As spring begins to blossom, The Sparrow’s Nest of NW MT is brimming with excitement for the season ahead. March brings with it a fresh sense of renewal and an array of updates and announcements that we’re eager to share with you. Among these is the launch of our Endowment Fund, a vital step toward ensuring the long-term stability of our organization. This fund allows us to create a sustainable foundation for making lasting change in the lives of those we serve. In addition to this exciting milestone, we’re thrilled to bring you news about our ongoing rebranding efforts, which reflect our growth and evolving mission, as well as updates on student activities that showcase the incredible achievements of the youth in our care. These developments mark an exciting chapter in our journey, and we couldn’t do it without your steadfast support. Stay tuned for more details—we can’t wait to catch you up!
Fresh Look, Same Mission: Introducing Our New Brand Identity
We’re thrilled to unveil our refreshed look as part of our transformative rebranding journey—aproject that has been brought to life through our incredible partnership with HI Line DesignCompany. This collaboration has been a wonderful opportunity to reflect on who we are andhow we can best present our mission to the community. While our appearance may haveevolved, one thing remains constant: our unwavering commitment to providing hope, support,and opportunities to homeless high school students. This new chapter isn’t just about a freshdesign—it’s a reflection of the growth, innovation, and impact we continue to pursue everyday. And the exciting changes don’t stop here! We’re proud to announce that our rebrandingefforts will soon extend to updates on our website, offering an even better experience forthose seeking information, connection, and ways to support our cause.

Sparrow's Nest of NW MT Permanent Endowment Fund
We’re excited to announce the establishment of a permanent endowment fund at Whitefish Community Foundation. This was all made possible by Diane Lynne Scales who generously donated a portion of her estate to our mission. Her incredible gift ensures lasting support for The Sparrow’s Nest of NW MT. This achievement was guided with care and expertise by Tanko Law Firm, whose dedication helped bring Diane’s vision to life seamlessly. This endowment is a testament to the power of generosity and community. Thank you for being part of this journey toward a brighter future!
What is an Endowment Fund?
Endowment funds are a powerful tool for both donors and the nonprofit organizations they support. The donor's original gift is pooled with other like gifts and invested to both preserve purchasing power and generate revenue. The principal value of the endowment fund is kept intact, while the investment earnings and growth can be distributed to the beneficiary nonprofit for charitable activities, thus allowing donors to support causes they care about in perpetuity and providing a sustainable revenue stream to the organization.
How can I support the Sparrow's Nest Endowment Fund?
The Sparrow's Nest of NW MT Endowment Fund is held by Whitefish Community Foundation, and they offer many options for donors to make their gifts, including cash, appreciated securities and IRA Qualified Charitable Distributions. Additionally, our endowment is a permanent, irrevocable fund qualified for the Montana Endowment Tax Credit. Through this unique tax credit incentive, a Montana taxpayer can receive a 40% credit (up to a maximum of $15,000 for individuals, $30,000 for married couples) against their Montana state tax liability by making a planned gift to a qualified endowment. Businesses can also take advantage of a 20% tax credit (up to a maximum of $15,000) by making a direct gift to a qualified endowment. Please contact Rachelle Buckley for more information about using the Montana Qualified Endowment Tax Credit to support the Sparrow's Nest of NW MT Endowment at Whitefish Community Foundation.
What are the benefits of an Endowment Fund?
Endowment funds are reliable, stable, and permanent, ensuring long-term financial sustainability and peace of mind for to nonprofits as they plan for the future. For donors, endowments offer an impactful way to leave a lasting legacy, knowing their contributions will support vital causes for generations to come. These funds serve as a foundation for growth and resilience within communities.

Learn More About the MT Endowment Tax Credit

From Pins to Peaks: Memorable Student Activities!
This month, our residents dove into adventure with activities like hiking scenic trails, bowling strikes at the lanes, enjoying movie nights, and even skiing down the slopes! These moments do more than just entertain—they provide opportunities for relaxation, connection, and personal growth, keeping our students happy, healthy, and engaged. None of this would be possible without the incredible generosity of our donors, whose support helps bring these experiences to life. Thank you for making such a meaningful impact and empowering our residents to build brighter futures!
Thanks to our wonderful community
Your support is the heart of our mission, bringing hope and opportunities to homeless teens. Monthly donors provide the stability we need, and in-kind donations give our residents the resources to thrive. Thanks to your generosity, we’re building brighter futures together. We are so grateful for you!