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Dec 23, 2025

2025: A Year in Review

As we kick off 2026, we’re reflecting on everything that made 2025 such a transformative (and challenging, and busy!) year. We welcomed new leadership, rolled out a refreshed strategy, hit the road to meet partners and share learnings, continued to convene neighbors at Confluence Center, and – amid federal shifts and a very active state legislative session – stayed focused on strengthening what makes Western Montanans healthy and resilient.

Here are some highlights from the year:

We centered building power with families.

Headwaters rolled out our refreshed strategic framework which lifts up building power, leadership and belonging with youth, parents, and caregivers most impacted by health disparities as the path to healthier communities. It comes to life through three key funding initiatives:

  • Family Power Fund – Though this fund, we support nonprofits that develop and engage leaders, drive advocacy for health-focused policies, and amplify stories that reveal health challenges and inspire solutions.
  • GO! Grants – We expanded this popular, quick turnaround mini-grant program, which continues to support nonprofits serving families in rural areas.
  • CSKT Partnership Fund – This fund reflects our deep respect for Tribal sovereignty. By working directly with Tribal leaders, we ensure our support aligns with their priorities and vision for health.

We deployed more funds than ever before.

Across all our funding areas, we distributed $7,116,800 in grants to 142 nonprofits working to build power, belonging, and health with families across the region. From youth civic engagement to after-school advocacy, from blending organizing and health care, to strengthening access to healthy, local food and supporting Urban Indian Organizations – our partners are leading creative, community-rooted work. Check out our grantee spotlights and Past Awards page to meet them.

We stepped up when the moment demanded it.

2025 demanded urgent action, and we showed up alongside partners:

  • Shared research with lawmakers to help debunk myths about public assistance (Medicaid, SNAP) and highlight how vital it is for Montana families.
  • Worked with Montana Nonprofit Association and fellow funders to spotlight and respond to federal funding cuts.
  • Collaborated with peer funders to bring additional resources into the state for groups most impacted, such as contributing to Pride Foundation’s Fortitude Fund and Social Justice Fund Northwest’s Mountain West Fund.
  • Joined 185+ organizations in Standing in Solidarity with Nonprofits to Meet the Moment, a pledge to use our collective power to support nonprofits and advance a healthy, just, and democratic society.
  • We were one of the first funders to sign on to CHANGE Philanthropy’s Level Up Campaign with fellow grantmakers who are leading with action, moving money where it matters most, and sharing their receipts.
  • Surveyed Montanans to understand how families are faring and how they view government support, showing common ground.
  • Deployed $150,000 in emergency funds to help keep Montanans fed during the SNAP lapse.

We hit the road with new leadership.

After welcoming a new CEO and CFOO, we spent spring through summer traveling across Western Montana introducing them, and our refreshed strategy, to communities. Starting with CSKT Tribal Council, and stretching 9 more stops from Dillon to Libby, more than 250 people turned out to hear about our new funding areas, meet our team, and connect with other mission-minded folks. Showing up in person matters. It helps us build trust, deepen relationships, and better understand the day-to-day realities our partners are navigating. Thank you to everyone who joined us!

We worked to shift the philanthropic sector.

Our team stayed active in statewide and national conversations about trust, accountability, and community-driven philanthropy. Staff presented at 8 conferences, from Feedback+ Bozeman to the Unity Summit and MNA’s annual gathering. A standout moment was seeing our CEO join former CEO Brenda Solórzano (now leading The California Endowment) for a panel at the joint Native Americans in Philanthropy and Hispanics in Philanthropy conference. Headwaters also showed up in Vu Le’s new book as an example of a foundation reimagining philanthropy, and in Fund for Shared Insight’s Funder Listening Action Menu. And we continued to publish what we’re learning, including blogs on supporting grantees’ equity efforts and shaping a values-driven approach to AI.

We celebrated three years of Confluence Center!

The building stayed buzzing with ideas, creativity, and connection. In 2025, 153 organizations hosted 637 events at Confluence Center—from workshops and board meetings to our biggest Día de los Muertos celebration yet! Torrents Art continued to bring in powerful monthly shows, focusing on uplifting BIPOC artists. When surveyed, event hosts consistently describe Confluence Center as a beautiful, modern, and highly adaptable space with reliable technology and clear instructions, supported by a seamless booking process and kind, responsive staff that make mission-driven gatherings possible for organizations of all sizes.

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We’re excited for what 2026 holds and grateful to everyone who shared their time, stories, and wisdom with us this year. We’ll keep listening, learning, and working alongside the people and organizations that make Western Montana stronger and healthier.

Plug in and stay connected: