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
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
No grants recorded for .
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
Related Funders
Similar funders by location and focus area
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Data last updated April 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.
What could you do with The High Stakes Foundation on Grantable?
- Assess strategic fit with your organization
- Draft a tailored letter of inquiry
- Find open RFPs from this funder
- Monitor for new funding opportunities