MSDB Foundation

The Montana School for the Deaf and Blind Foundation, Inc. was created by the Montana Board of Public Education in 1981, and was charged with the responsibility of receiving and managing funds given to the school for the benefit of children with vision or hearing impairments who are served by the school.

Investment income on funds provided to the Foundation by generous and far-sighted Montanans provides for educational and adaptive technology for instruction and study, proms, homecoming festivities, winter and summer camps, cottage furnishings, field trips, achievement awards, special vision and hearing evaluations, a yearbook, eyeglasses and hearing aids, vocational evaluation and career development opportunities. Simply stated, the Foundation works so that deaf and hard of hearing and blind and low vision children will have the same kinds of opportunities to learn and develop as their non-handicapped peers.

The Foundation is incorporated under Montana Law (Section 20-8-111, MCA), and has tax exempt status granted by Section 501(c) of the Federal IRS Code. The Foundation is governed by a Board of Directors.

Mission

The mission of the Montana School for the Deaf and the Blind Foundation, Inc. is to benefit children and youth served by the Montana School for the Deaf and Blind by:

• Creating a pleasant setting for students living away from home...
• Providing programs and support to develop and enhance social skills.
• Providing other programs that enable students to take their rightful place in society.
• Encouraging family involvement in student education and social development.
• Enhancing career training and preparation including support and training of school graduates at the post secondary level.
• Providing support for enhancement of general school programs.
• As Board members of the Foundation, serving as ambassadors for the School, and actively working to increase Foundation funding.

The MSDB Foundation, in carrying out its role, is guided by its mission statement, focusing its effort and funding primarily on the improvement of the environment in which the students learn and live. The School has a responsibility to provide an education at least equal to that provided to non-handicapped children in our public schools. The Foundation, within the limits of its resources, provides for services, equipment and technology not covered by state appropriations, and supports the extra-curricular and social activities that are so important in the development of the students' self-esteem and self-confidence.

How You Can Help

The success of these programs and future projects depends on your continued support. The Foundation has an irrevocable, permanent endowment fund for those who wish to provide gifts under the Montana Charitable Giving Act. This Act allows a substantial tax credit for donors who wish to use this "Planned Giving" model. Other ways to help include:

• An annual contribution
• A one-time gift for technology, library or other special items
• Include the MSDB Foundation in your Trust or Will
• Assist with grants from your company, association or foundation
• Memorials and estates

For information about ways you can help, call the Foundation at (406)771-6040 or e-mail us at foundation@msdb.mt.gov.