August 26 marks Women’s Equality Day, a day to honor the achievements of women and acknowledge the unique daily struggles they face. The Women’s Foundation of Montana recognized the day by announcing a record-breaking $741,000 to 42 nonprofits in Montana, bringing their total giving to more than $2 million. 

“Investing in women and girls is one of the smartest choices we can make. With the right resources, women leaders drive lasting change—from better wages to safer communities. These improvements not only benefit women but also uplift everyone in Montana,” said Kylie Gursky, Director of the Women’s Foundation of Montana. “This is our biggest granting year ever, and it couldn’t come at a more critical time.”

This year’s grantees are located in Baker, Missoula, Livingston, Fort Belknap, Bozeman, Red Lodge, Lewistown, Kalispell, Miles City, Helena, Crow Agency, Browning, Whitefish, Billings, Lame Deer, White Sulfur Springs, Glasgow, and Dillon. The work of grantees improves maternal health, creates better jobs for childcare workers, supports survivors, builds safer communities, protects reproductive rights and access to care, and strengthens leadership opportunities for women and girls across Montana. Previously, grant amounts ranged from $1,000 to $10,000. Thanks to the generosity of funders, this year’s grants ranged from $10,000 to $50,000. 

Of the grant total, $177,200 was allocated to Indigenous-led organizations that cultivate and support Native birth work in tribal communities, address maternal and infant health inequities, empower Native leaders, advance the future of the Native Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) sector, assist start-up nonprofits, and support healing spaces for MMIWG2S survivor families. 

“Over the past few years, we’ve been building relationships with Indian Country and boosting our giving to Indigenous-led groups. This year, we are proud to have substantially increased our giving to some incredible organizations,” said Gursky.

"As director and as someone with lived experience, I see firsthand how this work changes lives. WFM's support helps us keep organizing, advocating, and creating space for healing in the face of the MMIWG2S and Relatives crisis,” said Yolanda Fraser, Pretty Eagle Woman Resources Center Director located in Lame Deer. “We’re building leadership, uplifting family voices, and helping our communities reclaim power. It’s not only about advocating for justice and healing now, but making sure the next generation grows up knowing they can lead too.” 

“Today we celebrate what’s possible when we organize, speak out, and demand better. The work of building a more just and equitable Montana continues, and women are leading the way,” said Gursky. 

“The Women's Foundation of Montana has quickly become one of our most significant allies, and we are extremely appreciative of their ongoing support and enthusiasm for partnering with us to help improve the childcare industry,” said Jennifer Pfau, Director with Central Montana Childcare Alliance. 

2025 WFM Grantees