A large number of today’s leaders within the yoga, health and wellness communities have come through our doors at one time or another, with many getting their start right here at the Ranch through our scholarship fund.
Explore our current Feathered Pipe Health, Wellness and Yoga Retreat schedule here.
The objective of the fund is to assist those who have the intention and heart but may not have the financial ability, through educational scholarships to afford participation in one of our health, wellness and self-empowerment programs. We believe the best way to create the sustainable and cooperative communities we dream of starts with the individual. The scholarship fund goes right to the heart of our philosophy and mission.
Donate to the Feathered Pipe Foundation and help tomorrow’s leaders benefit from the immeasurable value of a Feathered Pipe health, wellness and self-empowerment program.
Interested in applying for a Feathered Pipe Scholarship?
The second round of the scholarship application period is open from April 16 – 30! Notification to awardees will happen by May 2. Registration with $500 deposit is due by May 16 in order to claim the scholarship.
Scholarships ranging from $500-$750 will be available for the following programs:
— Yoga for the Seasons and Senses: A Yoga and Ayurveda Summer Retreat – Baxter Bell & Melina Meza, Jul 5, 2025 – Jul 12, 2025
— From the Skin to the Soul: An Iyengar Yoga Journey – Patricia Walden & John Schumacher, Jul 20, 2025 – Jul 26, 2025
— Sacred Summer Pause: Expanding Our Capacity For Calm, Connection, Compassion, And Joy – Jillian Pransky, Aug 16, 2025 – Aug 23, 2025
For those interested in attending a Feathered Pipe hosted retreat program* and having real financial need in making that happen, please apply by clicking the “APPLICATION FORM” button below.
*Rental programs self-administrated by the program teacher/presenter are not eligible for scholarship funds.
Here is some info to get you prepared:
Scholarships do not cover the full cost of attending a Feathered Pipe hosted retreat program. Scholarships, which range from $500 to $750, are deducted from retreat tuition*. Check the website for details about a particular retreat’s tuition.
Bear in mind that tuition does not include travel expenses. We strongly recommend looking into your travel costs to the Feathered Pipe Ranch in Helena, MT before you apply, so you have a more complete picture of your total out-of-pocket expenses.
For example, if you apply for a retreat with a tuition and tax of $2520, a scholarship award of $500 will reduce your cost to $2020 (before travel expenses).
If you’re offered a scholarship, you will need to register for the retreat and pay a non-refundable $500 deposit. Any remaining balance is due eight weeks before the retreat starts with awarded scholarship applied to remaining balance due.
*Scholarships apply to a Feathered Pipe hosted retreat programs only, and may not be applied retroactively to existing registrations.
Testimonials from Past Scholarship Beneficiaries
“I’ve long wished that I could attend a Feathered Pipe retreat and, in the midst of major life changes, decided to take a chance and apply for a scholarship. When awarded, I felt like I had won the most amazing gift! The scholarship enabled me to be able to afford a yoga experience I was yearning for and so deeply needed in an environment that nurtured and soothed my soul.
I didn’t realize just how much I needed that nervous system reset until I was on the ground in Montana and, then, in community with my incredible group at the Feathered Pipe. The care with which I was provided, the delicious meals, the kindness and palpable love on that sacred ground…it was, in a word, unforgettable.
What a gift it is to be the recipient of generosity and to feel so welcome – and wanted – when you’re living through some of the most challenging times of your life. I felt – and still feel – lucky and utterly blessed to have been given this amazing gift and to now be a member of a special group of Feathered Pipe alum; to know the magic that is the Feathered Pipe through my personal lived experience. I am grateful.”
~ Aimee LaLonde
“I used to read about the retreats on the Feathered Pipe Website, and dream of attending one. It felt like a far off dream because of financial barriers. It never even occurred to me to apply for a scholarship because I automatically thought I was not worthy. Out of the blue one of my yoga students asked me if I’d ever heard of Feathered Pipe Ranch, and she proceeded to tell me that she thought I should apply for a scholarship. She has been to the ranch many times, and she wanted me to experience it too. I took it as a sign that I should apply. The application process was simple, and a month later I got word that I was awarded a scholarship. I had the deepest sense of gratitude, and that this was some divine plan that was meant to be.
I got to attend Judith Hanson Lasater and Lizzie Lasater’s Summer Camp. I experienced so much in one week! At Feathered Pipe Ranch all of the typical responsibilities of regular life are removed, and that gave me so much space to look inward, and reflect on many things. It was a transformational time for me. I journaled as much as possible on what I was learning about yoga, and about myself. I didn’t want to forget a thing! Many of the things I learned I have now been able to pass on to my yoga students. Judith said that yoga teachers are like a buckets that hold water, and we must pour the water into our students’ buckets to keep passing on the knowledge. I am forever grateful that my bucket was filled to overflowing during my week at Feathered Pipe Ranch.”
~ Nadine Corda
“I was the fortunate recipient of a scholarship to attend a retreat at Feathered Pipe in 2024. There is no way that I could have come without the financial support. I was so excited, I had dreamed of coming to Feathered Pipe for a long time, and it was a dream come true to be chosen for the scholarship. When I applied I really did not think I had much chance, I was beyond thrilled when I was informed I was receiving the help!
From the very moment I set foot on the property I knew it was special. Of course the staff are down-to-earth and welcoming, and the facility itself is wonderful, and the land……oh, the land. I can say it is one of my favorite places on earth. There is such a sacred feel there, you can just tell that so many lives have been touched with life-changing experiences. I am certainly one of those lucky ones that experienced a profound change while being there. I woke up my first morning and took my journal and coffee out to the pond, and all these pent up emotions flew out of me and onto the paper. I can’t believe how deeply I dug after only being there a few hours. There is something about that place that invites you to allow yourself to be vulnerable, knowing that you are in a safe space where there is no judgment, only compassion. And it just got better from there.
I attended the sessions with Melina Meza and Baxter Bell. I am a yoga teacher myself, and I had found myself in a bit of a rut, questioning my capabilities and feeling uninspired. Practicing with them and immersing myself into the pure joy of yoga brought me back to why I was a yoga teacher. I found a new appreciation for myself as an instructor and was excited to go home and share my joy with my students.
My dream is to someday return to Feathered Pipe as a presenter. I would love to share what I do in the place that is so dear to my heart. Until then, I will save my pennies and hopefully return as a participant again! I will forever be grateful for the chance to come to Feathered Pipe, it was just what I needed!”
~ Vickie Morse
“Last year I was not planning on returning to FPR. Life had become more hectic with caring for my ninety-three year old Mother and trying to maintain some sense of self-identity in the midst of all the other family and work demands.
Then, Lanita Varshell, a longtime friend and fellow Yoga teacher reached out to me, suggesting that I apply for a scholarship. I was surprised that my reaction was positive and actually up-lifting. I’d never thought about “asking for help”. Big light bulb moment!
I applied and received a scholarship, a gift, that gave me time to spend a week at FPR. At the age of seventy-two, nestled in the Lake Tipi, I was reclaiming a sense of adventure and self-identity. The nurturing environment and community fed my body and soul allowing me to returned home with a renewed sense of purpose, energy, and clarity.
My take-away would be to encourage anyone who’s experiencing burnout to “look for the helpers”. Be it neighbors, family, friends, communities like Feathered Pipe Ranch who offer scholarships for various programs. Don’t be too proud or shy to ask for help. Like Ram Das said, “We are all here to walk each other home”.”
~ anonymous
We invite you to support our efforts to usher in a new season of humanity through a financial donation.
Feel free to call us at (406) 442-8196 if you’d like to learn more about the specifics of our projects and how you can be a part of our seva yoga. As well if you desire that your tax-deductible donation go to support specific projects, please contact Executive Director, Crystal Water, at crystal@featheredpipe.com.
You can also help the Feathered Pipe by designating Feathered Pipe Foundation when you purchase items at over 3,000 online stores through Giving Assistant. We also maintain a WishList on Amazon for those who like to help the Feathered Pipe by purchasing supplies we need for the Ranch.