Washington Family Ranch, home to two world-class Young Life camps, is going into a next phase of development thanks a generous contribution of $20 million from the Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation. The gift puts Young Life over halfway to raising the $35 million needed for the continued development of what is already a stunningly […]
Archives for 2016
Foundation gives $203,500 statewide to food banks, pantries, rescue missions and homeless shelters
The Board of Directors of the Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation announced today a special holiday donation of $203,500 spread across 75 food banks, food pantries, rescue missions, and homeless shelters across Montana. The number of hungry people in Montana continues to be a serious concern and has not reduced significantly in the last several years. […]
Foundation gives $3.5M to expand EdReady statewide
MISSOULA – In 2014 the Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation donated $2.4 million to the Montana Digital Academy at the University of Montana to launch an innovative statewide math readiness program called EdReady Montana. Less than three years later, EdReady Montana has exceeded all expectations and inspired another generous gift of $3.5 million from the […]
Missoula Insectarium’s Accessible Education Project expands reach
The Missoula Butterfly House and Insectarium inspires an appreciation and understanding of insects and their relatives through educational programs and innovative science exhibits featuring live invertebrates. Thanks in part to the Dennis & Phyllis Washington Foundation’s support, in June of 2015, The Missoula Butterfly House and Insectarium took an important step toward fulfilling this mission […]
2016 Dennis R. Washington Achievement Graduate Scholarships awarded
The Dennis & Phyllis Washington Foundation provides the 2016 Dennis R. Washington Achievement Graduate Scholarship of up to $120,000 to Horatio Alger Scholars who wish to obtain a master’s, doctoral or professional degree Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans, Inc., a nonprofit educational organization honoring the achievements of outstanding individuals and encouraging youth to pursue their […]
Graduation Matters Montana featured by Washington Monthly
Graduation Matters Montana is the latest feature of Washington Monthly magazine’s “Successes of Philanthropy” series. “Boosting High School Graduation Rates,” by Mike Halligan, Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation Executive Director, chronicles the statewide success of the Graduation Matters Montana initiative in raising the graduation rate, preventing dropouts, and encouraging post-secondary education and training. Under Graduation Matters […]
Double SNAP Dollars boost access to healthy food
The Double SNAP Dollars project is a collaborative incentive program that provides low-income community members with the opportunity to purchase healthy, wholesome foods and strengthen community ties between locally-owned businesses, local producers, and low-income communities. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients receive a dollar-for-dollar match – up to $10 or $20, depending on the location […]
Native American Graduate Scholarship recipient Kimberly McKeehan
My name is Kimberly McKeehan and I am graduating from the University of Montana in May 2016 with a Master’s of Social Work. I describe myself as a mother, a poet, a scholar, a chaplain, and a social worker. I have been married for 21 years and have two children. I also have a large […]
Missoula hosts international ballet competition
The Vienna International Ballet competition was held in Missoula in January, the first time the prestigious event was held in the United States. The Vienna International Ballet Experience is open to professionals, students and amateurs of ballet and contemporary dance, from across the U.S. and worldwide. The contest, hosted by Destination Missoula and Rocky Mountain […]
Montana philanthropy transforms graduation rates
Since 2009, the Dennis & Phyllis Washington Foundation has granted $900,000 to help Graduation Matters Montana increase graduation rates in 53 communities. After the initial grant of $450,000 in 2009, the family foundation has helped the state has reached an all-time high of 86% of students graduating, cutting the drop-out rate by more than a […]