top of page

Bitterroot Women’s Giving Circle Organizational Plan

The Bitterroot Women’s Giving Circle is a collective of informed women working together to create lasting change for women and girls in the Bitterroot Valley. This document serves as a guide for our operational principles, membership structure, and financial stewardship.

To positively impact the lives and futures of women and girls in the Bitterroot Valley through collective giving and shared awareness of community needs.

  1. Provide financial awards to non-profit organizations that support our mission in the following areas:
    (1) Basic Needs and Safety
    (2) Health and Wellness
    (3) Family Support
    (4) Education and Economic Opportunity
  2. Share information to increase members' awareness of community needs for volunteers, financial support, in-kind donations requests for specific expertise or resources and spreading the word about upcoming events.
  3. Build personal connections and strengthen community relationships.
  4. Restrictions:  To maintain an inclusive environment, the Giving Circle does not fund or promote political or religious agendas through grants or information sharing.
  1. We welcome all women who support our mission to make a difference thorugh collective giving and shared community information.
  2. Members agree:
  • to make an annual contribution (minimum annual pledge of $120 or a $10 automatic monthly payment.  
  • The membership years begins June 1st.  
  • To vote on the annual focus area, award applications, and administrative/operational decisions, a member must be up-to-date in her payments.
  • To be included on all emails related to shared community news, and Giving Circle updates and business. 
  • To  be included on our members-only shared contact list and to only use it for personal contact and Giving Circle information.  
  • Not to share the members list with others and only use it related to the Giving Circle or for personal contacts.

There will be four all-member official gatherings.  Additional gatherings can be hosted by members for social, educational and informational purposes.  The four gatherings will be the 2nd Monday of the month from 5-7 pm, and will include social time focusing on connection.

  1. June Gathering: Select next year's area of focus.

  2. September Gathering: Educational overview to learn about the current issues and needs of women and girls in the Bitterroot Valley in the selected focus area.
  3. November Gathering: Presentations by the finalists for the grant award(s).
  4. March Gathering:  Review of the year and recommendations going forward.

Members will be notified of any changes in dates at least two weeks in advance.

  1. All registered and up-to-date paid members are eligible to vote.

  2. Voting takes place online to make participation easier and accessible for everyone.

  3. Members are notified when voting opens and have one week to submit their votes.

  4. A decision is made by a simple majority of votes received.

A Steering Committee of 3-5 elected members serve a two-year term.

The committee meets monthly, or as needed, to accomplish the following responsibilities:

  1. Coordinate meetings and communications.

  2. Share information re: applications, voting, and administrative updates with members.

  3. Support  circles (Hostess, Grant Awards, Community News and Education) and other short-term working circles as needed. Circle leaders are invited to all steering committee meetings.

  4. Update and distribute the membership list.

  5. Work with the Missoula Community Foundation to mange our funds.

​

We have established a partnership with the Missoula Community Foundation (MCF) to oversee our funds for a modest 1.25% fee. These resources are strictly dedicated to administrative costs and funding certified 501(c)3 non-profits. While 100% of member donations go directly to our grants, MCF provides essential support by processing donor contributions, providing tax receipts, and issuing grant checks. They also offer our steering committee 24/7 access and quarterly updates. In the event that the Bitterroot Women’s Giving Circle dissolves, any residual funds will remain secured with MCF to be distributed in accordance with our core mission and their governing policies. This ensures professional stewardship and complete financial transparency for all of our members.

01 / Our Mission

02 / Scope of Activities

03 / Membership

04 / Gatherings

05 / Voting

06 / Leadership

07 / Financial Oversight and Management of Resources

bottom of page