Our Mission |
The Nate Chute Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to reducing suicide in western Montana through education, outreach, and training. NCF offers evidence-based training and education to area schools and organizations to help identify suicidal behavior and build resiliency, as well as providing financial assistance for professional counseling to those at risk of suicide. The Nate Chute Foundation was founded in 1999, and has been expanding to meet the needs of our community ever since.
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OUR HISTORY
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The Nate Chute Foundation was founded in 1999 following the suicide death of Nate Chute, an 18 year-old graduate of Whitefish High School. Nate planned to attend Montana State University, when he unexpectedly took his life in August of 1999.
The idea for the foundation came from Nate’s friends, who wanted to help make sure a tragedy like this did not happen again. In the beginning, our primary focus was to meet the needs of the community as they arose. We provided financial assistance for training for teachers, local clergy and police officers; funded suicide prevention commercials on local television stations; supported the Whitefish High School ROPES program; offered funding for Whitefish CARE; supported depression screening for students; and provided financial assistance for mental health counseling. Currently, NCF's efforts are focused through three primary program areas that reflect and honor all of that initial work. We now consistently offer: evidence-based training to identify suicidal behavior and intervene when necessary; support to area schools through student education on signs of suicide and by supporting individual school district programs to promote resiliency and reduce instances of suicide; and by offering financial assistance for professional counseling to young people at risk of suicide. |
HOW YOU
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NCF receives funding through grants and fund raising events. However, over half of the funding for ongoing projects depends on private donations from people like you. We welcome your help! If you are interested in making a tax deductible donation please visit our online donation platform.
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