Montana Conservation Elders
Preselected recipients only
Montana Conservation Elders is a private foundation in Helena, Montana. In tax year 2025 it gave $37,900 in 13 grants; the typical grant was $2,000 and the largest $9,000. It only gives to organizations it selects itself and does not accept unsolicited applications.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2025.
- Grants paid, 2025$37,900
- Number of grants13
- Typical grant$2,000
- Largest grant$9,000
- Assets$65,995
- New grantees30%
Giving in 2025 was down from $38,000 the year before.
30% 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 | $24,450 | 11 | $39,998 |
| 2024 | $38,000 | 13 | $53,952 |
| 2025 | $37,900 | 13 | $65,995 |
How to apply
Montana Conservation Elders says in its IRS filing that it only makes contributions to preselected organizations, so unsolicited applications are unlikely to be considered. Organizations it funds are usually invited.
What Montana Conservation Elders funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 2 states, the most to Montana.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Montana | 12 | $32,900 |
| Iowa | 1 | $5,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Boone & Crockett | Summer camp scholarships for kids. | $9,000 |
| Individual | Summer camp scholarships for kids. | $6,500 |
| Glacier Institute | Summer camp scholarships for kids. | $5,700 |
| Raised at Full Draw | Summer camp scholarships for kids. | $5,000 |
| Project Ascent | Summer camp scholarships for kids. | $3,200 |
| Individual | Summer camp scholarships for kids. | $3,000 |
| Ruby Habitat Foundation | Summer camp scholarships for kids. | $2,000 |
| Montana Natural Resources Youth Camp | Summer camp scholarships for kids. | $1,200 |
| Montana Sportsman Alliance | Summer camp scholarships for kids. | $500 |
| Montana Trappers Association | Summer camp scholarships for kids. | $500 |
| Montana Outdoor Haul of Fame | Summer camp scholarships for kids. | $500 |
| Capstone Church | Summer camp scholarships for kids. | $500 |
| Individual | Summer camp scholarships for kids. | $300 |
Officers and trustees
- Wayne Chamberlin
- Bill Cunningham
- Joan Montagne
- Patty Ames
- Lou Bruno
- Myrna Dumontier
- Smoke Elser
- Tammy Elser
- Roy Jacobs
- Gerry Jennings
- Al Luebeck
- Tom Pedersen
- Mike Penfold
- Tom Powers
- Teddy Roe
Questions people ask
Does Montana Conservation Elders accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Montana Conservation Elders give?
$37,900 in tax year 2025, across 13 grants, with a typical grant of $2,000.
Who runs Montana Conservation Elders?
Its 2025 filing lists Wayne Chamberlin (President), Bill Cunningham (Vice President), Joan Montagne (Trustee) and Patty Ames (Trustee) among 15 officers and trustees.
What does Montana Conservation Elders fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education and youth programs.