IMPACT
Bitterroot Women's Giving Circle
Who We Are
We are an awesome group of more than 60 women with diverse ages, interests and backgrounds. We enjoy connecting with old friends and meeting new, interesting women who share:
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our mission: to make a positive impact on the lives of women and girls in our valley and
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our vision:Â to do this through collective giving, sharing community information and connection.
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What We Do
We have three major functions:
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Collective Giving:Â Our dues are used to provide a grant awarded through a selection process to nonprofits for proposals that meet our mission.Â
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Community Information Sharing:Â Â We provide ongoing updates of needs and events that support our community..
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Connection:  We provide opportunities for women to connect with other women committed to making a difference in the lives of women and girls.
Why a giving circle?
When we pool our resources, we create greater impact than we could alone. Plus, when we share community information, we can choose to individually donate our money, time or items and support events and fundraisers that increase our impact.
When do we meet?
We only have four official gatherings a year:
5-7pm, the 2nd Monday of the month in:
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June (we chose a focus area for our collective giving)
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September (panel:Â issues & needs in the Bitterroot in our chosen focus area)
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November (presentations by grant finalists)
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March (review of the year)
No winter or summer gatherings. Members can initiate and organize additional social or educational gatherings.
What are our focus areas?
All of our grant awards will address women and/or girls' issues and needs in one of these areas each year:
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Basic needs and safety
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Health and wellness
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Family support (childcare, eldercare, caregivers)
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Education & economic empowerment
Six Reasons to Join
1. No Fundraising
No soliciting funds or donations.
Our collective dues determine theÂ
amount we give.
2. Flexible
You determine your annual membership fee. Everyone has the same voice and vote.
3. No Pressure
Life is busy. No attendance requirements.
Only four official gatherings a year.
Educational gathering will be recorded and available for those who could not attend.
Voting is online.
4. Be Informed
Regular updates keep you informed of community needs for donations, volunteers and fundraisers so you can respond individually and help spread the word when appropriate.
5. Local IMPACT
We are a stand-alone organization.
All membership fees are given to local non-profits providing service to women and girls in Ravalli County.
6. Simple Structure
 Missoula Community Foundation is managing our funds.  We are guided by a steering committee which is joined by the leads of four circles: hostess, education, awards and community info.
