Greater Gallatin United Way is here when disasters strike.
We are a proud partner of the Southwest Montana COAD (SWMT COAD), also known as Community Organizations Active in Disaster.
We know that we are strongest when we work together, which is why we partner and serve alongside dozens of community organizations committed to meeting community needs in emergencies.
In 2020, we responded to the Bridger Foothills Fire and the COVID-19 Pandemic, along with our partner One Valley Community Foundation, by fundraising, assessing community needs, and distributing funds in a transparent, secure manner.
We learned a lot during the last year about disaster response. As a result, our staff team and board of directors voted to budget $10,000 to seed a GGUW Disaster Response Fund. The purpose will be to provide immediate access to resources to help provide food and shelter for people, buy necessary supplies for responders, or whatever else may be needed. Each disaster is different and will have varied needs. We feel by establishing this fund; we will be able to respond without delay. Whatever is not used in a year will carry over to the next, so we will always be prepared. If you are interested in donating to support this fund, please click here and select Disaster Response Fund at the bottom of the form.
An effective response involves coordinating volunteers. Click here to create a profile and serve as an on-call emergency volunteer.
Are you in need of immediate assistance? Our partner organization, 2-1-1, operated by the Bozeman Help Center, provides the most current and comprehensive listing of community services. They can connect you to the service(s) you need. They operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Call 2-1-1 or visit montana211.org
We acknowledge and appreciate that in times of disaster people want to help support our neighbors by raising disaster relief funds. If you are interested in conducting a fundraiser for a disaster relief fund we are involved with, please read these guidelines.
Continue reading to learn about our response and the ongoing efforts to recover and rebuild.
For current information on the SWMT Flood Relief Fund, CLICK HERE.
Southwest Montana COVID-19 Response Fund
The One Valley Community Foundation and Greater Gallatin United Way jointly raised over $775,846 for Southwest Montana
COVID-19 Response Fund between March 2020 and February 2021. The goal is to raise $1 million in COVID-19 relief for nonprofits by April 15, 2021.
The Southwest Montana COVID-19 Response fund was announced on March 23rd, 2020 and to date (3/16/2021) has allocated $548,286 in financial relief to organizations in Gallatin, Park, Meagher, and Madison counties.
From April 10th to May 29th, the Donations Steering Group met weekly to review applications and approve awards to community organizations aiding those disproportionately impacted by COVID-19. The steering group includes staff and board of Greater Gallatin United Way and One Valley Community Foundation, formerly known as the Bozeman Area Community Foundation, as well as community leaders, local government, and public health and emergency management officials.
The second phase of funding was allocated through a similar process as phase one funds on June 8th.
You will find a list of awards made to date by the Donations Steering Group during Phase 1 by clicking here and for Phase 2 by clicking here.
Click here to read about the fund's impact.
Bridger Foothills Fire Fund
When the Bridger Foothills fire consumed more than 7,000 acres, the greater Bozeman community responded.
Even before the flames were fully extinguished, Greater Gallatin United Way and the One Valley Community Foundation, in cooperation with the Southwest Montana Community Organizations Active in Disaster (SWMT COAD), created the Bridger Foothills Fire Relief Fund in response to the community requests. In total, more than $405,000 in funding was raised to assist those impacted by the fire through direct community donations, hosted events, branded product sales, art auctions, and other creative, community-driven efforts. Over 861 donations to the relief fund supported 105 individuals from 42 households and provided funds to six organizations that responded to the fire and post-fire needs.
Greater Gallatin United Way and One Valley Community Foundation are no longer actively fundraising for the Fund. However, the lingering impacts on the individuals and environment continue to unfold. As such, approximately $10,000 remains in the Bridger Foothills Relief Fund to provide for ongoing mental health and emotional support for adults and children affected by the fire.
Click here to read the full press release.
Click here to read about the fund's impact.