The Big Sky Institute for the Advancement of Nonprofits (BSI) – based in Helena, Montana since 1999 – is a 501(c)(3) research and development institute that strengthens philanthropy and nonprofits in Montana and other Philanthropic Divide states.
Through our Philanthropic Divide Initiative, BSI works on the national level to increase grantmaking from regional and national foundations to the 10 Divide states. These states are very rural, with low population densities and challenged economies. Through research and advocacy, BSI provides national leadership to bring about systemic change to increase philanthropic support to the Divide states on a sustained basis.
BSI also develops state level infrastructure organizations and programs that build in-state philanthropy and strengthen the capacities of each state's nonprofits. Montana is our headquarters state and we know the landscape and players here best. We pilot and refine our infrastructure development strategies here, and then share them with other states.
BSI receives financial support from individual donors, businesses, foundations and other nonprofits that value our work.
