The High Stakes Foundation
The High Stakes Foundation is a private 501(c)(3) grantmaking foundation established in 2007 and based in Missoula, Montana. The foundation invests in solutions that foster resilient, interconnected communities across Montana, with a focus on addressing environmental challenges, economic opportunity, and social equity in the state.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$1.1M
-65.4% YoY
Annual Giving
$1.9M
+106.0% YoY
Grant Count
84
+71.4% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$23K
+20.2% YoY
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, The High Stakes Foundation reported a distributable amount of $81K for 2024 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Mission & Focus Areas
Mission: To provide support to visionary people and organizations that are leading and implementing changes that create a sustainable future for Montana.
Funding Categories:
- Civic Engagement
- Climate Change
- Conservation
- Economic Development
- Leadership
- Local Food Systems
- Social Justice
- Sustainability
Grantmaking
The foundation made 59 grants in 2024, with recent grantees including Maps Media Institute, MT Mountain Mamas, and Social and Environmental Entrepreneurs, each receiving $60,000 in general support. Historical grant amounts typically range from $160 to $100,000.
Review Cycle
schedule. Letters of Intent (LOIs) are accepted during designated periods. The spring grant cycle was closed at the time of the most recent information, with the fall grant cycle accepting LOIs from August 1 through September 1, 2026.
How to Apply
** The foundation operates on a grant cycle schedule. Letters of Intent (LOIs) are accepted during designated periods. The spring grant cycle was closed at the time of the most recent information, with the fall grant cycle accepting LOIs from August 1 through September 1, 2026.
Ready to take the next step with The High Stakes Foundation?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation primarily funds organizations and initiatives in Montana, with a particular emphasis on rural areas facing challenges including erosion of living-wage jobs, limited access to fresh and affordable food, and social and economic divides.
Grant Distribution by State
States
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
As of December 2024:
- Total Assets: $1,107,272
- Total Revenues: $73,090
- Total Expenses: $2,189,538
- Investment Income and Dividends: $79,999
As of December 2023:
- Total Assets: $3.2 Million
- Total Revenue: $2.26 Million
- Total Expenses: $1.14 Million
- Total Liabilities: $30
The foundation is supported by the Duane Stranahan fbo Mary Stranahan Irrevocable Trust.
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $1,107,272 | $3,195,820 | $1,930,030 |
| Revenue | $73,090 | $2,263,964 | $1,064,364 |
| Expenses | $2,189,538 | $1,141,388 | $1,336,627 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $2,172,763 | $1,124,895 | $1,316,156 |
| Net Investment Income | $64,108 | $52,198 | $45,603 |
| Distributable Amount | $81,408 | $91,323 | $103,788 |
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
Grant Size Distribution
249 grants across all recorded years
Open Grants
1 open opportunity from The High Stakes Foundation
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
Among its reported 2024 grants, the largest include Bitter Root Land Trust ($60,000), Garden City Harvest ($60,000), MAPS Media Institute ($60,000).
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| ACLU Montana Missoula, MT | General Support | $25,000 |
| American Rivers Washington, DC | General Support | $15,000 |
| Auricle Productions Baileys Hbr, WI | General Support | $20,000 |
| Beaverhead Trails Coalition Dillon, MT | General Support | $3,000 |
| Big Hole Watershed Committee Divide, MT | General Support | $15,000 |
| Big Sky Film Institute Missoula, MT | General Support | $15,000 |
| Bitter Root Land Trust Hamilton, MT | General Support | $60,000 |
| Bitter Root Water Forum Hamilton, MT | General Support | $28,750 |
| Brovold Community Orchard Missoula, MT | General Support | $3,000 |
| Buffalo Field Campaign West Yellowstone, MT | General Support | $20,000 |
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
- Mary Stranahan – Founder & Board Member
- Dawn McGee – President
- Ann Quirk – Program Officer
- Elke Govertsen – Chief Storyteller
- Molly Stranahan – Board Member
- Martha Newell – Board Member
- Page Armstrong – Board Member
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mary Stranahan | Chair | 1 | — |
| Molly Stranahan | Secretary/Treasurer | 1 | — |
| Martha Newell | Director | 1 | — |
| Page Armstrong | Director | 1 | — |
Contact Information
- Address: 129 W Alder St, Missoula, MT 59802-4225
- Phone: 406-726-2030
- Website: www.highstakesfoundation.org
Subject Areas
Focus areas based on grantmaking activity
Frequently Asked Questions
What does The High Stakes Foundation fund?
**Mission:** To provide support to visionary people and organizations that are leading and implementing changes that create a sustainable future for Montana. **Funding Categories:** • Civic Engagement • Climate Change • Conservation • Economic Development • Leadership • Local Food Systems • Social Justice • Sustainability
How do I apply for a grant from The High Stakes Foundation?
The foundation made 59 grants in 2024, with recent grantees including Maps Media Institute, MT Mountain Mamas, and Social and Environmental Entrepreneurs, each receiving $60,000 in general support. Historical grant amounts typically range from $160 to $100,000. Since its founding, the High Stakes Foundation has awarded more than $15 million in grants to organizations across Montana. **Application Process:** The foundation operates on a grant cycle schedule. Letters of Intent (LOIs) are accepted…
Where does The High Stakes Foundation make grants?
The foundation primarily funds organizations and initiatives in Montana, with a particular emphasis on rural areas facing challenges including erosion of living-wage jobs, limited access to fresh and affordable food, and social and economic divides.
What size grants does The High Stakes Foundation award?
In 2024, The High Stakes Foundation awarded 84 grants totaling $1.9M — an average of about $23K per grant, based on its IRS Form 990 filings.
How much is The High Stakes Foundation required to give away each year?
Private foundations must generally distribute about 5% of their assets annually. For 2024, The High Stakes Foundation reported a distributable amount of $81K on its IRS Form 990-PF — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
What is The High Stakes Foundation's EIN?
The High Stakes Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 20-5815274. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in The High Stakes Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
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Data last updated June 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.
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