We introduce you to worthy charitable organizations that we support. Amicus offers MATCHING GRANTS for charities that advance education, conservation and our mission. Amicus does not accept funds but instead directs you to each recommended charity’s website. The charity receiving your donation will bill us for the match. We expect and honor full transparency with all donors and non-profits.
About Us
Conservation
Education
Faith
Families
Health
Veterans
Our Mission
Amicus Foundation is faith based and family focused. We leverage our talents and financial resources to assist “well managed and effective”, non-profit organizations. We expect those organizations to produce results for their constituents. We will be strategic with our investments to maximize impact in each of our focus areas: families, faith, conservation, health , veterans and education. A healthy family and environment provides for the success of a Nation.
About Us
The Amicus Foundation was established in Montana in 2015 by John and Sheila Lake of Cameron Montana. We have two boys and three grandchildren. Sheila taught ESL English as a Second Language to farm worker’s children and John was an engineer and ultimately the CEO of a large water equipment rental company. In our life’s experience, we have been involved with special needs children, outdoor activities, University educational boards, church, and community organizations. We have hosted 5 foreign exchange students which helped us to expand our view of cultures and the world. Faith, family, freedom, and friends provide the energy and guidance for Amicus Foundation. The outdoors inspires us.
Testimonials
Services
What We Do
Conservation
We support scientific multi use management of our forests, wetlands, deserts, oceans and wildlife . God created the world for his people to steward. Good stewardship involves the implementation of practical scientific management of our resources to sustain them for future generations.
Education
“Education fuels the future”. We support organizations that believe in & teach traditional values and reward results for merit & performance based education at all levels, teaching “facts vs. feelings”.
Faith
“Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain.” “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord.” We support ministries that educate & support belief in the Triune God, the assurance of salvation, & provide tools for understanding the Bible. We believe America’s foundational religious values.
Health
We support organizations that provide support services for the handicapped, whether mentally, physically, or psychologically impaired.
Families
We believe in supporting the traditional family structure, incl. those with special needs individuals, by supplying the resources necessary to keep families intact.
Veterans
We support organizations that help veterans find peace, purpose, & meaning for their civilian lives. Helping them overcome
Success Stories
Prison Ministries | Angel tree Foundation
Our Project
This spring, The Amicus Foundation proudly awarded a grant in support of Prison Fellowship’s Angel Tree program—a mission-driven initiative that reaches children and families impacted by incarceration. The purpose of this grant is twofold: first, to strengthen and expand church participation in the Angel Tree Christmas outreach through enhanced training and engagement strategies; and second, to fund summer camp scholarships for Angel Tree children, giving them the opportunity to experience spiritual growth, community connection, and the joy of childhood in a nurturing camp environment. Through this partnership, The Amicus Foundation continues its commitment to uplifting underserved communities and fostering lasting, positive change in the lives of vulnerable youth.
Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF)
Reaching the Ends of the Earth with Mission Aviation Fellowship
In 2024, The Amicus Foundation supported Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) as they brought life-saving care and the hope of the gospel to some of the most remote places on earth. From delivering vaccines in the Congo to helping launch a school in Papua, Indonesia, MAF’s work reflects our shared commitment to meet both physical and spiritual needs.
Through thousands of flights, MAF reached isolated communities with medical aid, Bibles, and compassionate support—all made possible by dedicated partners like you.
Click below to read the full story and see how your generosity is making an impact across the globe.
beyond measure
Private, Faith-Based Montana Schools Grant Program
We introduce you to worthy charitable organizations that we support. Amicus offers MATCHING GRANTS for charities that advance education, conservation and our mission . Amicus does not accept funds but instead directs you to each recommended charity’s website, beyondmeasure.org. Click Learn more below if your interested in learning more about this grant program.
Africa
Elephant anti-poaching project Zakouma National Park Chad Africa
In April 2021 Amicus Foundation traveled to Zakouma National park in Chad to observe the Elephant anti poaching teams at work. The Foundation funded a portion of the ranger training and supplies.
Independence through grace
Empowering Independence at ITG
In Fall 2024, The Amicus Foundation awarded a grant to Independence Through GRACE to support staff certification in benefits counseling. This specialized training equips team members to better assist individuals with disabilities in navigating public benefits like SSI and SSDI, empowering them to make informed employment decisions. With this support, ITG continues to advance its mission of helping adults with developmental disabilities achieve greater independence and self-sufficiency.
Montana
Changing a Child’s Story Through Advocacy
At The Amicus Foundation, we are committed to protecting the most vulnerable—especially children who have experienced abuse or neglect. That’s why we’re honored to support the Montana CASA/GAL* Association and their vital mission: to ensure every child in Montana’s foster care system has a trained, compassionate advocate by their side.
CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) and GAL (Guardian Ad Litem) volunteers are appointed by judges to represent the best interests of children in court. These consistent adult advocates offer stability, support, and a trusted voice during a child’s most uncertain moments. By partnering with local CASA programs and child protective services across the state, Montana CASA/GAL is changing the trajectory of young lives—one child at a time.
As supporters of this work, we believe every child deserves to be seen, heard, and safe.
Past matching grants
Kern County World War II Veterans Memorial
Africa
Niassa Reserve Mozambique Leopard and Large Predator Population Study
Amicus funded a crucial population study for lepords and large predetors
Africa
ZAKOUMA NATIONAL PARK
With both the courage and persistence of its diverse people, Zakouma National Park, Chad, is an inspiration for what is possible when partnerships are formed with a common vision to protect biodiversity for the sake of people and wildlife.
Click to view Our Recommended Charities
Angel Tree Prison Fellowship
CASA/ Gal Montana
K Love Radio Network
Salvation Army Butte
Standing with Hope
CRU Campus Crusade for Christ
League of Dreams
Devil Pups Marine Corp Leadership Training
Sat-7
Child Bridge
Scouts Of America
Fellowship of Christian Athletes
Samaritans Purse
Surgical Eye Expeditions
Montana Youth Challenge Academy
CASA Court appointed special advocates for children
Haggai International
Madison Valley Medical Center
Warriors Quiet Waters Bozeman
Bakersfield Pregnancy Center
Village South Africa
Charlie Russell Museum
International Christian Ministry
MIssion Aviation Fellowship
