1. Focus: Applying organizations are required to address Basic Needs and Safety that will benefit women and/or girls living in Ravalli County,(but is not exclusive to women and/or girls and can include men and boys.)
    

2. Eligibility: The applying organization must be a 501(c)(3) registered with the state of Montana.
    

3. Geographic focus: The applying organization must provide direct services to residents of Ravalli County.
    

4. Funding Restrictions: ​

   • Political organizations, candidates, lobbyists or programs allied with any political group are not eligible.

   • Schools, either private, public or organizations providing home-schooling, are not eligible.

   • Funds cannot be used for capital campaigns or debt repayment.

   • The applying organization must be functioning and serving the public for at least two years.

   • Funds cannot be used for research purposes. 

   • Religious organizations or organizations affiliated with or operated by a religious institution are not eligible.
      

5. Award Amount:  We will award a grant of $7,500 to the finalist. In addition, the two runner-up finalist applicants will each receive a $2,500 grant. The grant timeline is for one year beginning in November 2026 and ending on December 1st, 2027.
    

6. Due Date: Applications must be submitted online no later than midnight, September 30th. Late or incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
    

7. Finalist Presentation – All applicants must agree to provide a brief presentation to our members at the November 9th gathering if they are chosen as a finalist.
    

8. The Basic Needs and Safety Project/Program: should be a program that benefits women and /or girls, providing a service in one of the following areas that have been identified by the membership of the Bitterroot Women’s Giving Circle. The Program can be a new and innovative program or one that expands or enhances the reach of an existing program. Following are the categories with some examples:

• Food Security:  addresses lack of access to proper nutrition, including food for children.

• Housing and Homelessness:  the need for shelter, homelessness, and affordable/safe housing.

• Basic Dignity and Hygiene:  access to clean and appropriate clothing, bathing access and hygiene supplies.

• Personal and Community Safety:  addresses one of the following or combines several: self-defense, safety at home and in a neighborhood, trafficking, domestic violence and cyber security training. 

• Economic & Family Stability:  addresses one of the following or combines several: family instability, financial literacy and empowerment, emergency assistance, helping women find work.

• Transportation:  the need for transportation.

• Childcare:  the need for childcare

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