May 2025

Dear WFM Friends and Supporters,

I am thrilled to share a significant victory for maternal health in Montana. On May 14, Governor Greg Gianforte signed Senate Bill 319 into law, establishing a certification program for doulas and enabling Medicaid reimbursement for their services. This policy change is a pivotal step toward expanding access to the critical, community-based support doulas have long provided to families across Montana.

This victory reflects the tireless work of community advocates, including Montana Doula Collaborative and our grantee partner, Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies (HMHB). WFM was proud to support HMHB as they advanced this legislation and ensured that the voices of mothers, families, and doulas were heard throughout the legislative process.

Doula care is not new. For generations, doulas have offered culturally grounded, community-rooted support that improves birth outcomes and strengthens families. Their work has long contributed to better maternal health- and this legislation simply acknowledges and supports what many families already know: doulas make a powerful difference.

By integrating doulas into our healthcare system, we are taking a crucial step toward addressing the health disparities rural and Indigenous communities face. Research has shown that doula support can lead to a nearly 50% reduction in preterm births and low birthweight, a 68% reduction in the risk of cesarean, and a 64% decrease in postpartum anxiety and depression.

We extend our deepest gratitude to Amy Stiffarm and Stephanie Morton with HMHB, Niki Zupanic with Zupanic Law, Sen. Cora Neumann, and all the advocates who championed this cause. Their care and dedication show what’s possible when we work together to improve women's lives.

As we celebrate this big step forward, WFM will keep working to support the health and well-being of women and girls across Montana.

Sincerely,

Expanding Access to Capital for Montana Women

Montana Cooperative Development Center (MCDC )has spent the past year incubating the Montana Women’s Finance Co-op in partnership with its founding commissioners. Together, they are building a new model for community-driven investment in women-owned businesses.

The Co-op is being led by founding commissioners Kassi Strong Rocky Mountain Women’s Business Center; Karen Smith, Senior Vice President and Chief Advocacy Officer at Montana’s Credit Unions; and Dr. Jennifer Isern, CEO of Catalyze Global Impact LLC. Together with MCDC, they are building a community-powered loan fund designed to expand access to capital for women entrepreneurs, particularly in rural Montana.

Grounded in relationship-building and long-term impact, the Co-op offers a more equitable, inclusive model for financing women-owned businesses across the state.

Read the full story on our blog. 

Interested in learning more about what it means to join the Montana Women’s Finance Co-op as a member or investor? Join them for a casual, online info session!

What: An opportunity to learn more about the Montana Women’s Finance

Co-op and ask any questions you might have.

When: Wednesday, May 28, 2025, from 2:30-3:30 pm MT

Where: Online via Zoom

Register Now!

WFM Grantees News and Opportunities

Join Betty Hecker and DSVS in Red Lodge in making a mug rug using hand-dyed wool and wonderful thread! There will be kits with everything you need to make the mug rug and a kit to take home if you choose.

Healing Together is a monthly opportunity to create space for survivors of sexual assault and or domestic violence through activity-centered meetups. It is not a support group or meant to replace traditional therapy. It's just a low barrier, FREE time to be surrounded by other survivors.

You do not have to disclose anything about your experiences to participate. Their next event will be held on May 27th. Please RSVP by May 23rd to info@dsvsmontana.org or call the DSVS office at (406) 446-2296.

Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies - May is Maternal Mental Health Month — a time to center the voices of those who’ve lived it and the providers who walk beside them. On the HMHB blog, they're sharing stories of strength, healing, and the power of being seen and heard.

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.

The Women's Resource Center Shelter in Dillion is in regular need of supplies to help individuals, their children, and pets fleeing domestic and sexual violence by maintaining our shelter and ensuring their clients have what they need when leaving an abusive situation. By supporting the Women's Resource Shelter, you are helping to make a life-changing impact!

For more info and to donate via their Amazon wish list.

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.