Non-Profit
Mary Kay Ash Foundation Awards Over $1 Million in Grants to 51 Domestic Violence Shelters Across the US Providing Critical Programs and Services
In support of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Mary Kay Ash Foundation ® announced it is awarding over $1 million in grants to 51 domestic violence shelters across the country. ASPEN has received a $20,000 unrestricted grant to support local survivors of domestic violence in Park, Sweet Grass and Meagher Counties in Montana. This year’s grant contribution brings the Foundation’s total investment in its shelter grant program to over $57 million.
The Mary Kay Ash Foundation was established in 1996 with the overarching purpose of supporting issues impacting women. In 2000, the Foundation expanded to include ending domestic violence as part of its mission. The Foundation is committed to funding the life-saving work of women’s shelters, and the annual shelter grant program has helped finance critical needs including emergency shelter, transitional housing, counseling and legal aid. All these resources support women and children as they seek refuge and relief on their journey to an abuse-free life.
This year, more than 300 organizations applied for the Mary Kay Ash Foundation shelter grants. “The Mary Kay Ash Foundation is honored to support domestic violence shelters and their staff on the frontlines to ensure women across the country have access to critical, life-saving resources,” said Michael Lunceford, President, Mary Kay Ash Foundation Board of Directors. “By providing unrestricted grants, they can address their communities’ most pressing needs, which range from physical shelter and trauma counseling to legal aid and on-site pet kennels. When a woman makes the difficult decision to leave, these organizations help ensure she has access to everything she needs to never look back.”
According to the National Network to End Domestic Violence, more than 72,000 adult and child victims receive domestic violence services across the United States in just one day. Unfortunately, in the same period, more than 11,000 requests for services are unmet due to a lack of resources. Calls for services in Montana are increasing at this time, and indicators of severe harm and lethality, such as strangulation, are higher.
ASPEN serves three counties and every person who contacts them. ASPEN provides free, confidential direct services such as a 24-hour support line, emergency shelter, crisis counseling, legal advocacy, information and referrals, safety planning, emergency 911 phones, assistance with orders of protection and forensic medical exam support.
"The Mary Kay Foundation grant supports ASPEN's Safe House program and will ensure that our clients have a comfortable, safe and secure place to seek immediate shelter. These funds are more important than ever since ASPEN cannot rely on federal funds to support our work. All of us at ASPEN are humbled to be the one program in the state receiving the Mary Kay grant and we know how many worthy programs most likely applied. We are deeply grateful,” said Heidi Barrett, ASPEN Executive Director.
Andrea Danielson, Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant who has been with Mary Kay for 19 years, wrote to recommend ASPEN for the Mary Kay Ash Foundation grant and is proud of their work in the community. Applications for the 2027 shelter grant program will be available in January 2027. Please visit marykayahfoundation.org for more information, and to view the complete list of this year’s shelter grant recipients.
About the Mary Kay Ash Foundation ®
Guided by Mary Kay Ash’s dream to enrich the lives of women everywhere, the Mary Kay As Foundation® raises and distributes funds to end domestic violence and invest in breakthrough cancer research to find cures for women-related cancers. Since 1996, the Mary Kay Ash Foundation has contributed more than $98 million to organizations aligned with its two-fold mission. In addition, the Foundation supports awareness initiatives, community outreach programs, and advocates for legislation to ensure women are healthy and safe. Together, we can make the world better for women. To learn more about how to educate, advocate, volunteer, donate, and join life-saving work to support and empower women, visit marykayashfoundation.org, or find us on Facebook and Instagram.
ASPEN's mission is to provide support services to victims/survivors of domestic and sexual violence and human trafficking and empower them to create safe and healthy lives for themselves and their families. ASPEN is also committed to breaking the cycle of violence by providing educational and awareness activities in the community. ASPEN serves Park, Sweet Grass and Meagher counties in southwest Montana and anyone who needs support regardless of geographic location.