December 2022

Dear Friends, 

I am pleased to share with you the Women’s Foundation of Montana’s 2022 annual report. The report highlights what is possible because of your commitment to women and girls in Montana.   

One organization you’ll read about is WFM grantee, Mountain | Plains Regional Native CDFI (Community Development Financial Institution) Coalition. The Coalition shows us what it takes to create an economy that works for women: vision, connection, trust, and action.  

During the pandemic, the Coalition took swift action to assess the economic shocks and to connect Native-owned small businesses to the Paycheck Protection Program. Recently, the Coalition was awarded a significant federal grant that will expand economic opportunity in Native communities in Montana, South Dakota, Wyoming, and North Dakota.  

The women leading the Coalition have vision and expertise. They have a deep connection to their communities and are growing a broad base of support for transformational work. 

The Coalition demonstrates a value WFM holds dear: we make the greatest impact when we act together.  

We know you believe in the power of working together because despite the challenges of the past few years, you have come together – in your families, in organizations, and in communities across Montana – to assess needs, solve problems, build solidarity and advocate for an economy that works for women.  

When you make a donation to WFM, you connect to a powerful community that is acting together to build resources and create an economy that works for women. 

Thank you for your continued support. Please stay safe and healthy this holiday season. 

Sincerely, 

P.S. There is still time to make a year-end gift to support Montana women and girls! Plus, your gift may qualify you for the Montana Endowment Tax Credit. 

P.P.S. On January 5, 2023, I will be joining Montana Community Foundation and Montana Nonprofit Association for the biennial Nonprofit Day at the Capitol. This is a great opportunity for nonprofits to get in front of legislators as they enter the session and establish a relationship for successful advocacy. Please be on the lookout for the first Women’s Foundation of Montana Advocacy Update early next month.  

Native Women Leading the Way in Finance 

In the October Ignite, we shared some exciting news about WFM grantee, Mountain | Plains Regional Native CDFI (Community Development Financial Institution) Coalition receiving a $45 million-dollar grant to support the Indigenous finance sector. During the pandemic, Native American entrepreneurs were faced with several barriers to accessing federal relief funds. The Coalition took swift action to assess the economic shocks and to connect Native-owned small businesses to the Paycheck Protection Program. In the annual report, you will read how, out of this challenge, the Coalition fostered a grassroots movement of Native finance leaders, secured a significant federal grant, and are seeding long-term economic growth for their families and communities. 

Read more in our 2022 WFM Impact Report.

The Power of Endowments 

The Women’s Foundation of Montana (WFM) was established in 1999 with a $500,000 challenge grant from the Chambers Initiative. In January 2005, the $500,000 from the Chambers Family Fund was matched dollar-for-dollar to establish the initial $1 million of the permanent endowment for the Women’s Foundation of Montana.  

Over the past 20 years, WFM has granted nearly $1 million from that endowment that will continue in perpetuity, meaning more funds to support Montana-based organizations serving women and girls forever. 

Read more in our 2022 WFM Impact Report. 

Commitment To Women’s Health –

Funding Reproductive Rights

In 2022, WFM made grants, totaling $20,000, to the Susan Wicklund Fund (SWF) and Planned Parenthood Advocates of Montana (PPAMT) in support of organizations working to preserve abortion access as an essential component of women’s health care. These grants were made possible by a grant from the Trotula Fund, a philanthropic partner that works to advance the rights and well-being of women and girls. 

Read more in our 2022 WFM Impact Report. 

Montana Budget and Policy Center (MBPC): $5,000 

Funds supported the engagement and leadership of women at MBPC’s annual State Tribal Policy Symposium. Participants got an overview of critical policies that support families and children in Indian country, how a bill becomes law, how to track legislative activity, and how to get involved. 

Montana Native Growth Fund: $1,500 

Funds supported the Big Sky Indigenous Women in Fashion and Art Show and Indigenous Entrepreneurs Business Symposium. The events encouraged, educated, and empowered artists to grow their businesses and inspire other designers in their hometown to do the same. 

Montana Women Vote (MWV): $3,500 

Funds supported MWV’s annual Women’s Policy Leadership Institute which provided opportunities for people of all backgrounds, ages, and levels of experience to network, discuss policy issues, and build their skills to make their voices heard on issues important to themselves, their families, and their communities. 

Prospera Women’s Business Center: $1,000 

Funds supported the Prosperity Party which raises money for the Women’s Impact Grant Program, a statewide program that helps female entrepreneurs take the business to the next level. 

Thrive: $3,000 

Funds supported the Girls for a Change Program which provides educational opportunities to promote community involvement and connection, leadership skill development, future college/career readiness, and fosters resiliency in the face of challenge. 

Red Ants Pants Foundation: $1,000 

Funds supported the Red Ants Pants Music Festival which raises money for Red Ants Pants Foundation’s Girls Leadership Program, Timberskills Workshops, and Community Grant Program. 

Susan Wicklund Fund: $10,000 

Susan Wicklund Fund is a nonprofit organization and affiliate of the National Network of Abortion Funds working to ensure that no one is denied abortion care due to their inability to pay. The SWF works to remove financial barriers to abortion care and to provide financial support to those who need assistance accessing abortion care. SWF helps pay the cost of abortion care and supports needs related to travel, childcare, meals, and lodging. 

Planned Parenthood Advocates of Montana: $10,000 

Planned Parenthood Advocates of Montana is the nonpartisan advocacy and political branch of Planned Parenthood in Montana. They offer a wide range of education and advocacy efforts in support of access to sexual and reproductive care health care and education, along with LGBTQIA2+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bi-Sexual, Trans, Queer and/or Question, Intersex, Asexual, Two-Spirit, the countless affirmative ways in which people choose to identify) rights immigrant rights, and other intersectional issues which impact the mission and patients of Planned Parenthood in Montana. 

The Mountain | Plains Regional Native CDFI Coalition: $125,000 over 5 years 

Native CDFIs promote a relationship-based, holistic approach to business and economic development. The Mountain | Plains Regional Native CDFI Coalition, formed in March 2020, comprises nine Native-led CDFIs supporting Native households and businesses in North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming, and Montana. Seven of nine Coalition members are led by Native women. 

Does this time of year have you thinking about the causes you care about and how to support them? Give in a way that helps you meet your charitable and financial goals.  

Here is a list of giving options to consider:  

• Donor Advised Funds - You can establish a Donor Advised Fund at MCF with a single gift that allows you to give to the causes you care about most. You will have the opportunity to name your fund and endow your fund to ensure it will honor your legacy. 
• Gifts of cash, real estate, or appreciated stocks 
• Charitable Trusts 
• Charitable Gift Annuities 
• Qualified Charitable Distributions from retirement accounts 
• Beneficiary designations for life insurance policies, IRA accounts, and bank and brokerage accounts. 

The Gift and Estate Planning team at the Montana Community Foundation, of which WFM is a component fund, is available to answer any questions and to work with you, your family, and your financial and legal advisors as you consider the best ways to structure your charitable giving. Please call (406) 443-8313 or email info@mtcf.org to learn more.