L-Town Soup is a community micro-granting dinner where local groups pitch project ideas and attendees vote on the winning pitch.

Started in 2017 in partnership with our local partners, we have hosted LTown Soup for three years, and again in 2025. L-Town Soup celebrates and supports innovative community led projects across Park County. Under PCEC’s Thriving Communities program, this initiative educates, engages, and empowers residents by fostering creativity, collaboration, and philanthropy.

SOUP is not about pushing a brand, a trend, an issue, a product, or a business strategy. SOUP is not a topical event where we sit in circles of like-minded individuals who want just art, or ranching, or conservation, or technology, or small businesses to succeed. It is convening all of these previously siloed people together and having a conversation about what matters. -Why and How to Soup

Donate to LTOWN SOUP 2026!

How SOUP works

Anyone can apply for funding as part of L-Town Soup. It is the simplicity and inviting nature of this platform that makes it unique. Any individual or group with an idea can develop a concept, pitch it at the event and receive the recognition and support. It is a democratic process, wherein the community votes for the project that possesses the most merit. This allows any group, regardless of background, gender or ethnicity to apply and participate. The requirement that no technology can be used in the presentation opens the field to any income or age level.

These five-minute presentations, delivered without the use of technology, can showcase ideas as far ranging as art installations, urban agriculture, social entrepreneurship, environmental stewardship and more. The evening culminates with the audience voting on their favorite project. The “winning project” receives funds raised from the soup sales, which is matched by our community partner AMB West Community Fund. Like in previous years, support from AMB West Community Fund has effectively doubled the award amount, amplifying the impact on winning projects.

Beyond providing grassroots funding, L-Town Soup fosters a spirit of collaboration and community!

2025 Soup RELAUNCHED

Michael Boise from Soundcolor Studios walked across the hall unexpectedly into our offices one day and said, “I think its time, let’s do SOUP.” How could we say no, our community needed to come together more than ever so we huddled, strategized, relaunched and hosted a successful soup on March 12th at the Shane Ballroom.

Through the generosity of our supporters, we aimed to raise $4,000 through ticket sales and donations, which would be doubled through a matching gift from our partner AMB West Community Fund; resulting in a total of $8,000 for project winners. We were blown away when our community raised $13,000, and this overwhelming support unlocked FOUR EXTRA WINNERS!

We can’t wait for SOUP next year! Please consider donating to help keep this program flourishing.

Below are the list of the TEN project pitchers and SEVEN winners! We encourage you to reach out to them, support them and learn more.

Yellowstone Farmstead: Yellowstone Farmstead is an 8.5-acre agritourism destination in Paradise Valley, Montana, dedicated to growing fresh produce, and connecting people directly with the land and their food. We’re blending agriculture, tourism, and culinary experiences to create something truly unique. We’ll host intimate farm-to-table dinners featuring local chefs, hands-on you-pick produce events, seasonal workshops, and educational tours for kids, students, and curious adults. Our goal is to create a welcoming space where everyone can learn about sustainable farming and savor fresh, locally grown food. We’re more than just a farm. Think of Yellowstone Farmstead as a living classroom, a culinary playground, and a community hub. We’re combining decades of farming tradition, modern sustainability practices, creative culinary talent, and genuine human connection in one place. We’re also committed to inclusivity, ensuring that anyone—no matter their background—feels welcome on the farm. Contact Shugabeet@gmail.com for more info.
Pride in Action Building a Stronger Certified Future: Will use funds to become a certified non-profit, expanding outreach and support for the LGBTQIA2S+ population, and access professional services for sustainability. Contact livingstonpridecoalition@gmail.com for more info.
Studio49 - Collaborative Community Studio: Offers space and resources to help our neighbors explore their creativity, develop hands-on skills, and contribute to a thriving, interconnected community.
They will build out additional arts, crafts, and technology "stations" in their community studio, providing tools and materials for self-guided learning and making. Contact allison@vicenzi.org for more info.
Park County Community Band: Will use funds for sheet music, venue rental, marketing, and director wages, bringing together musicians of all ages for community performances. Contact yellowstonemusicgroup@gmail.com for more info.
Park Does the Painting: Will transform Sacagawea Park's bathrooms with a community art project, creating a public paint-by-number mural. This includes a deep clean of the inside bathrooms then paint the outer wall that covers the doors. The mural is slowly revealed over the summer. Contact artisticfox7@gmail.com for more info.
Grow Getters!: Will enhance their middle school aquaponics system with parts and education, fostering hands-on learning. Contact victoria.clark@livingston.k12.mt.us for more info.
Guided Wild Forest School: Will purchase class sets of rain and snow gear, ensuring every preschooler can fully participate in their year-round, outdoor, nature based education.
Guided Wild, believes that children thrive when they are immersed in nature year-round, building resilience and confidence in all types of weather. A core principle of Forest School is embracing the elements—rain, snow, and sunshine alike.
We want to provide essential outdoor gear to ensure every preschooler has the opportunity to explore, learn, and play without limits. Many families may struggle with the cost of purchasing specialized gear, especially when young children outgrow clothing so quickly. Parents may hesitate to invest in these essential items, even though proper gear is key to their child’s success in our outdoor learning environment. Contact andrea@guidedwild.com for more info.
The sPark Community Storytelling Project will “spark” and create consistent and accessible opportunities for locals to participate in and attend storytelling workshops and shows. These events will be co-created in partnership with county nonprofits and organizations.
Founder and “Head Story Wrangler” of Tumbleweed Queen Creative (TQC), draws on over 10 years of experience and expertise in producing events and coaching individuals to showcase the transformative art of first-person storytelling. TQC is dedicated to creating access to community storytelling opportunities.
Storytelling shows and workshops focus on first-person, true-life tales told by community members for community members. Storytelling is an ancient, deeply human art form – it’s accessible, flexible, and impactful. Anyone can be a storyteller – and in TQC’s community storytelling model, all tellers receive coaching/support before sharing onstage. Shows can include a public storyteller recruitment process or curated storyteller lineups. Workshops feature class sessions and student showcases.
A river of stories runs through this place, intentional and transformative channeling of Park County’s endless story flow into more communal connection, understanding and healing. Contact Bexfrucht@gmail.com for more details.
Homegrown Sessions: Intimate live performances where artists connect with small audiences while receiving professional video and audio documentation. With just 25-30 audience members, these events create an environment where genuine musical moments can flourish.Contact jamey@jameywarren.com
The Open Studios Hub: is a free, interactive space at the Livingston Farmers Market where families and youth can engage in hands-on crafting, explore different art mediums, and connect with valuable community resources. Throughout the market season, local artists will showcase their work and lead interactive demonstrations, allowing the community to experience various creative disciplines without the barrier of sign-ups or costs.
In addition to offering rotating creative projects, the booth will provide access to mental health resources, youth programs, and opportunities to get involved in the community. By creating a welcoming space for artistic expression, learning, and connection, this initiative strengthens social and emotional well-being while fostering deeper community ties. Contact Ozmentart@gmail.com for more info.

Donate to the Matching Fund

After hosting successful soups in 2017-2019. COVID, a historic flood and other events put this event on pause and we were very excited to relaunch this initiative in 2025. We extend our gratitude to our long standing and new partners, Soundcolor Studios, AMB West Community Fund, Park High Green Initiative, Neptunes Brewery and The Shane Center.

One of our goals is to bring conservation groups and other community partners in Park County together to develop a shared sense of place and belonging within Livingston and the surrounding communities. PCEC takes a leading role in building these partnerships, developing relationships, and offering mentorship opportunities, benefitting both the health and wellbeing of individuals and the environment. Initiatives like the L-town Soup build and support a more engaged and collaborative community.

Anticipated Outcomes:

Strengthened community bonds and partnerships through shared experiences and collaborative efforts.
Increased confidence and public speaking skills for youth and other presenters.
Grassroots projects are more developed, unlocking additional funding and support opportunities.
Broader awareness of local initiatives and common values that address environmental, social, and economic challenges.
A stronger culture of community-driven philanthropy and innovation.