Give Big Day 2026 Kicks Off In Bozeman With Fee-Free Donations For Nonprofits

Bozeman, Mont. — Give Big Day returned to Bozeman on April 30th, for their 12th year as a 24-hour fundraiser led by One Valley Community Foundation. This year’s version of the event features a fee-free model that sends donated dollars directly to nonprofits. 

The event begins on Thursday, April 30 at 6p.m., and runs for 24 hours, to May 1st at 6p.m. Organizers at One Valley Community Foundation say their goal for this year is to raise $3 million dollars in the 24-hour period, with more than 6,000 donors. 

Bridget Wilkinson, president and CEO of One Valley Community Foundation, says the event gives the community in the Gallatin Valley a way to connect with local nonprofit groups. 

“Give Big is an opportunity to celebrate these organizations, to learn about them, and to understand their value within the region,” said Wilkinson.  

The fundraiser started in 2015. Since then, it has brought in more than $20 million for nearly 500 nonprofit organizations in the area. 

Wilkinson says the event also helps guide donors if they are not sure where to begin. The One Valley Community Foundation website features a search function, where community members can learn more about organizations they are interested in donating to.  

“Often, we hear people say ‘I’m really overwhelmed, I don’t know where to start, I don’t know where the need is’. Maybe you’re interested in animals, arts or youth; and you can search organizations in those cause areas throughout Gallatin County. Maybe support an organization you have in the past or learn about a new one,” said Wilkinson.  

This year’s fee-free format was made possible by the Jill and Nicholas Woodman Foundation.  

While Give Big Day 2026 is primarily focused on Bozeman and Gallatin counties, similar giving efforts are also happening in other parts of Montana.  

In Missoula, the Missoula Community Foundation are also hosting their Day of Giving on April 30th. In Billings, the Billings Community Foundation hosted Yellowstone Valley Give Day with more than 120 nonprofit organizations taking part. In Helena, donations for local nonprofits are being collected starting on May 6, through Greater Helena Gives.  

Whitney Bermes, board chair of One Valley Community Foundation, says the community response during Give Big Day reflects a wider spirit of support among Montanans.  

“It really just warms your heart to see how many people want to take part in that, how many people want to take care of each other, how many people want to give to their neighbors, and make sure their communities are taken care of. I can’t think of a better example of generosity than giving days like this state-wide,” said Bermes. 

If you are interested in donating to Give Big Day, you can do so at www.givebiggv.org.