Blue Cross And Blue Shield Of Montana (BCBSMT) Announces Rural Dynamics Winner Of $50,000 HKHF Grant
September 9, 2020
In an effort to address the toll that financial stress takes on health care costs, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana (BCBSMT) has awarded Rural Dynamics with a $50,000 Healthy Kids, Healthy Families® grant.
Rural Dynamics, a statewide nonprofit organization, is developing a program to help Montanans be more financially astute, therefore reducing the likelihood of financial stress, increased health risks, and costs associated with it.
The HKHF initiative is an ongoing commitment by BCBSMT to invest in and partner with like-minded nonprofit organizations that offer sustainable, measurable programs to reach children and their families in the five following areas: nutrition, physical activity, disease prevention and management, substance abuse prevention, and suicide prevention. The goal of the program is to improve access to quality care and drive down the future cost of health care.
“We care deeply about the physical, social and emotional wellness of our communities, and we’re proud to invest in innovative organizations that support children and their families throughout Montana,” said John Doran, BCBSMT Divisional Vice President of External Affairs. “These efforts are even more important now, as our fellow Montanans grapple with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the impact it continues to have in all aspects of our lives.”
In collaboration with BCBSMT, Benefis Health Systems, the Center for Financial Services Innovation, the Institute for Research on Poverty and the Center for Financial Security, Rural Dynamics rolled out a Financial Coaching program for Benefis and Great Falls Public Schools employees.
The program offers clients individualized plans for personal finance goals and education to make financially fit decisions.
2025 Impact Report In 2025, RDI Financial Wellness continued to walk alongside individuals and families across Montana as they worked toward greater financial stability, opportunity, and peace of mind. Thanks to the support of 65 dedicated volunteers, we served 3,321 people statewide, with 93% identifying as low to moderate income. Our focus remains clear, ensuring our services reach those who need them most and create meaningful, lasting impact. This year, we provided 263 financial and housing counseling sessions, helping individuals and families navigate challenges, build confidence, and make informed financial decisions. Through housing counseling and education, we worked to prevent foreclosure, support renters, and guide future homeowners on their path forward. Our Montana Families Trust continued to provide long term security for individuals living with disabilities, managing 91 active trusts and approximately $4 million in pooled assets. At the same time, our Assistive Technology Loan program expanded access to essential tools and equipment that improve independence and quality of life. One of the most visible impacts of our work continues through our Tax Help program. In 2025, we helped 2,765 taxpayers file their returns for free, returning $2.64 million to Montanans and saving them $801,850 in preparation fees. These are dollars that stay in our communities, supporting families, local businesses, and economic stability. Beyond the numbers, this work is about people. It is about a parent gaining confidence in their finances, a senior staying in their home, or a family accessing resources that create new opportunities. We are deeply grateful to our volunteers, partners, and community members who make this work possible. Together, we are building stronger financial futures across Montana. Read the full report here: 2025 Impact Report
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We are pleased to announce that effective April 1, 2023, Jordyn Rogers, the Deputy Director of Rural Dynamics Inc. (RDI), has assumed the position of Executive Director.
