And the award goes to...

One Valley Community Foundation Executive Director, Bridget Wilkinson

For the second year in a row, One Valley Community Foundation Executive Director Bridget Wilkinson has been awarded the “2021 Best Community Advocate” award through the Bozeman’s Choice Reader Poll hosted by the Bozeman Magazine. Wilkinson has served as the first Executive Director of One Valley since 2013.

“I am deeply honored and humbled by this recognition. It has been an absolute privilege to serve in this role at One Valley,” said Bridget Wilkinson, Executive Director.

Since 2013, the Community Foundation has grown from a small yet mighty board-led entity into a thriving organization with eleven board members, three staff and two interns. One Valley has become a community resource through:

• The Nonprofit Cafe: Free monthly professional development opportunities for an average of 40 nonprofit leaders

• Give Big Gallatin Valley: The largest giving day in the State of Montana, that has raised $5,830,735 in just six year for 200+ for nonprofits serving Gallatin County

• A Seat at the Table: The largest county-wide conversation initiative that brought together neighbors to share their hopes and dreams for this region

• Crisis Response: The creation of the Southwest Montana COVID-19 Response Fund and the Bridger Foothills Fire Relief Fund in partnership with Greater Gallatin United Way that raised and distributed over $900,000+ to organizations and community members in need

“I am deeply honored and humbled by this recognition. It has been an absolute privilege to serve in this role at One Valley because I deeply believe in the power of every person to make a difference,” said Wilkinson. “While often it is leaders of organizations that get recognized, this award really represents the tremendous investment of time and energy by dedicated volunteers, nonprofit partners, staff members, board members and community leaders who have been my partners in this work over the years.”