The Big Sky Institute for the Advancement of Nonprofits (BSI) builds Montana's communities by strengthening nonprofits and expanding philanthropy. BSI is a 501(c)(3) research and development institute that serves Montana and other Philanthropic Divide states through a unique approach involving research, dissemination, education, leadership development and special projects. Nonprofit organizations and communities in these very rural states face uniquely difficult obstacles because of their low population densities, challenged economies, and limited philanthropic and nonprofit sector resources. To help overcome these barriers, BSI develops organizational support systems for both the nonprofit and philanthropic sectors.