July 2025

Dear WFM Friends and Supporters,

Community-based nonprofits are at the heart of meaningful change in Montana —but they’re under increasing strain. Rising costs, uncertain funding, and increasing demand for services are stretching resources across the sector.

In addition to economic challenges, organizations serving women and girls face political challenges: rollbacks of federal gender equity initiatives, hostile state legislation, and a growing climate of fear and self-censorship.

Still, they continue doing essential work—providing critical health services, supporting survivors, protecting reproductive rights, and strengthening economic security for women and families.

It is truly the Women's Foundation of Montana's (WFM) honor to support this bold and essential work. But we can’t do it alone.

That’s why we’re sharing the July Infinity letter from the Montana Community Foundation President & CEO, Mary Rutherford. Her message, rooted in data from the Montana Nonprofit Association, underscores why this moment matters- and why community-based nonprofits need our support more than ever. It matters deeply to our grantees, to Montana women and families, and to the future we’re building together.

Now is the time to step up. Click here to learn more about WFM's 2024 grantees or connect with organizations in your own community that are serving women and girls. They need us—all of us—to stand with them right now.

Sincerely,

P.S. Coming soon: Our 2025 grantees! It’s the biggest grantmaking year in WFM’s history—and we can’t wait to share who’s helping lead the charge for change in Montana.

Mary's Letter from the July Infinity

The results of the 2025 Economic Conditions Report, prepared by the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis in partnership with the Montana Nonprofit Association, confirm what many nonprofit leaders across our state already know firsthand: the sector is facing significant financial and operational pressure.

Of the 119 organizations surveyed this past spring, 78% reported flat or declining revenue, and 86% expect that trend to continue in the next quarter. Nearly half are operating with less than six months of reserves. Federal funding, which is critical for many, is decreasing or expected to decline. And individual giving continues to weaken, 62% of nonprofits reported flat or decreased donations, with 70% anticipating the same moving forward.

You can read Mary's full letter here.

Innovative Care for New Moms in Northwest Montana

At the Women’s Foundation of Montana, we know that when systems fall short, local solutions often step in to fill the gap. That’s exactly what’s happening at North Valley Food Bank through their Meals for Moms program.

With support from a $15,000 WFM grant, NVFB is delivering ready-to-eat, nutrient-rich meals to new mothers in Flathead and Lincoln Counties—meeting immediate needs while also building long-term food security through cooking classes and community connection.

As rising costs and proposed cuts to Medicaid and SNAP threaten the well-being of families, programs like Meals for Moms offer a lifeline. They’re proof that when we invest in women and families, entire communities thrive. 

You can read the full blog post on our website.

WFM Grantees News and Opportunities

Code Girls United has many summer camp options this summer! Visit their website for details on locations and times! In Kalispell, they’ve partnered up with 'Girls on the Run' also they have their Cyber Security camp options around the state as well.

Custer Network Against Domestic Abuse & Sexual Assault (CNADA) presents: Unmasking Domestic Violence – A Masquerade Ball. CNADA's annual masquerade ball is back! Join them on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at 5 PM for dancing, drinks, food, and dazzle.

Red Ants Pants Foundation is looking for passionate women mentors to join their Girls Leadership Program — an inspiring, hands-on experience designed to uplift young women as they explore their leadership identity and strengthen their voice.

Retreat-style sessions that are interactive, empowering, and deeply impactful are the heart of this program.

You don’t need to have all the answers — just listen, support, and grow alongside these young leaders. Apply to be a mentor today and help shape the leaders of tomorrow.

Mountain Home Montana is moving and they need help. Your gift helps them safely move young moms and their children into a new, supportive space to call home.

• Cribs, baby gear & personal belongings — everything their families need for comfort and stability
• Moving trucks & transportation — safe travel for moms, kiddos, and essential supplies
• Set-up & utilities — deposits, furniture assembly, and getting the space move-in ready

You can donate now to support Mountain Home Montana and their move.

Be sure to click on the Capital Campaign for Hillside Expansion to have your gift support moving costs directly. Thank you for helping families land safely.

WFM is a powerful force for philanthropy in Montana because of your support. WFM grantees lead the way in creating strong communities that work for women and girls.

Learn more about WFM grantees here and see our 2024 funding summary.