Montana Conservation Elders
Montana Conservation Elders is a private foundation based in Helena, Montana. Its 2025 filing reports grants for summer camp scholarships for kids, with recipients including conservation, outdoor education, and hunting-related organizations.
Montana Conservation Elders at a glance
In short: Montana Conservation Elders gave $38K across 13 grants in 2025 (avg $3K), mostly in Montana. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990-PF.
- Annual giving (2025)
- $37,900
- -0.3% vs 2024
- Grants made (2025)
- 13
- +0.0% vs 2024
- Average grant
- $2,915
- -0.3% vs 2024
- Median grant
- $2,000
- Total assets
- $65,995
- +22.3% vs 2024
- Primary geography
- Montana (87% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2025 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2025; updated October 2026.
How to apply to Montana Conservation Elders
- Accepts unsolicited proposals
- No
- How to Apply
-
The foundation does not accept unsolicited requests for funds and states that it makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations.
- Contact
Mailing address: PO Box 690, Helena, MT 59624
Phone: (406) 459-9427
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who Montana Conservation Elders funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was Boone & Crockett ($9K). Together the top 10 received $28K.
Organizations only. It also paid 3 individual scholarships ($9,800), which are not listed by name.
Grant Size Distribution
44 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 44 grants of 44 (100%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
In 2025, 87% of grant dollars went to recipients in Montana and 13% went to recipients in Iowa.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 13 itemized grants.
Cities
How Montana Conservation Elders gives
- Giving grew 63% from 2022 to 2025. Method
- In 2025 it paid out well above its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Method
From the foundation's IRS Form 990-PF filings. Methodology.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2022 to 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $23K (2022) to $38K (2024). In 2025 it made 13 grants totaling $38K.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Boone & Crockett Missoula, MT | Summer Camp Scholarships for Kids. | $9,000 |
| 3 individual scholarships Recipients not named | — | $9,800 |
| Glacier Institute Columbia Falls, MT | Summer Camp Scholarships for Kids. | $5,700 |
| Raised at Full Draw Winterset, IA | Summer Camp Scholarships for Kids. | $5,000 |
| Project Ascent Thompson Falls, MT | Summer Camp Scholarships for Kids. | $3,200 |
| Ruby Habitat Foundation Sheridan, MT | Summer Camp Scholarships for Kids. | $2,000 |
| Montana Natural Resources Youth Camp Missoula, MT | Summer Camp Scholarships for Kids. | $1,200 |
| Montana Sportsman Alliance Great Falls, MT | Summer Camp Scholarships for Kids. | $500 |
| Montana Trappers Association Gilford, MT | Summer Camp Scholarships for Kids. | $500 |
| Montana Outdoor Haul of Fame Helena, MT | Summer Camp Scholarships for Kids. | $500 |
Ready to take the next step with Montana Conservation Elders?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Qualifying Distributions | Distributable Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $65,995 | $92,315 | $80,272 | $37,900 | 13 | $72,272 | $3,312 |
| 2024 | $53,952 | $95,143 | $81,189 | $38,000 | 13 | $77,981 | $2,323 |
| 2023 | $39,998 | $45,100 | $52,863 | $24,450 | 11 | $52,863 | $1,876 |
| 2022 | $47,761 | $81,473 | $38,484 | $23,200 | 7 | $38,484 | $1,462 |
| 2021 | $4,772 | $900 | $242 | — | — | $242 | $218 |
| 2020 | $4,114 | $3,802 | $481 | — | — | — | $121 |
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Montana Conservation Elders reported a distributable amount of $3K for 2025 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated October 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
No mission statement for the foundation is provided. Its 2025 grants supported summer camp scholarships for kids. The grantees’ stated missions include promoting big-game stewardship and fair chase, protecting wildlife habitat and supporting conservation education, and strengthening connections to the natural world through outdoor education.
Other supported organizations describe work in teaching hunting skills and ethics, preserving open space and natural resources, and promoting management of Montana’s furbearers and habitat. These are the grantees’ missions, not stated missions of the foundation.
Grantmaking
In 2025, the foundation reported 13 grants totaling $37,900. Grants ranged from $300 to $9,000, with a median of $2,000. All itemized grants were for summer camp scholarships for kids. Notable grants included $9,000 to Boone & Crockett in Missoula, Montana; $5,700 to Glacier Institute in Columbia Falls, Montana; $5,000 to Raised at Full Draw in Winterset, Iowa; $3,200 to Project Ascent in Thompson Falls, Montana; and $2,000 to Ruby Habitat Foundation in Sheridan, Montana.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists Wayne Chamberlin as president and Bill Cunningham as vice president. Trustees listed are Joan Montagne, Patty Ames, Lou Bruno, Myrna Dumontier, Smoke Elser, Tammy Elser, Roy Jacobs, and Gerry Jennings.
Montana Conservation Elders is led by Wayne Chamberlin, President on every filing since 2020; none of the 24 officers listed in 2025 report compensation.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Wayne Chamberlin
President
On filings since 2020
15 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Al Luebeck
Trustee
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Gene Sentz
Trustee
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Gerry Jennings
Trustee
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Joan Montagne
Trustee
Secretary & Treasurer → Trustee, 2023
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Lou Bruno
Trustee
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Patty Ames
Trustee
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Mike Penfold
Trustee
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Myrna Dumontier
Trustee
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Roy Jacobs
Trustee
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Smoke Elser
Trustee
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Tammy Elser
Trustee
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Teddy Roe
Trustee
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Tim Ryan
Trustee
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Tom Pedersen
Trustee
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Frank Vitale
Trustee
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Greg Schatz
Trustee
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Joe Perry
Trustee
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Bill Hallinan
Trustee
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Fred Upchurch
Trustee
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Laura Lundquist
Trustee
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Tim Marchant
Trustee
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Bill Cunningham
Vice President
Trustee → Past President, 2021
Past President → Vice President, 2025
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Tom Powers
Treasurer & Secretary
Trustee → Treasurer & Secretary, 2023
On filings since 2021
15 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (5)
- Former: Becky Garland (2021–2024) — Trustee
- Former: Gayle Joslin (2021–2023) — Trustee
- Former: Dale Burk (2020) — Trustee
- Former: Dick Ellis (2020) — Trustee
- Former: Jim Posewitz (2020) — Trustee
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2025. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Frequently asked questions about Montana Conservation Elders
How much does Montana Conservation Elders give each year?
Montana Conservation Elders gave $38K across 13 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2024 it gave $38K across 13 grants.
What is Montana Conservation Elders's typical grant size?
Montana Conservation Elders's median grant in 2025 was $2,000, and its average grant was $2,915, across 13 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF.
Where does Montana Conservation Elders give grants?
Montana Conservation Elders gives mostly in Montana: 87% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The next largest state was Iowa (13%). The most frequent recipient cities were Missoula, MT (2 grants) and Helena, MT (2 grants).
Does Montana Conservation Elders give general operating support?
Not in 2025: none of the 13 grants with a stated purpose on Montana Conservation Elders's 2025 IRS Form 990-PF were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "Summer Camp Scholarships for Kids." (13 grants).
Who are Montana Conservation Elders's largest grantees?
Montana Conservation Elders's largest 2025 grantees include Boone & Crockett ($9,000), Glacier Institute ($5,700) and Raised at Full Draw ($5,000), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. It also paid 3 individual scholarships ($9,800), which are not listed by name. Together they received 52% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is Montana Conservation Elders?
Montana Conservation Elders reported $66K in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $72K in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $3K (roughly 5% of its investment assets).
What does Montana Conservation Elders fund?
No mission statement for the foundation is provided. Its 2025 grants supported summer camp scholarships for kids. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Montana Conservation Elders?
The foundation does not accept unsolicited requests for funds and states that it makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is Montana Conservation Elders's EIN?
Montana Conservation Elders's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 83-1397453. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2025.
Does Montana Conservation Elders accept unsolicited proposals?
No, according to Grantable's research on the foundation's published guidelines. See how to apply ↑
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated October 2026.
Data update history
(2)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Added Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS July 8, 2026)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Montana Conservation Elders's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders that support many of the same organizations
Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation Inc
Missoula, MT
Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation funds land protection and access, habitat restoration, wildlife management and research, and hunting-heritage and conservation outreach. Its 2024 grants had a median of $13,000, though awards varied widely; projects span the U.S., with its habitat and wildlife program limited to 28 states with wild, free-ranging elk. The profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests; applicants are directed to contact their state’s Regional Director.
Assets
$151.5M
Grants
112
Total Given
$8.4M
Headwaters Health Foundation
Missoula, MT
Headwaters Health Foundation funds community-led efforts to improve health and reduce disparities for children and families, including family leadership, advocacy, and rural health, belonging, and leadership programs. It focuses on the Flathead Reservation and Montana’s 15 westernmost counties; awards vary widely, with a 2024 median of $7,500, and GO! Grants provide $8,500 in general operating support. Applications are program-specific; GO! Grants are currently spent down, with applications expected to reopen in early 2027.
Assets
$127.5M
Grants
131
Total Given
$6.3M
M J Murdock Charitable Trust
Vancouver, WA
The M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust funds nonprofit capacity-building and projects in arts and culture, civic and community services, education, health and environmental stewardship, and scientific research across Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington. Its 2024 median grant was $87,000, with awards ranging from $4,000 to about $1.55 million. Eligible organizations can submit a Letter of Inquiry; full applications are by invitation.
Assets
$2.0B
Grants
797
Total Given
$116.6M
Sample Foundation Inc
Billings, MT
The foundation supports Montana nonprofits serving health, social welfare, and underserved populations, primarily for equipment and building projects rather than operating costs. Its 2024 grants ranged from $1,000 to $20,000, with a median of $5,000. It accepts annual online applications, but whether it accepts unsolicited requests is not stated.
Assets
$7.7M
Grants
76
Total Given
$555K
Star Peak Foundation
Heron, MT
Assets
$2.6M
Grants
3
Total Given
$127K
PD Jackson Family Foundation
Berkeley, CA
The PD Jackson Family Foundation funds environmental preservation, Indigenous communities, Montana communities, and education and self-growth initiatives, with most of its giving going to Montana and a focus on Northwest Montana. Its 2024 grants ranged from $1,000 to $125,000, with a median of $6,250. It accepts online applications.
Assets
$7.9M
Grants
32
Total Given
$457K
More similar funders
More Funders in Montana
The filing figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0. About GrantGraph Open
Figures come from Montana Conservation Elders's IRS filings (methodology). AI-written summaries, news items and logos are not covered by the open licence. Spot an error? Email hello@grantable.co.
Montana Conservation Elders down — hundreds of funders to go?