In the Community
Ignite Newsletter - November 2025
November 24, 2025
November 2025
Dear WFM Friends and Supporters,
As we enter this season of gratitude, we’re reflecting on what keeps us strong in uncertain times—the commitment of supporters like you.
Across Montana and across the country, we’re witnessing renewed challenges to gender equity. At the same time, families here at home are feeling the strain of rising costs, shrinking resources, and policies that threaten the progress we’ve fought to achieve. The Women’s Foundation of Montana remains a steady voice for women and girls—advocating for economic security, advancing leadership, and investing in a future where all Montanans can thrive.
Now, your gift can have twice the impact.
An anonymous donor has pledged to match all new and increased gifts through December 31—up to a combined total of $25,000. Whether you make a gift through your Donor Advised Fund or as a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) from your IRA, your support will fuel:
- Research, grantmaking, and policy solutions that strengthen economic security for Montana women and families
- Leadership development that prepares the next generation of women change-makers
- Programs that bring communities together to create lasting, systemic change
If you’re age 70½ or older, you can make a Qualified Charitable Distribution—a direct transfer from your IRA to the Women’s Foundation of Montana—that may reduce your taxable income. It’s a simple, tax-efficient way to make a difference.
There has never been a more important moment to sustain this work. Your investment ensures that when women and families face barriers, WFM is there—with advocacy and action.
Please consider recommending a grant from your Donor Advised Fund or making a Qualified Charitable Distribution today. Together, we can make Montana a place where equity isn’t just an aspiration, but a lived reality.
With Gratitude,
P.S. If you have questions or would like assistance with recommending a grant from your Donor Advised Fund or making a Qualified Charitable Distribution, our Philanthropy team is here to help. You can reach them at giving@mtcf.org and we’ll gladly guide you through the process.
WFM December Webinar
Supporting Montana Families:
Understanding & Responding to Domestic Violence
During the Holidays
Tuesday, December 9, 2025
12:30-1:30 PM
Event Summary
While the holidays are often portrayed as a time of joy, for many families, they can bring increased stress, isolation, financial strain, and substance use — all of which can contribute to spikes in intimate partner violence. Join us for a powerful conversation on how we can support survivors, strengthen local programs, and make our communities safer. Hear directly from leaders working on the frontlines and learn simple, meaningful ways you can help women and families in your own community. Together, we can ensure every woman has access to safety, support, and hope.
What the Discussion Will Cover
- Understanding the problem and engaging in solutions
- Highlighting local resources
- Understanding the broader policy landscape needed to sustain programs
- Overview of the state’s emerging funding needs
- Preview of policy priorities for the 2027 legislative session
- Actionable steps attendees can take to stay informed and involved
Moderator: Kelsen Young - Executive Director for Montana Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence (MCADSV)
Speakers:
- Beth Brenneman – MCADSV Contract Lobbyist
- Jenn Battles – Co-Executive Director for DSVS in Red Lodge
- Brandi Clark – Executive Director for SAFE Harbor in Ronan/Polson
Indigenous Women Leading the Way: Strength, Sovereignty & Community
Thank you to everyone who joined us for our recent Women’s Foundation of Montana webinar spotlighting Indigenous women leaders across our state. If you weren’t able to attend, we’re excited to share the full recording so you can experience this powerful conversation.
Moderator Amy Stiffarm (Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies, the Montana Coalition) led an inspiring discussion with panelists Angie Main (NACDC Financial Services) and Lynette Two Bulls (Yellow Bird Life Ways Center). Together, they explored culture, healing, economic opportunity, and the strength of Indigenous-led solutions in Montana communities.
We invite you to learn more about—and support—the Indigenous-led organizations featured in the webinar. Despite their impact, less than 1% of U.S. philanthropic funding goes to Indigenous causes and nonprofits. Your engagement and generosity help change this reality.
Explore and support WFM’s Indigenous-led grantees:
Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies, the Montana Coalition
(Designate gift for: Native American Initiatives)
Thank you for being part of this important work and for helping elevate the voices and leadership of Indigenous women in Montana. If you have ideas or suggestions for future webinar topics, we’d love to hear from you.
WFM Grantees News and Opportunities
Baker Child Care Project is officially licensed and accepting enrollment applications!
To access the Baker Childcare and Early Learning Center enrollment application, please use this link. Use the tabs on the left of the screen to move between pages of the documents. If you do not have a Brightwheel account yet, you will need to sign up.
To apply for or get more information on Best Beginnings Scholarships, please follow this link.
Code Girls on Air – Join Emma and Elaine Westbrook, assistant professor at MSU- Billings, for Episode 5 as she and Emma discuss science and technology education!
Give a listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you stream your podcasts.
Custer Network Against Domestic Abuse & Sexual Assault is Seeking Gently-Used Christmas Trees & Decorations
This holiday season, they’re hoping to help a couple of families who are starting over and would love to make their homes feel warm, festive, and full of hope. They are looking for any fake Christmas trees, ornaments, lights, or decorations that you may no longer need.
If you have items to donate, please message Custer Network Against Domestic Abuse & Sexual Assault or drop them off at the CNADA office. Thank you for helping them spread a little holiday magic.
Want to learn how you can support survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault? Join Domestic and Sexual Violence Services free upcoming Volunteer Advocate Trainings!
The *Basics Training will be held on January 6th, 8th, 13th, and 15th from 5:30 pm-8:30 pm, and the Helpline Training will be held on January 20th, 22nd, 27th, and 29th from 5:30 pm-8:30 pm. The location is yet to be decided.
Learn about how abuse is connected to power and control, gain skills in how to respond when someone shares that they are experiencing violence, and understand how agencies and local groups work together to respond effectively to violence. If you are interested in attending, please contact ljohnson@dsvsmontana.org, call their office at 406-446-2296, or use this link https://forms.office.com/r/rwjP1qmcWv to register.
EmpowerMT’s 2025-2026 afterschool club registration is now open!
After-school Fall programming for middle and high school youth runs September 15th through December 1st.
Interested youth can register at www.EmpowerMT.org/youth-form. Any questions, email jess@empowermt.org.
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.
