Washington Foundation gives $350,000 to Montana nonprofits that meet fundamental needs

Missoula, Montana – Across the state, from food pantries to homeless shelters, the Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation has announced a $350,000 grant to support “basic needs” organizations.

The money will benefit 100 organizations, including five in Missoula: the Union Gospel Mission, the Poverello Center, River Life Ministries, and the Salvation Army.

“Virtually all basic needs organizations continue to struggle to meet the growing demand for their services, and these additional funds will hopefully help address shortages of food, shelter, clothing and other basic needs,” said Mike Halligan, the foundation’s executive director.

The Washington Foundation’s Holiday Giving Program is in addition to its other grants, which are given out annually, even if the most recent donation occurs during the holiday season.

The purpose of holiday financing is to give organizations the tools they need to make sure that people and families have access to wholesome meals over the holiday season.

“Our goal with this donation is to get badly needed resources into the hands of the staff and volunteers of these critically important organizations, especially now with the winter months approaching,” said Halligan.

According to the Washington Foundation, one in ten adults in Montana experience hunger, and one in six children reside in households with limited access to food.