A conservative Christian legal advocacy group, the Montana Family Foundation, is relocating from Laurel to Helena. The organization plans to establish the Montana Center for Christian Policy near the state capitol. This new location aims to enhance their influence on state policy by being close to key government buildings.
Public records indicate a building permit was issued in April for 1339 11th Ave., matching the site plans shared in their press release. The project involves constructing a three-story building. Once completed, the center will neighbor the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation and will be in proximity to the state’s Heritage Center.
The foundation’s leadership, including lobbyist Derek Oestreicher, did not comment on the move. However, an email from the group stated that the new facility will function as a nonprofit incubator, with offices for “Christian attorneys” and a policy center. As a 25-year policy partner of Focus on the Family and Alliance Defending Freedom, the foundation pushes pro-life and pro-family values through legislation.
Their association with the Alliance Defending Freedom is significant, with a member now on the Criminal Justice Oversight Council, a position previously held by the ACLU. The foundation disclosed the project as a “several million dollar” investment without specifying a timeline. Financial documents reveal a decrease in contributions, reporting $133,000 in 2024, with a net asset deficit of $56,538.
During the 2025 Legislative session, the foundation backed 47 bills, successfully passing 22. These bills, carried by Republican Senators Daniel Emrich, John Fuller, Kerri Seekins-Crowe, and Caleb Hinkle, focused on making judicial races partisan, restricting voting rights, and limiting abortion access. They also supported legislation in favor of displaying the Ten Commandments in schools and opposed mRNA vaccines.
Notably, the foundation opposed three legislative initiatives including SB 139, which would have removed clergy exemptions from mandatory reporting laws. This bill, sponsored by Sen. Mary Ann Dunwell, was aimed at addressing clergy’s obligation to report child abuse. Despite collaboration with the Catholic Diocese on acceptable language, the bill did not pass. The foundation argued that making everyone a mandatory reporter could deter individuals from seeking help.
Sen. Dunwell stated that although she disagrees with many of the foundation’s policies, their right to establish their center is part of democracy. “It’s democracy,” Dunwell remarked.
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