inc | Charitable | $3,000 |
| Belt Volunteer Ambulance Service | Charitable | $2,850 |
| Geraldine Public Schools | Charitable | $2,200 |
| Stanford Close Up | Charitable | $2,200 |
| American Legion Painter Bro Aux 102 | Charitable | $2,000 |
| Belt Education Foundation | Charitable | $2,000 |
| Belt Park & Rec Board | Charitable | $2,000 |
| Chouteau County Performing Arts | Charitable | $2,000 |
| Fort Benton Community Improvement Association | Charitable | $2,000 |
| Geyser Emergency Services Inc | Charitable | $2,000 |
| Golden Age Center | Charitable | $2,000 |
| Highwood Senior Center | Charitable | $2,000 |
| Judith Basin Operation Santa | Charitable | $2,000 |
| Judith Cultural Committee DBA Judith Arts Society | Charitable | $2,000 |
| Stanford Education Foundation | Charitable | $2,000 |
| Stanford FFA | Charitable | $2,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Patrick L McDonald
- Richard A Browning
- Michael Youderian
- Kraig Meeks
- Gary W Bjelland
- Tyler Youderian
- Suzy Maki
- Dawnita D Sampsel
Questions people ask
Does Leroy and Claris Strand Foundation accept grant applications?
Yes. Its latest IRS filing says it accepts applications, with this on deadlines: May 1 and november 1.
How much does Leroy and Claris Strand Foundation give?
$201,017 in tax year 2025, across 62 grants, with a typical grant of $2,000.
Who runs Leroy and Claris Strand Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Patrick L McDonald (President), Richard A Browning (Treasurer), Michael Youderian (Vice President) and Kraig Meeks (Director) among 8 officers and trustees.
What does Leroy and Claris Strand Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly community development, youth programs and seniors.