2026-02-24T11:49:57-08:00 2025-12-31 463057681 Amatics CPA Group 45 Discovery Drive Bozeman MT 59718 990EZ 2025-01-01 831957856 MEAGHER COUNTY STEWARDSHIP COUNCIL MEAG 4062008117 PO BOX 607 WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS MT 59645 CASSIDY COBURN Executive Dir. 2026-02-24 true MORGAN SCARR P00747394 4064041925 2025 2025-03-06 01:10:19Z X www.meaghercountystewardshipcouncil.org X X 111755 X 109052 3 0 2700 0 0 2700 0 111755 91407 1300 34 26898 119639 -7884 36076 28192 X 35058 28192 1018 16 36076 28208 16 36076 28192 The Meagher County Stewardship Council shepherds efforts to safeguard and enhance the natural resources, culture, and economic interests of Meagher County for the benefit of current and future generations. The Meagher County Stewardship Council coordinated community planning and partnership-based projects focused on housing needs, natural resources, and local capacity-building. During the year, we convened stakeholders, provided technical assistance to local entities, and supported project development and funding efforts aligned with county priorities. We launched a donor-sponsored Nonprofit Happy Hour series to strengthen coordination among local nonprofits, community organizations, and public partners through relationship-building and information sharing, with an emphasis on collaboration and capacity-building. 39766 39766 X BETSY BIGGERSTAFF Director 1.00 0 SARAH CALHOUN Director 1.00 0 MEGAN SHROYER Treasurer 1.00 0 DAVID VOLDSETH Vice Chair 1.00 0 BERT WILLIAMS Director 1.00 0 CASSIDY COBURN Executive Dir. 40.00 78608 NICOLLE SEREDAY Secretary 1.00 0 JAY KOLBE Director 1.00 0 TAYA CROMLEY Director 1.00 0 JACKSON ROSE Director 1.00 0 ADAM SCHAFER Director 1.00 0 ANDREA MASSEY-FARRELL Director 1.00 0 RON BURNS Director 1.00 0 DAVE HANSON Director 1.00 0 COLLEEN COYLE Director 1.00 0 false false false false false false false 0 0 0 false 0 0 false CASSIDY COBURN PO BOX 607 WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS MT 59645 4062008117 false false false false false false false false false false false NONE NONE true X 69650 113045 116829 105764 109052 514340 0 0 69650 113045 116829 105764 109052 514340 420860 93480 1 3 23 15 3 45 6600 2700 9300 0 523685 0.17850 0.21150 X Current Year Facts and Circumstances: Introduction: The Meagher County Stewardship Council respectfully submits this narrative to demonstrate qualification as a publicly supported organization under the 10% facts and circumstances test. Although the organizations public support percentage for the current computation period is below 33 1/3%, it exceeds the 10% minimum threshold. The organization maintains an active and continuous program to solicit support from the general public, governmental entities, and public charities and continues to operate for the direct benefit of the broader Meagher County community.Continuous and Bona Fide Public Fundraising Program:The organization maintains an ongoing and structured fundraising program designed to broaden public support through diversified sources, including individual donors, foundation grants, and community-based fundraising.Fundraising and development activities include: Creation and ongoing operation of a Development Committee focused on grant identification and submission Successful grant awards from multiple charitable entities, including:o High Stakes Foundation: $10,000o Montana Nonprofit Association: $3,000 Ongoing grant activity, including an application submitted to the Montana Association of Conservation Districts for $40,000 (application review pending). The review timeline was delayed due to staffing changes at the granting organization.In addition, the Council has established and secured sponsorships for all four Nonprofit Happy Hours planned for 2026. These events are designed to engage community organizations, strengthen local nonprofit capacity, and expand the organizations visibility and outreach to a broad public audience, while also supporting ongoing fundraising and partnership development.These efforts are not limited to a single donor or source and reflect a continuous and bona fide program of solicitation and public engagement.Governing Body Represents Broad Public Interests:The Councils Board of Directors reflects a broad cross-section of community interests rather than the interests of a limited number of donors.Board composition includes landowners, executives, a representative affiliated with Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, a water rights attorney, a fishing outfitter, small business owners, a professor associated with a geospatial core facility, and the President of AgWest Farm Credit, among other community leaders. Board members bring diverse professional expertise in agriculture, finance, law, natural resources, business, and community development. The Board meets regularly and maintains documentation to support governance and oversight.Direct Benefit to the General Public:The Meagher County Stewardship Council provides ongoing services that directly benefit the general public of Meagher County.Key activities include funding and coordinating grant writing support for both the City and County to apply for HB819, CDBG, and Department of Commerce funds and supporting implementation through survey collection, public meeting coordination, and stakeholder engagement. The Council also facilitates collaboration among Black Butte Copper, large employers, and local governments to coordinate planning efforts related to anticipated community impacts and opportunities.These services are provided on a continuing basis and are intended for the benefit of the broader community rather than a limited or private group.Forward-Looking Public EngagementLooking ahead, the organization will continue to strengthen public engagement and broaden support through initiatives including community perspectives related to mining impacts and local planning efforts, continued grant seeking and donor outreach, and ongoing community convening through the 2026 Nonprofit Happy Hour and Nonprofit Grant Writing Coffee Hours to diversify our funding. Prior Year Facts and Circumstances: Introduction: The Meagher County Stewardship Council, dedicated to enhancing community welfare and environmental stewardship, respectfully submits this narrative to demonstrate our eligibility under the 10% facts and circumstances test. Despite achieving a public support percentage of 21.1%, which is below the required 33 1/3%, we maintain robust public engagement and fundraising initiatives that assert our compliance with IRS criteria.Continuous Solicitation of Public Support: Our Council has engaged in continuous and diversified efforts to solicit public support over the past year. Notable initiatives include a Fishing Raffle held in December 2024, which brought in $16,600, and the formation of a development committee tasked with identifying and applying for various grants. These efforts are not only targeted at maintaining our existing donor base but also at expanding our reach within and beyond Meagher County.Board Composition and Governance: The governance of our Council is upheld by a board of directors whose composition reflects a broad spectrum of the public's interests, including landowners, executives, an FWP representative, a water rights attorney, a fishing outfitter, small business owners, and a professor in a geospatial core facility. This diverse group brings a variety of expertise and perspectives, ensuring our board's alignment with the community's diverse needs and its sustainable development.Public Benefit Services: The Meagher County Stewardship Council provides numerous services that directly benefit the general public. Recent achievements include funding a grant writer for both the City and County to apply for HB819 funds to address our community's housing needs, with both applications successfully receiving funding. The Executive Director has worked closely with both governments to implement these grants through survey collection, event planning, and meeting organization. Additionally, our council facilitates collaboration between Black Butte Copper, large employers, and local government entities to plan for future community impacts and projects as the mine develops.Conclusion and Future Plans: In conclusion, while we recognize the shortfall in our public support percentage this fiscal year, our continuous efforts in fundraising, board diversification, and public service strongly position us within the criteria of the 10% facts and circumstances test. Looking ahead, we are committed to further enhancing our public engagement strategies with plans to distribute a documentary completed in February 2025, focused on the diverse perspectives about the mine and how our community is planning for change and growth. We anticipate increased support as we continue to serve the broader interests of Meagher County. RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED Other Expenses.1001 Advertising and Promotion $14999 Other Expenses.1002 Office Expenses $420 Other Expenses.1003 Information Technology $2619 Other Expenses.1005 Travel $5009 Other Expenses.1012 Insurance $1424 Other Expenses.1 MEALS $1243 Other Expenses.2 HAPPY HOUR EXPENSE $1184 Other Assets.1011 Prepaid Expenses and Deferred Charges - Beginning $1018 Prepaid Expenses and Deferred Charges - Ending $16 Total Liabilities.1001 Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses - Beginning $0 Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses - Ending $16