Founded in 1996, the NMCDC advocates for policy that supports equity among neighborhoods and builds and stewards permanently affordable homeownership opportunities using the community land trust model. In 2022 they partnered with NeighborWorks Montana to build a limited equity housing cooperative model for Montana – a new tool that transitions natural occurring affordable housing to long-term affordable housing. In this model, neighbors in multi-family buildings form a cooperative and purchase their buildings together, and the NMCDC brings the land underneath into trust, held on behalf of the community and preserving the affordable homes in perpetuity.

The NMCDC completed a strategic planning process in 2023 and subsequently established a new three-year plan. They aim to serve 100 new homeowners or shareholders with their homeownership models, advocate for equitable development policy, and support healthy and stable neighborhoods by connecting and empowering residents.

Branding is one of the key capacity building strategies they will employ to realize their long-term goals. A strong brand that is visible, well-known, and reflective of their new service area will recognize and highlight NMCDC’s housing innovation, responsiveness to community needs, and collaborative approach. The $12,000 grant from the Missoula Community Foundation will support the rebranding portion of NMCDC’s capacity building plan.

The Missoula Community Foundation envisions a thriving, unique and engaged community – and strengthening nonprofits is an important part of their mission. Amid growing community needs, resilient nonprofits are crucial, and the foundation recognizes that organizations need strong leadership, financial management, technology, and communication skills to drive positive change in the community.

More capacity building initiatives are underway at the Missoula Community Foundation. If you would like to learn more about how you can support this work, please reach out – [email protected].