Invest in our Future, HRDC's Federal Funding Impact Summary

FEDERAL FUNDING Impact Summary

Our work impacts more than 13,000 lives across Gallatin, Park, and Meagher counties every year. These are hardworking Montanans who are doing their best to get by as housing prices continue to outpace wage growth. Most of them rely on us to help with one small part of their monthly budget, allowing them to prioritize their mortgage or rent payment. This could include one week’s worth of groceries, transportation to and from work, free preschool, assistance with their energy bill, and more. Most of them also lean in to learn how they can better balance their budget and maximize their earnings, so we can help them plan for homeownership, reduce their monthly healthcare costs, improve the energy efficiency of their home, or save for their child’s college tuition. Most of them access our services one, two, or three times in their lifetime. They all would prefer not to need to ask for help. They all feel that someone else needs it more than they do.

Our work is critical to maintaining a strong fabric of safety for the people who power our communities. Federal funding helps keep some of that crucial programming on the ground. And, if the federal budget needs to be more balanced, we want to be part of the solution. We welcome the opportunity to share recommendations on how the federal government can be more effective, efficient, and realize cost savings. We have worked diligently over the past two decades to reduce our reliance on federal funding and diversify our revenue streams, and we remain committed to continuing this effort.

We have been on the ground, serving families and communities, for 50 years. We have weathered many different administrations and federal priorities, and we have adapted to make those work for the communities and families who rely on us for help. Regardless of what happens at the federal level, we remain committed to our work on the ground and our local partners who continue to help make that happen. The reality is that there are real impacts on real people, our neighbors, friends, and family members, when federal programs are reduced, eliminated, or made increasingly difficult to access.

POTENTIAL IMPACT ON HRDC SERVICES

HRDC has compiled an overview of the potential impacts of federal funding reductions across our various programs. Such decreases could have far-reaching consequences, affecting not only the programs but also the individuals and communities that rely on them. To illustrate the potential scope of these impacts, this overview highlights our programming areas and their beneficiaries.

ONE VALLEY REPORT: Federal Funding & Gallatin County Nonprofits

Our partners at One Valley Community Foundation have taken a close look at what’s at stake when it comes to potential federal funding changes in our region. Recognizing how essential federal dollars are to local nonprofits, One Valley compiled a report that explores the impact of these funds in Gallatin County and what reductions could mean for our community’s future.

Montana NonProfit Association (MNA) REPORT

The Montana Nonprofit Association (MNA), in partnership with Headwaters Economics and Montana funders, recently released a white paper that sheds light on the broader implications of federal funding cuts in our state.

Titled Potential Impacts of Federal Cuts to Montanans & Montana’s Economy, the report outlines where federal dollars flow across Montana and what’s at risk if those dollars are reduced. While the future remains uncertain, this work helps nonprofits like HRDC—and the communities we serve—better understand the potential consequences of reduced federal spending and workforce.

What's AT STake for MONTANA?

The Headwaters Foundation underscores how essential federal funding is to Montana’s infrastructure—accounting for 43% of state government revenue. These dollars support everything from health care and education to public safety and rural development.

Their wesbite emphasizes how cuts to federal funding would deeply affect Montana’s nonprofits, communities, and economy—especially in rural areas where these dollars go the furthest.

Take action

Federal funding plays a critical role in supporting HRDC’s work and the well-being of communities across Southwest Montana. As decisions about federal budgets continue, your voice matters. Contacting our congressional delegation is a powerful way to advocate for the programs and services that help our neighbors thrive.