Fall Community Investment Program

The Community Investment Program (CIP) is a funding initiative established by Grid United in partnership with the Montana Community Foundation. The program serves the communities of Rosebud, Custer, and Fallon counties in Eastern Montana. These counties are directly affected by the North Plains Connector, a transmission line project spearheaded by Grid United to connect the eastern and western U.S. electric grids across Montana and North Dakota. As a result of this infrastructure development, the fund was created as a form of corporate social investment to support local resilience and to ensure the long-term benefits of the project extend beyond energy connectivity into community wellbeing and sustainability. CIP is designed to bolster quality of life and support community-led solutions to pressing issues in the eligible counties. The program prioritizes projects that address identified community problems, leverage additional support, and demonstrate creativity and responsiveness to emerging local needs. Specific focus areas include projects that enhance economic and community development through innovative approaches. Applications are expected to propose broad-impact initiatives that benefit significant numbers of people in the targeted counties. Eligibility for funding is open to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and government entities including local governments, tribal governments, and school districts. Non-501(c)(3) organizations may still apply but must first consult with program staff to confirm eligibility. While the applicants themselves do not need to be physically located in Rosebud, Custer, or Fallon counties, their proposed projects must clearly benefit those regions. Additionally, individuals and for-profit entities are generally not eligible to apply directly but may do so through a fiscal sponsor that meets eligibility criteria. Each organization is allowed only one application per cycle, although returning applicants may apply for different project phases in subsequent cycles. The grant program operates two application cycles annually, with deadlines for the 2025 cycles falling on May 1 and November 1, respectively. Only one application per organization is permitted during each cycle. Applications must be submitted through the Montana Community Foundation’s online portal. All proposals are reviewed by Community Advisory Committees composed of diverse local leaders and residents from the three counties. These committees assess proposals based on impact, feasibility, community engagement, and alignment with CIP’s priorities. Funding decisions are communicated as soon as possible after committee review. There is no guarantee of funding, and the program reserves the right to adjust award amounts. CIP awards grants of up to $50,000 per project. For projects requiring greater financial support, applicants must contact the program officer directly to discuss potential options. A final project report is required within one year of receiving the funds. No new applications will be considered until any prior grants have been fully reported. This ensures accountability and ongoing engagement with the program’s objectives. The program’s biannual schedule indicates it is a recurring opportunity, with applicants encouraged to check in before each deadline to stay aligned with the latest program developments. Primary contacts for the Community Investment Program include Shyanne Wallace, LCF Program Officer, who can be reached at [email protected] or 406-230-2785. Additional questions can be directed to Taylor Crowl at [email protected] or 406-603-4913. The Montana Community Foundation maintains its headquarters at 33 S. Last Chance Gulch, Suite 2A, Helena, MT 59601, with a mailing address at PO Box 1145, Helena, MT 59624-1145.

Projects with broad impact, creative solutions, and community involvement are prioritized.