About Us

History:

High Stakes Foundation was formed in 2007 by Dr. Mary Stranahan. The President of the Foundation is Dawn McGee.  To date, High Stakes has granted over $9,700,000 to organizations across Montana.

The world’s top climate scientists have warned that humanity’s influence on the climate is unequivocal, with wide-ranging impacts across the planet, from rising seas to melting ice.  Statewide, especially in rural communities, there is a struggle to provide living wage jobs and fresh, affordable, nutritious food.  Political, social and economic gaps are ever widening and we are fractiously, deeply divided as to how to move forward.

In other words, we are in High Stakes times.

We believe in solutions which support vibrant, interconnected communities that give everyone in the local community a direct, long-term interest in the prosperity, health, and beauty of Montana.

MARY STRANAHAN

is the founder of Goodworks Ventures and the High Stakes Foundation. As a result of attending a Play Big Session about a decade ago, she made the decision to leverage her resources to support the people making a positive change in Montana. Her focus is on triple bottom line investments in the for profit arena and rural economic development, leadership development and environmental policy issues in the nonprofit arena. A passionate lover of place, she has a wicked backspin on her tennis game.

DAWN MCGEE

is the President of the High Stakes Foundation. She is also the CEO of Goodworks Ventures, a Montana based company investing in high social impact companies and supporting visionaries who are creating a sustainable future for Montana. She loves to be outside and to play music with friends.

ANN QUIRK

is the Program Officer for the High Stakes Foundation. She is also the Community Liaison for Goodworks Ventures. Prior to joining High Stakes, Ann spent ten years in non-profit leadership and fundraising for two Missoula-based non-profits. Ann enjoys running and hiking Montana trails with her dog, Huck, playing in her garden, and scheming up her next home improvement project.