09/01/2026
Thirteen years ago, Bridget Wilkinson joined One Valley Community Foundation as its first staff member.
She arrived with a clear vision for what a community foundation could be: a place that connects people who care with the causes and ideas that help Gallatin County thrive.
At the time, One Valley managed about $1 million in charitable assets and was just beginning to define its role in a growing Gallatin County. Today, the foundation manages more than $30 million in assets and has granted over $37.7 million to local nonprofits under Bridget's leadership. Through all that growth, she has kept the focus where it belongs: on the people, organizations, and ideas that make our community stronger.
In 2015, Bridget launched Give Big Gallatin Valley, creating a way for anyone to take part in local generosity, at any giving level. What began with the ambitious goal of raising $100,000 in 24 hours has become Montana’s largest giving day, mobilizing more than $23.7 million through 120,000+ gifts for 525 local nonprofits.
Bridget has been a persistent advocate for local nonprofits and believes deeply that a community foundation should be a conduit, not a container, bringing people, resources, and opportunities together.
And for those of us who work alongside her, her leadership is deeply personal. Bridget sets a high bar because she believes in the impact we can make, then she gives her team the trust, support, and room to meet it. She listens. She makes space for people to grow. And she understands that supporting her team means caring for us as whole human beings, not just employees. We truly could not ask for a better leader.
Happy 13th work-aversary, Bridget. We are grateful for all you have built, and for the care you bring to this work, our team, and our community.
