MISSOULA, Mont. – 98 basic needs organizations across Montana will receive a combined total of $356,000 tomorrow as part of the Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation’s Holiday Giving Program.
The Holiday Giving Program, in addition to other grants that are awarded annually to these organizations, is intended to provide the resources food banks, food pantries, rescue missions, homeless shelters, and Salvation Army organizations need to ensure Montana’s most vulnerable individuals and families receive nutritious food during the holiday season.
“We continue to see a growing demand for basic needs services in every corner of Montana,” Foundation Executive Director Jon Bennion said. “Our goal with these donations is to get resources into the hands of the staff and volunteers of critically important organizations now with the winter months approaching. We hope these gifts inspire others to volunteer and donate to basic needs organization in their area.”
84% of Montana’s food banks and pantries report a rise in the number of individuals served since 2020, with 49% noting a 25% or greater increase. The two largest groups of new clients are families (59%) and seniors (52%). According to the Montana Food Bank Network, 1 out of every 6 children in our state face food insecurity, putting them at risk of hunger. Good nutrition, particularly in the early years of life, is important for establishing a solid foundation that affects a child’s future physical and mental health, academic achievement, and economic productivity.
2024 Holiday Giving Recipients (PDF)
About the Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation
The Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation is the major philanthropic organization for The Washington Companies and the Washington family. The Foundation strives to better the human condition by supporting programs and services that give people the tools to enhance the quality of their lives and to benefit society as a whole. Funding for the Foundation comes from personal contributions from the Washington family and annual contributions from The Washington Companies. Since its inception in 1988, the Foundation has distributed over $507 million in grants to nonprofit organizations.
