April 30 - May 1 - Give Big!
GIVE BIG!! Is here!
24 hours of on-line giving
Give Big Gallatin Valley 2026 runs from 6 PM on Thursday, April 30 to 6 PM on Friday, May 1, 2026. It's a 24 hour countywide giving event supporting nonprofits across Gallatin County.
This is a single 24 hour event that begins the evening of April 30 and ends the evening of May 1.
Check out the Bozeman Give Big Facebook Page: 
Go to this link on the day of the event to donate: www.givebiggv.org
Montana Association for the Blind, Bozeman Chapter, connects people who have vision loss with helpful equipment, skills, and peers.
The Bozeman Chapter Montana Association for the Blind
We are one of 8 chapters in Montana providing adults with vision loss the tools and support needed to live independent, successful lives.
One member said, "when my eye doctor told me that there was nothing more that could be done to help my vision I panicked. When I found the Montana Association for the Blind, I saw that other people were living happy and successful lives with limited vision and I knew I would be ok too. Since then, I was able to finish college and be an active member of the community."
Our support of each other includes virtual and in-person meetings on topics from home organizing to community volunteering--and check out our book club, everyone is welcomed.
Our free Low Vision Center allows people with low vision to try the various types of low vision aids available. By having hands on experiences with each item they are able to find the magnifier, kitchen device, lighting, and other tools that will be most helpful to them. We're open Thursdays 10am-3pm and by appointment. Please visit our Give Big Open House May 1, 10am-2pm.
A client who came to the Low Vision Center said, "I didn’t know there were so many things available to help people who can’t see well." She left with a smile on her face and confidence in her step.
Life Learner Program
New this year: Life Learner Retreats, a week of hands-on practice to learn the skills of vision loss in a small group. We offer:
* Mobility: canes and travel including Streamline Bus;
* Braille: intro to learning to read with your fingers;
* Daily Living Skills: organization, shopping, cooking, cleaning, hygiene;
* Hobbies and interests: crafts, games;
* Communication: smart phones, writing templates, recorders;
* Community: resources, engagement, advocacy;
* Evaluation: magnification, other ways to read;
* Technology: what is available and what works for different tasks.
Students learn many ways to be more independent, learn from others, and teach others that vision loss does not need to define you. Cost for students needing hotel room: $500; for locals: $250.
Our 2026 Give Big goal is to raise $7,000. We must maintain our Low Vision Center where we introduce people with vision loss to tools that they may find helpful and provide training on such items. The annual operating expenses of the Low Vision Center are $8,500.
We offer a variety of Zoom connections and gatherings including social Connection Hour Thursdays, Lunch and learn on Monday's, MT Dog Guide Group, a monthly book club, and craft club among other activities. The annual cost of our Zoom account is $150.
We strive to offer up-to-date technology at the Low Vision Center (LVC) so as new technology is invented and older products become challenging to use or obsolete, we offer the public an opportunity to try adaptive equipment. We also provide support and training in assistive technology. The annual cost to keep the Low Vision Center's adaptive equipment current is $5,000.
The Bozeman Chapter of MAB provides scholarships annually for MSU-Bozeman students with vision loss through the Erma King Todd and T. Bayard Todd Memorial Scholarship. The yearly cost to maintain the fund is $2,000.
Community outreach is at the heart of the organization's mission: our monthly newsletter reaches approximately 175 individuals who are blind or visually impaired and the eye professionals and agencies that serve them. We also host information tables at health fairs and provide in-service training for caregivers at an annual cost of $1,000.
Low Vision Center Open House
Come down to the low Vision Center and see what kinds of technology are available for the blind/visually impaired. We also have many different resources to provide to establish supports for you or your family.
220 W. Lamme, Suite B9-2
Bozeman, MT 59715
The center is located in the Martel Building (3 story building) at the corner of 3rd and Lamme
Phone: (406) 551-4920
Open House Friday May 1, 2026
Time: 10-3 PM
Send Us an e-mail for more information: bozemanmab@gmail.com
Give Time: transportation, showing tools at the Low Vision Center, recommending us to caregivers, referring friends with vision loss: How do you feel you can assist in supporting blind and low vision folks? Please email us at bozemanmab@gmail.com or call president Todd Fahlstrom at (406) 600-7548.
We greatly appreciate and love the support you give by partnering with us to help increase independence for those who have vision loss!
If you prefer, we take tax deductible donations throughout the year. Please make checks payable to:
BMAB
PO Box 6797
Bozeman, MT 59771
Early Bird Donations: 
Stay Connected:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Would you like to Volunteer?
If you want to be a volunteer, please contact us at: (406) 442-9411.
You can also Open and Fill out the Volunteer form but you must contact us before you can volunteer. All volunteers must be screened and approved before they can participate.