JANUARY 14, 2026 - The Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation in conjunction with Montana Resources has awarded a total of $200,000 to support the Montana Folk Festival in 2026 -- $100,000 has been awarded to the Montana Folk Festival to be matched by contributions from Montana businesses.
"If the Montana Folk Festival organizers meet this challenge and raise a matching amount of $100,000," said Festival Director George Everett, "the Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation will then disperse another $100,000, making their total direct contribution $200,000 for 2026."
Thanks in large part to this major support, the 2026 Montana Folk Festival will return to Butte July 10,11, and 12.
Since 2008, the Foundation has been a major contributor to the success of this festival which has become the largest free of admission summer event in Montana. This grant is offered as a challenge to Montana businesses to join in helping to make the festival a self-sustaining event that will continue to bring thousands of attendees to Butte and throughout Montana.
“From the very beginning in 2008, the Montana Folk Festival has attracted thousands of visitors from across the nation and created economic, social and cultural benefits to Butte, surrounding communities and Montana that have far exceeded expectations," said Jon Bennion, Executive Director of the Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation.
“We are now seeking corporate sponsorships to match this generous grant,” said George Everett of the Montana Folk Festival Executive Committee. "Contributions made in the coming weeks and months will have an amplified impact thanks to this critical challenge grant,” added Everett.
“The skill and hard work of Montana Resources’ dedicated employees helps make it possible for the Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation to be a major contributor to the Montana Folk Festival. We are a leader in our industry and we would like to be a leader as well in encouraging other businesses to support what has become a major economic and cultural event for our area,” said Jack Standa, Montana Resources President. “We hope that corporate citizens throughout the region will see the benefits to their communities and help meet this challenge,” he added.
Sponsorships that businesses consider to meet this challenge come with many benefits as well to ensure they receive the recognition for their support that they deserve. These are described in detail on the festival website at www.montanafolkfestival.com/folkFestival-forms-sponsor.php, or call 406-565-2249.
For details about the Montana Folk Festival returning to Butte July 10-12, visit www.montanafolkfestival.com or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/mtfolkfest.
For details about the many charitable projects of The Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation in the Butte area and beyond, visit www.dpwfoundation.org.
And, to learn more about the work of Montana Resources in Butte, that makes this support possible, visit www.montanaresources.com.
