August in Montana: Celebrating Local Nonprofits, Public Lands, and School Spirit

While we’re not eager to see summer go, we know fall is just around the corner—and with it comes cooler nights, a new school year, and the start of Montana’s collegiate sports season. August is a month of big celebrations here at The Last Best Store, from honoring the nonprofits that protect and enrich our communities, to celebrating our public lands, to gearing up for game days in Missoula and Bozeman.

Honoring National Nonprofit Day – August 17

At The Last Best Store, we believe that local businesses and nonprofits are stronger together. That’s why we created our merchandise-based fundraising program, which supports local nonprofits and other organizations making a difference in Montana and beyond. We help these organizations design, produce, and market branded apparel and accessories that help raise awareness and funds for their missions and impactful programs. A portion of proceeds from each partner’s merchandise collection goes directly back to them, helping fund their work year-round.

Here’s a look at our current partners (click on their names below to learn more):

• Wilderness Watch – Headquartered in Missoula, this nonprofit defends America’s 112-million-acre National Wilderness Preservation System, ensuring federal agencies uphold the 1964 Wilderness Act. They work to keep wilderness areas truly wild through advocacy, oversight, and public education.

• Missoula Pride – A grassroots celebration and program of the Western Montana LGBTQiA+ Community Center, Missoula Pride hosts an annual parade, block party, and community events that foster inclusion, visibility, and joy for the LGBTQiA+ community.

• W.A. Franke College of Forestry & Conservation – Part of the University of Montana, FCFC trains the next generation of environmental leaders through research, hands-on learning, and partnerships that protect Montana’s forests, waters, and wildlife.

• Girls on Shred – Based in Missoula, this volunteer-run nonprofit empowers youth and people of marginalized genders through action sports skill-building, gear sharing, and inclusive community events across the Northwest.

• Starlight Reunion – A Missoula-based arts collective that transforms gatherings into collaborative works of art, blending music, performance, and visual art to create immersive community experiences.

When you shop from any of these collections, you’re not just buying a product—you’re directly supporting the people and causes that keep Montana vibrant.

Celebrating the National Park Service – August 25

Every year on August 25, we celebrate the birthday of the National Park Service, founded in 1916 to preserve the natural and cultural treasures of the United States “unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations.” In Montana, we are lucky to have Glacier National Park and part of Yellowstone National Park within our borders, as well as countless other public lands that make up our state’s wild heart.

These places aren’t just stunning—they’re essential to our health and wellbeing. As Sarah McMillan recently wrote in the Flathead Beacon, only 3% of the world’s ecosystems remain intact. The U.S. Forest Service’s Roadless Rule, adopted in 2001, protects 58.5 million acres of national forest land from logging and road building, safeguarding clean water for 60 million Americans, habitat for 1,600 at-risk species, and some of our most treasured recreational areas. Attempts to rescind the rule would open the door for extractive industries at the expense of wildlife, recreation economies, and irreplaceable old-growth forests.

While we are grateful for everything the National Park Service does to maintain and promote responsible use of public lands, we must also remain vigilant of the scope and impact of their work, as Mark Peterson (president, Wilderness Watch board of directors) reminded us in this blog post last year. Montana’s public lands are more than scenery—they’re our life-support system. Protecting them is a shared responsibility, and the National Park Service Founders Day is the perfect time to recommit to their care. 

Back-to-School & Collegiate Sports: Montana Made Spirit

As students head back to campus and fans gear up for another season under the lights, it’s time to show your Montana collegiate pride—whether you’re Team Maroon & Silver or Team Blue & Gold.

Our University of Montana Grizzlies Collection is designed and handcrafted in Missoula—home of the Griz—by UM alumni who understand the raw power of the Grizzlies. From officially licensed apparel and accessories to locally-made drinkware, each piece blends bold design, lasting quality, and Montana-made craftsmanship.

The Last Best Store cherishes all things Montana, and we therefore celebrate MSU Bobcats' victories. Our Montana State University Bobcats Collection delivers the same commitment to quality, creativity, and local craftsmanship—this time in Blue & Gold. Designed by Montana artisans who know what it means to represent the Bobcat spirit, this collection offers licensed collegiate products that help fans cheer with authenticity and style.

Mark Your Calendars – 2024 Home Game Highlights:

• Sept. 6: Cats: Gold Rush | Griz: Blackout

• Sept. 13: Cats: Pack the Place in Pink | Griz: Military Appreciation

• Sept. 20: Cats: Band Day | Griz: Stripe the Stadium

• Sept. 27: Cats: Homecoming | Griz: Home Game

• Oct. 11: Cats: Parent/Family Weekend | Griz: Homecoming

• Oct. 18: Griz: Think Pink Game

• Oct. 31: Griz & Cats: Holiday-Themed Collegiate Swag

• Nov. 8: Cats: Ag/Military Appreciation | Griz: Hall of Fame/Native American Heritage

• Nov. 15: Cats: Senior Day/Native American Heritage

• Nov. 22: Brawl of the Wild – Griz vs. Cats

UM Griz Blackout Collection

Part of our larger University of Montana Grizzlies Collection, the Blackout Collection turns up the game-day intensity with sleek, all-black, officially licensed Griz apparel and accessories—designed and made right here in Missoula by UM alumni. This special subcollection features Grizzlies gear for all ages, from infant onesies and youth hoodies to unisex/all-gender apparel for adults. Like the rest of our collegiate collections, these pieces are bold, creative, and built to last, offering a perfect blend of quality, style, and Montana pride.

The annual Griz Blackout Game is one of the most electric traditions of the season—an opportunity for players and fans alike to unite in strength by filling Washington-Grizzly Stadium with black. This year’s matchup will be the first home game of the season, against Central Washington on Saturday, September 6, at 6:00 PM. As part of Griz Welcome Week, it’s the perfect chance to showcase your school spirit, solidarity, and game-day power.

Whether you’re in the stands for Blackout Night or representing the Griz all year long, this collection ensures you’re ready to show up in true fan form. And keep an eye out—more special subcollections of Montana collegiate apparel and accessories are on the way, giving you even more ways to celebrate your school spirit while supporting local makers.

Montana Grizzlies Charging Bear - Toddler Fine Football Jersey T-shirt	Griz Silver Glitter Ladies' Tee	Montana Grizzlies Charging Bear - Fan Favorite Cotton T-shirt

August reminds us why Montana is so special—where strong communities, wild landscapes, and deep-rooted traditions all come together. From supporting local nonprofits to celebrating our national parks, from cheering at home games to shopping local for officially licensed collegiate gear, this season is full of opportunities to connect, give back, and show your Montana pride. Wherever August takes you—into the backcountry, to the stadium, or to your favorite local shop—we’re honored to be part of your journey.

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Arielle Smith is a recovering academic, a mom, and an aspiring wordsmith who helps The Last Best Store to manage an assortment of projects, programs, and data. She harmonizes these and other intellectual pursuits with an eclectic range of creative activities including Dj'ing, spawning mixed media art and jewelry (Presents of Mind Design), and crafting botanical skincare products (Dr. Smith Botanicals).