To wrap up this sequence of articles on area nonprofits, this month is dedicated to education and museums, environmental and wildlife organizations, and outdoor recreation. Nonprofits geared toward children are always popular in that having healthy, happy, educated children is certainly a positive attribute in a community.  National organizations have a strong presence locally.  Big Brothers Big Sisters has offices in Bozeman and Livingston, and Junior Achievement teaches kids about "financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and work readiness through fun, hands-on activities."  The Gallatin Valley YMCA strives to "create a community where all people, especially the young, are encouraged to develop to their fullest potential in spirit, mind, and body."  The "Y" has secured 23 acres of land in the 100-acre regional park with plans to construct a state-of-the-art facility that welcomes children of all ages, families of all incomes, and seniors of all abilities. Local organizations do their part as well.  Big Sky Youth Empowerment endeavors to "meet the demands for creative programs targeting high school-aged, at-risk youth."  The Bozeman Schools Foundation and Livingston Education Foundation both raise funds from the community and various sources to help enrich the learning opportunities for students in public schools.  The Montana Outdoor Science School "provides fun, safe, educational, quality outdoor science-based experiences." As for higher education, MSU Alumni Foundation "provides millions of dollars in scholarships, research assistance, and faculty support every year."   Gifts can be designated to a specific college, department or program to ensure the success of each.  Scholarships invest in the potential of undergraduate students and help make college more affordable to the "best and brightest students."  The University in general provides much economic impact on the community.  In October 2011, Alumni Jake Jabs gifted $25 million for a new College of Business building and programs.  The $10 million Bobcat Stadium End Zone Project which was completed Fall of 2011 not only expanded the fan seating capacity but provided valuable construction jobs to the area.  The 2010 Economic Impact Report gives further numbers that MSU-Bozeman contributes over 9,000 jobs and nearly ¾ billion dollars in earnings annually.  The indirect or trickle-down impact is even larger. The Museum of the Rockies was founded in 1957 by Dr. Caroline McGill who gifted a collection of historical Montana objects to the museum.  MOR upholds the mission to "inspire visitors to explore the rich natural and cultural history of America's Northern Rocky Mountains" and features some of the most famous dinosaur specimens in the world.  Other highlights include permanent exhibits on regional and American Indian history, a stunning planetarium, a living history farm with magnificent Heirloom Gardens, and "Explore Yellowstone", a children's discovery center. The Children's Museum of Bozeman aspires to "enrich our community by engaging children and adults in the magic of shared learning and discovery."  It always has a variety of fun and educational exhibits, hand-on projects, and a diverse selection of camps and programming. The Pioneer Museum has been located in the former county jail building since 1982, offering "a variety of changing exhibits portraying earlier days in the Gallatin Valley."  The Solveig Sales Memorial Library houses photo archives containing more than 10,000 historic images. An abundance of environmental and wildlife causes are naturally drawn to our area.  The Greater Yellowstone Coalition was founded in 1983 and has over 27,500 supporters worldwide with the mission of "protecting the lands, waters, and wildlife of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, now and for future generations." The Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center in West Yellowstone has a primary mission to "provide visitors to the Yellowstone area an opportunity to observe, learn and appreciate grizzly bears and gray wolves." The International Federation of Fly Fishers, headquartered in Livingston, is "dedicated to the betterment of the sport of fly fishing through Conservation, Restoration, and Education."  The 46-year-old international organization has grown to over 300 clubs. The Yellowstone Park Foundation has raised over $60 million since 1996 to fund projects throughout Yellowstone, with the most major accomplishment being a $15 million capital campaign for the Old Faithful Visitor Education Center. The Gallatin Valley Land Trust's mission is to "conserve southwest Montana's heritage of open landscapes, working farms and ranches, healthy rivers, and wildlife habitat; and create trails to connect people, communities, and the land." The Yellowstone Club Community Foundation, funded by members, friends, ownership, and management of the Yellowstone Club, works with area nonprofits in the greater Big Sky and Gallatin Valley areas to leverage funds that address "some of the communities most serious issues, such as hunger, education, at-risk youth, and conservations." The Bridger Ski Foundation "promotes athletic and personal excellence through educational and competitive programs in three Olympic ski disciplines – Alpine, Freestyle and Nordic."  BSF grooms and maintains several of the area's Nordic ski trails as well. Ice climbing has emerged as a world-class sport in Hyalite Canyon, near Bozeman.  The Bozeman Ice Tower Foundation is proposing a competitive climbing structure and outdoor concert venue at the fairgrounds.  This privately funded effort is looking to raise $3,000,000 for construction and $1,000,000 for initial operations. Again, these organizations are just a sampling of the viable and worthwhile nonprofits that are based out of Bozeman and the surrounding areas.  "Good causes" abound and make Bozeman a community that cares about its people.  There is most likely a group that will appeal to anyone's particular volunteering or funding criteria.