Nonprofit Grant Application Process
The grant focus for each year is chosen by the Circle membership. This allows the membership to stay current with community needs and respond to emergent situations. Once the grant cycle is opened, applications are received and reviewed by the Steering Committee. The top three candidates are invited to give presentations on their grant requests. The membership then votes on the winning application. In the event that there is a tie between the top two candidates, a second round of electronic voting will allow members to rank the top two. Our grantmaking is guided by these values: Community, Opportunity, and Equity.
Selection
To be eligible to receive a grant from the Women’s Giving Circle, organizations must:
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- Have a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status. Fiscally sponsored organizations are welcome to apply.
- Maintain a primary office within Missoula County. Preference will be given to organizations that provide a majority of services to people within Missoula County.
- Have in place or adopt an inclusive non-discrimination policy. Sample policies are available upon request.
- Not have received funding from the WGC in the previous grant cycle.
- Not use WGC funds for events or scholarships.
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Preference will be given to projects, programs, or organizations that address needs in the community that are not being addressed by others.
Timeline
Grant Application Period: July 15- Aug 30
Finalists Announced: Early October
Finalist Presentations: Mid October
Membership Voting: Mid October through Early November
Grant Recipient Announcement: November 12
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2023
Focus Area: Women’s Issues
$10,000 Grant – Blue Mountain Clinic
$1,000 Grant – International Rescue Committee
$1,000 Grant – YWCA of Missoula
2022
Focus Area: Indigenous Issues
$10,000 Grant – Indigenous Made Missoula
$1,000 Grant – Seedlings For Solidarity
$1,000 Grant – All Nations Health Center
View PDF of grant report given by Indigenous Made Missoula at our 2023 Summer Social here
2021
$10,000 Grant
Focus Area: Housing and/or Homelessness
Recipient: Mountain Home Montana
To view their presentation, click here.
2020
$5,000 Grant
Focus Area: Racial and/or Social Justice
Recipient: EmpowerMT
To view their presentation, click here.
2019
$10,000 Grant
Focus Area: Environment
Recipient: Build-a-Bike Program at Free Cycles
To view their presentation, click here.
2018
$10,000 Grant
Focus Area: Women OR Children
Recipient: LEVL Program at Missoula Food Bank & Community Center
To view their presentation, click here.