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Introducing Your Local Nonprofit Ambassador

Author: Tylyn Newcombe, Montana Nonprofit Association Rachael Brug: MT43 News Vice President and Copy Editor

Introducing Your Local Nonprofit Ambassador

Tylyn Newcombe

Montana Nonprofit Association

I am officially introducing Rachael Brug, who has been hired as an MNA (Montana Nonprofit Association) Rural Ambassador in Townsend this year! In this role, Rachael will be connecting with local nonprofit leaders and board members to learn about resource needs, opportunities, and training priorities for your community, as well as working to connect folks to existing resources and build and grow a local nonprofit network to promote collaboration and connection among community leaders. Please feel free to reach out to Rachael and connect with her about the work you’re doing!

Rachael Brug is the owner of Reading Leaves Bookstore in Townsend, Montana—a community-rooted space built around connection, conversation, and lifelong learning. She is also the founder of The Montana Bookstore Trail and current President of Visit Southwest Montana Tourism. As Montana Nonprofit Association’s Rural Ambassador for Broadwater County, she brings a boots-on-the-ground perspective from rural main street, helping strengthen local nonprofits through relationship-building, resource sharing, and practical support.

Rachael is passionate about literacy, inclusive community spaces, and the power of small towns to do big things when people feel welcomed and connected. When she’s not behind the counter or planning the next book club, craft night, or community event, you’ll find her collaborating with local partners to make Broadwater County a place where neighbors can gather, learn, and thrive.

As part of the ambassador program, MNA will offer a free nonprofit training in your community – we will work with Rachael to determine topic and schedule, so please keep your eyes peeled for that.

The ambassador program started in 2022 with two ambassadors in Eastern MT, and we are thrilled to be hosting 13 ambassadors across the state this year. You can read about our other ambassadors here - https://mtnonprofit.org/mna-resources/2026-rural-ambassadors/

Please let me know if you have any questions about the ambassador program. I am so happy to be working with Rachael. Her passion for supporting nonprofits and building community is truly wonderful, and I think will have a great impact on your community!