The Big Sky Way: From compassion to action 

By Daniel Bierschwale EBS COLUMNIST 

Big Sky wouldn’t be where it is today without the tireless efforts of local nonprofit organizations.  

Our community is home to a remarkable number of nonprofits offering programming and services in areas from healthcare and recreation to conservation and arts. These organizations provide essential services, create vibrant cultural events, enhance our local environment, and much more. At the time of publication, the Big Sky Resort Area District has 42 registered nonprofits doing business within district boundaries. 

Nonprofit organizations primarily rely on the generosity of individuals, businesses and foundations to help fund their programs and initiatives. This fundraising plays a crucial role in supporting nonprofits’ mission-driven work and funding their budgets. Aggregate annual revenues tallied from financial statements submitted by this year’s Resort Tax grant applicants totaled nearly $24 million among 17 nonprofits. Approximately 55% of this funding is derived from fundraising efforts; 30% comes from public funds, and the remainder from other sources. 

Donations from individuals and business 

Many nonprofits generate revenue from individuals who donate financial resources. In many cases, donors also offer their expertise, networks and time to support these organizations. These relationships are stewarded through time, fostering long-term support for the mission. 

In some cases, corporate support supplements fundraising efforts by engaging businesses with aligned values. Sponsorships are also ways for business support to contribute towards events, helping offset costs to generate a larger gain. This benefits the nonprofit through additional exposure and brand awareness as well as generating revenue.  

Grants and philanthropy in Big Sky 

Grants are financial awards typically provided by a government agency, foundation or organization to support a specific project, research or initiative. Based on the data from financial statements, grants are responsible for the largest portion of fundraising in Big Sky. Local grants from community foundations awarded a total of $2,699,708 between  fall of 2022 and spring of 2023. These philanthropic organizations include: 

• Moonlight Community Foundation: focuses on community wellbeing by supporting initiatives for youth, education, conservation and under-served needs.  
• Spanish Peaks Community Foundation: supports programs that have the greatest impact in community services, education, conservation and recreation, and the arts. 
• Yellowstone Club Community Foundation: fosters philanthropy, volunteerism, and capacity building for organizations in the greater Big Sky region that are addressing the greatest needs in the areas of livability, healthy & wellness, environment, arts and education. 

Collective impact for the future 

As the demand for programs and services continues to increase, nonprofits are poised to take on an even more substantial role in our community. For those who were in Big Sky for the pandemic, you may remember the efforts of Big Sky Relief. This was a collaboration between many organizations demonstrating the power of collective impact. Collective impact is an approach that brings together various stakeholders, including nonprofit organizations, government agencies, businesses, foundations, and community members, to tackle complex societal issues collaboratively.  

The power of collective impact is particularly effective for nonprofits because it allows them to pool resources, share knowledge, and tackle complex social challenges more effectively. By working together, nonprofits can achieve greater outcomes and promote positive, lasting change in their communities. It’s a powerful model that recognizes the interdependence of organizations and stakeholders in achieving shared goals. 

Elevate Big Sky was created to build on the success of Big Sky Relief and the power of collective impact. Elevate Big Sky is not just an organization. It’s a funders’ collaborative with a mission to center the community’s voice, leverage public and private funds, and increase efficiencies to sustain essential programs and projects that empower the Big Sky community to thrive. In essence, Elevate Big Sky fosters collaboration and financial support to ensure the success and growth of vital nonprofit initiatives. 

Lend a hand… or a dollar 

As our community continues to grow, the demand for programs and services provided by local nonprofits will also increase. The success of this network relies on the support of each and every one of us. We will all need to contribute in a meaningful way to create a positive influence. Find a nonprofit that resonates with your personal values and passions, and get involved. Not sure where to start? Volunteer Big Sky shows a myriad of volunteer opportunities tailored to your interests and availability.  

Whether it’s through financial donations, volunteering your time, serving on a board, or using your skills and expertise, your commitment can have a profound and lasting impact on Big Sky.  

Daniel Bierschwale is the Executive Director of the Big Sky Resort Area District (BSRAD). As a dedicated public servant, he is committed to increasing civic engagement and voter education. Many ballot issues impact government services and public funding including subsequent property tax impacts. BSRAD is the local government agency that administers Resort Tax, which offsets property taxes while also funding numerous community-wide nonprofit programs.