Bridget Wilkinson
Bozeman,Montana
Summary
Visionary and relational leader with over 15 years in nonprofit and philanthropic sectors, specializing in organizational development, board and staff management, program creation, fundraising, strategic grantmaking, facilitation, and philanthropic advising. Recognized for transforming a community foundation from $1 million to $57 million in assets, building strong teams, and fostering impactful community engagement. Committed to advancing equity and trust-based philanthropy through exceptional listening and community-focused strategies.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
President & CEO
One Valley Community Foundation
09.2013 - Current
- Transformed a modest, board-led community foundation into a dynamic, influential philanthropic leader
- Grew assets from $1 million to an impressive $57 million and effectively scaled operations of the organization in 11 years
- Cultivated and led a high-performing seven-member staff and a visionary 12-person Board of Directors
- Created and grew Give Big Gallatin Valley into Montana’s largest giving day, raising over $17.4 million for 464 nonprofits
- Led efforts to create a policy and advocacy framework and guidelines
- Designed and executed grantmaking initiatives such as giving circles, COVID-19 Response Fund, Youth Giving Project, Bridger Fire Fund, and American Rescue Plan Act Fund in addition to support ongoing grantee research for diverse portfolio of fundholders
- Secured over $18 million for more than 300 local nonprofits and regional initiatives
- Implemented EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System) to enhance operational efficiency and transparency, fostering organizational accountability
- Innovated the Regional Housing Coalition to tackle housing challenges in Gallatin County
- Steered the organization through a rebranding and three strategic planning processes, including the operationalization and reporting for each plan
- Developed a diverse portfolio of programs to strengthen and sustain the nonprofit sector such as Nonprofit Café, Roundtables and Financial Bootcamp
- Successfully created multi-year development plan and led fundraising efforts to support One Valley programming and operational needs.
Volunteer Director
Family Promise of Gallatin Valley
01.2009 - 09.2013
- Increased volunteer base by 88%, managing 1,500+ volunteers to support unhoused families in Gallatin County
- Directed fundraising campaigns, raising $77,570 over three years
- Developed and executed volunteer management programs and conducted regular training sessions
- Directed the annual one-day Project Homeless Connect event, organizing essential services for unhoused and low-income community members
- Managed over 100 volunteers, securing financial and in-kind donations, directed media relations, public relations, and branding efforts
- Built relationships with key partners to grow volunteer program.
AmeriCorps VISTA Volunteer
Family Promise of Gallatin Valley
01.2008 - 01.2009
- Built capacity for a sustainable volunteer program
- Established templates, databases, and volunteer connections.
Education
Masters in Higher Education in Student Affairs -
Montana State University
Bozeman, Montana01.2012
Bachelor's Degree in Spanish and Public Relations -
University of Idaho
Moscow, Idaho01.2007
Study Abroad Program -
Universidad del País Vasco
01.2006
Skills
- Visionary Leadership
- Relational Leadership
- Public Speaking
- Team Management
- EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System)
- Strategic Planning
- Fundraising
- Budgeting & Forecasting
- Communication
- Relationship Building
- Organizational Growth
- Salesforce
- CommunitySuite Fund Accounting
- Microsoft Office and Google Products
- Community Engagement
Honors + Awards
- ServeMontana Award (2011)
- Our Community First Award (2013)
- 20 Under 40 Recipient (2016)
- TEDx Bozeman Speaker (2018) + Emcee (2019)
- Bozeman's Choice Awards - Best Community Advocate (2020, 2021, 2022)
- Prospera Business Network's Leader of the Year (2021)
- Paul Harris Fellow – Bozeman Rotary Club (2024)
Certification + Courses
- 2017: CFLeads Executive Leadership Institute
- 2019: Leadership Montana
- 2021: 21/64 Certified Advisor - Trained and experienced in working with multigenerational families to hone their philanthropic giving.
Volunteer Activities
- Volunteer Director for Run to the Pub, enhancing local race experiences.
- Active in faith-based community initiatives.
Timeline
President & CEO
One Valley Community Foundation
09.2013 - Current
Volunteer Director
Family Promise of Gallatin Valley
01.2009 - 09.2013
AmeriCorps VISTA Volunteer
Family Promise of Gallatin Valley
01.2008 - 01.2009
Masters in Higher Education in Student Affairs -
Montana State University
Bachelor's Degree in Spanish and Public Relations -
University of Idaho
Study Abroad Program -
Universidad del País Vasco
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