October 2025

Dear WFM Friends and Supporters,

This month WFM continued our listening tour, visiting NACDC Financial Service in Browning, Code Girls United in Kalispell, North Valley Food Bank in Whitefish, Plenty Doors CDC in Crow Agency, and Custer Network Against Domestic Abuse (CNADA) in Miles City.

Across Montana, we heard that women and families are under pressure. The recent federal government shutdown and ongoing budget cuts have disrupted programs that families rely on—like nutrition assistance, childcare, and health services. Inflation and rising unemployment make it even harder to make ends meet.

Meanwhile, too many organizations are stepping back from gender-specific work, even as the needs of women and girls grow more urgent.

At the Women’s Foundation of Montana, (WFM), we’re standing strong beside our grantees.

For 25 years, WFM has been one of Montana’s few statewide organizations dedicated to advancing the economic security, leadership, and safety of Montana’s women and girls. We believe that strong women make a strong Montana.

That belief shows up in our grantmaking and partnerships:

• NACDC Financial Services is developing the Indigenous Finance workforce to help increase lending capital for Native Americans and debunking myths about investing in Indian Country.
• North Valley Food Bank is innovating with their Meals for Moms program, providing new moms with the nourishment, rest, and care they need.
• Code Girls United brings the language of code, AI, problem solving power, cybersecurity, and workforce readiness to girls in rural and tribal communities. Listen to the new season of their podcast Code Girls On Air.

These are the women-led solutions we invest in- solutions that strengthen our state.

Your support fuels this work. Together, we can ensure women in Montana have the support they need to shape the future for generations to come.

Sincerely,

Federal Government Shutdown threatens SNAP and WIC

If you can fund your local food bank or provide support to your local shelter, do it. If you can give your time, voice, art, or care—do it. If you can help your neighbors, do it. And if you need help, ask. 

WFM grantees, you can make a direct donation to

• North Valley Food Bank provides food assistance to more than 1200 people weekly through their free client-choice model grocery store in Whitefish and mobile pantries in Columbia Falls, Essex, Olney, and Trego. In addition to the customers served directly, North Valley Food Bank serves as a food hub for NW Montana and runs pantry deliveries to FAST Blackfeet in Browning, the Bigfork Food Bank, and rural pantries in the Yaak, Eureka, Libby, and Troy.
• Yellow Bird Life Ways addresses food sovereignty and food insecurity, serving the Northern Cheyenne People in Southeastern Montana.
• YWCA Helena provides safe and supportive housing for women and children experiencing homelessness.

Food banks are stepping up as millions of Americans prepare to lose government aid provided by SNAP and WIC — but it won’t be enough. Read the article from 19th News.

Join Us for a Webinar on November 17, 2025

November is Native American Heritage Month, and the Women’s Foundation of Montana invites you to join us for a special webinar on Monday, November 17, 2025, at 12:30-1:30 PM via Zoom.

The conversation will feature Amy Stiffarm, PhD, MPH, Director of Native American Initiatives at Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies, along with a panel of Indigenous leaders from across Montana, including Angie Main with NACDC and Lynette Two Bulls with Yellow Bird Life Ways. Together, they’ll discuss the unique leadership approaches and strengths of Indigenous women.

Register Now!

Grantee Highlight:

Domestic and Sexual Violence Services Bring Safety and Hope to Rural Montana

When “Laura” reached out to Domestic and Sexual Violence Services (DSVS), she was scared, isolated, and unsure where to turn. With the help of DSVS advocates, she and her daughter found safety, stability, and the confidence to start over. Today, Laura is working toward her CNA certification and rebuilding her life with hope.

This Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we’re honoring DSVS for more than 25 years of unwavering commitment to survivors across Carbon and Stillwater counties. From operating a 24/7 helpline and providing emergency shelter to teaching middle schoolers about respect and consent, DSVS meets people where they are—offering safety, compassion, and a path forward.

At the Women’s Foundation of Montana, we’re proud to support DSVS and the critical work they do to ensure that every survivor, no matter where they live, has access to care and the chance to thrive.

Learn more about DSVS on our blog and read Laura’s story.

If you or someone you know needs help:

• DSVS 24/7 Helpline (Carbon and Stillwater Counties): (406) 425-2222
• Find a Victim Service Program in your Region through Montana Coalition Against Domestic & Sexual Violence: 1-888-404-7794 or mcadsv.com
• National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or thehotline.org

WFM Grantees News and Opportunities

Elk River Exchange is collecting winter clothing. Message them to schedule a drop off. Donate your gently used clothing and help someone stay warm during the cold winter months. All ages.

Coats, gloves, boots, and snowpants are needed.

Contact them on Facebook or Instagram.

• www.facebook.com/elkriverexchange
• www.instagram.com/elk_river_exchange_

Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies (HMHB) is excited to announce that Mother Love is now the LIFTS Podcast, part of their statewide effort to connect Montana families, providers, and communities with resources and real stories. Emily Freeman, HMHB Storytelling Coordinator, will host and welcome inspiring, courageous, and dedicated families and guests to the show. Season 5 is coming soon. 

Montana Budget and Policy Center has a new blog post. When working with Montana families that need a helping hand getting child care and health care, giving away more than $230 million each biennium moving forward is the wrong path. We need to take a hard look at H.R. 1, and figure out what works best for Montana. Read more here.

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.