Foundation for Community Vitality

Supporting Native-led change through long-term relationships and community-defined solutions.

For nearly three decades, the Foundation for Community Vitality has worked in close partnership with Native-led nonprofit organizations across the Crow, Northern Cheyenne, and Blackfeet reservations in Montana. Guided by a relationship-first philosophy, FCV focuses on supporting community-defined goals and Native leadership with long term commitments measured in decades, not grant cycles.

Our experience working with Native communities shows that meaningful change begins with building long-term, collaborative partnerships. These relationships are not transactional or time bound. They often develop over many years and evolve as leadership and communities change.

Community Vitality

Community vitality describes a community’s collective ability to thrive by fostering a sense of belonging, social connection, a strong local economy, engagement in civic life, and access to essential resources such as food, safety, housing, and a healthy environment. Beyond survival, community vitality reflects a holistic state of well-being – one grounded in self-determination, purpose, and the presence of joy.

Foundation for Community Vitality grants at the intersection of Environmental Health, Economic Opportunity, and Social Capital all guided by local Leadership and sustained by community.

Environmental Health

The aspects of human health, including quality of life, are determined by the physical, chemical, biological, social, and psychological factors in the environment. Beyond the scientific connection, this is a deep reciprocal relationship between humanity and Mother Nature, including respect and care of our planet.

Economic Opportunity

Availability of conditions and resources that enable individuals to improve their financial situation through access to quality education and training, financial literacy, and inclusive, stable, and equitable employment opportunities. This includes the possibility of turning creative ideas into assets that generate income, improve lives, and contribute to a thriving society.

Social Capital

Networks of relationships among people encompassing trust, cultural norms, and groups that enable effective collaboration and provide resources for individuals and groups. These networks include the collective benefit of friendships, family ties, and community involvement that goes beyond mutual support to engender the joy of belonging.

Leadership

At the intersection of Environmental Health, Economic Opportunity, and Social Capital is Leadership – the essential force that guides community-defined success.

Learn About Funding in Native Country

Our Approach

Rather than offering predetermined programs, FCV supports efforts that are in alignment with what members of the community aspire to accomplish.

Financial Support

Organizational & Capacity Support

Advisory & Consulting Support

Building Collaborative Investment.

Foundation for Community Vitality directs 100% of its grantmaking in Native-led projects and leaders. By sharing our learning, we aim to increase philanthropic support for Indigenous leadership and help restore equity, strengthen rural economies, and create enduring benefits for future generations.

Let’s work together.