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Nov 10, 2022

MacKenzie Scott Donates $14 Million to Headwaters Foundation

Headwaters Foundation has received a one-time, unrestricted gift of $14 million from philanthropist and author MacKenzie Scott.

“We are so grateful for this generous gift. It is a meaningful recognition of the vital work of our grantee partners,” said Brenda Solorzano, CEO of Headwaters Foundation. “It also acknowledges the trust-based approach Headwaters uses in our grantmaking to share power with the organizations and communities we serve.”

Headwaters Foundation was selected after a rigorous process and stood out for our unique approach to philanthropy and the depth of our partnerships throughout Western Montana, especially in rural communities.

While it’s too soon to identify specific uses for the money, we look forward to regranting these dollars to address ‘upstream’ social and economic factors that influence health and wellbeing.

Headwaters Foundation decided our funding priorities in partnership with community members and local leaders. We continuously strive to create a collaborative environment that ensures that our programs and approach remain true to the issues and proposed solutions that are most important to the people of Western Montana.

“This gift will allow us to make additional one-time investments across Western Montana. Headwaters Foundation is community-driven, and listening is critical to how we operate. We will work closely with our partners and community to inform how we best utilize these funds to ensure that this gift has a real and lasting impact,” said Solorzano.

Since it began in 2018, Headwaters Foundation has granted over $21 million to nonprofits working with impacted communities to reduce barriers to health. Funds have powered work to increase the resiliency of children and families, support the health and wellbeing of Native Americans, increase food security, and advocate for policies to improve the health of Montanans.

“Everything we do is informed by and for the benefit of our communities. We are thrilled to have this opportunity to make an even bigger impact in our region and can’t wait to work alongside our neighbors to make it happen,” said Mike Stewart, Headwaters Foundation Board Chair.

Press Contact: Robyn Windham, Communications Specialist

Phone: (406) 523-5578

Email: [email protected]