HISTORY
SWCS was founded in 1945 as the Soil Conservation Society of America by leaders of the soil conservation movement including Hugh Hammond Bennett, the "Father of Soil Conservation." The name was changed in 1987 from the Soil Conservation Society of American to the Soil and Water Conservation Society. The change reflects the Society's interest in soil and water conservation and the organization's international membership and scope of activities.
The Montana Chapter, the sixth in the nation to be organized, was started in July 1945 and officially designated in December 1945. The Chapter is represented by five area directors and a slate of four officers.
SWCS is a nonprofit, scientific, and educational organization. Classified under Internal Revenue Service regulations as a 501 (c) (3) organization. All contributions, including membership payments, are tax deductible under the provisions of the Tax Reform Act of 1986.
ENDOWMENT
The Montana Chapter of the SWCS Endowment was created as an affiliate of the Montana Community Foundation in 1989. The concept of the Endowment emerged to create an opportunity to invest in the future of Montana's soil, water, air, plant and animal life.
The purpose of the Endowment is to provide a perpetuating source of funding to meet the existing and future needs of the state's natural resources.
Funding areas have been identified which correlate with the goals fo the Montana Chapter of SWCS.
All programs and services of the Montana SWCS are available on a nondiscriminatory basis without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, marital status or handicap.
HOW IT WORKS
The Endowment will be administered by an SWCS advisory board. This board's primary function will be to secure and administer endowments or other gifts made to improve the quality of Montana's natural resources.
Decisions on financial awards and grants will be made on a local level utilizing this local board. Donors should be advised that their special charitable objectives will be honored.
As a local affiliate of the Montana Community Foundation, our endowment becomes part of an $8 million dollar pool of funds. This investment allows the maximum investment potential for our fund, plus the benefit of professional fiscal management.
For more information and donar option policy tailored to meet specific need, call or write:
Donors should consult with their tax lawyer or accountant for up-to-date tax information.
If you would like to help provide a lasting legacy for Montana's natural resources, we have provided a form that you can print off your computer and send to us. Please just click on the link:
Montana Chapter of SWCS Endowment Form