At the laying of the cornerstone in 1899, Governor Joseph K. Toole said: "[The Capitol] will be to the state what the homestead is to the citizen, what the fireside is to the family . . . . Here should repose the honor and conscience of the state by which its citizenship shall be judged and measured and its glory achieved and preserved."

Why Give?

The reasons for giving to the Montana Capitol Restoration Foundation are as varied as those who invest in Montana's Capitol.

Many current and former Montanans want to “give something back” for the benefits that our democracy has offered them.

Some want to keep Montana's Capitol - The People's House - updated with the necessary technology for conducting business in the 21st century while maintaining the awe-inspiring historical beauty from the 20th century.

Still others believe that a partnership using taxpayers money allocated from the public sector and donations from the private sector will insure the wisest use of resources for the benefit of Montana's State Capitol.

Whatever your interest, the Montana Capitol Restoration Foundation can help you determine how best to use your assets to help maintain Montana's Crown Jewel - our Capitol.

How can you give?

Our endowment fund in the Montana Community Foundation will provide the Montana Capitol Restoration Foundation a sustainable, long-term future through the promise of financial stability. The Foundation’s immediate goal is to raise enough permanent endowment gifts to fund yearly restoration projects.

Opportunities for Giving to the Montana Capitol Restoration Foundation:

Cash Donation: Any donation may be designated for use on current projects or to be invested in the Endowment.

Montana Endowment Tax Credit: The Endowment Credit provides Montana residents and businesses with an opportunity to make an endowed donation to their favorite charity while realizing a generous Montana tax credit. This credit is available to all Montana residents regardless of their tax bracket, however the derivative tax benefits depend on a taxpayer’s taxable income, tax bracket, type of gift being made, and type of property being donated. For this reason, all donors are urged to seek professional tax advice from an accountant or tax lawyer before making a gift.

Stocks: Due to a highly appreciated stock market over the last several years, gifts of stock can stretch your charitable giving and save on individual capital gain taxes. For example, if you purchased stock ten years ago for $2,000 and it is now valued at $10,000, your charitable gift would be $10,000. If you sold the stock yourself, you would realize a taxable capital gain. If you transfer the stock to the Foundation before it is sold, you may qualify for tax savings.

Real Estate: As with appreciated stocks, donors can also use real estate as either an outright or planned gift resulting in favorable tax benefits.

Wills: Each year people with good intentions pass away without a will forcing the government to determine the best use of their estate. If you have not developed a will and formally had it adopted please do so. It is one of the kindest things you can do for your family. Contact your accountant and/or lawyer to determine if including the Montana Capitol Restoration Foundation in your will would be beneficial for your circumstances.

Memorials: The families of current or former Montana citizens may want to name the Montana Capitol Restoration Foundation for their memorials when loved ones pass away. Memorials can be mailed to: Montana Capitol Restoration Foundation, P.O. Box 1915, Helena, Montana 59624.

All gifts of $250 or more will receive a brick in Capitol Centennial Square.