Valley County Masonic Endowment Fund

The Valley County Masonic Endowment, administered through the Montana Community Foundation, originates from a significant philanthropic effort by the Nemont Manor Foundation. With a $1.25 million endowment derived from the sale of Nemont Manor—an affordable housing facility in Glasgow—this fund aims to serve the broader community in Valley County, Montana. The core mission is to support charitable organizations that contribute positively to the area across a broad range of community-enhancing efforts. This initiative reflects a long-term commitment to community development, sustainability, and cultural enrichment in a geographically specific region of Montana. The grants distributed from the Valley County Masonic Endowment focus on projects with direct impacts within Valley County. While the grant-making body accepts applications from eligible entities located outside the county, funded projects must exclusively benefit communities within the county itself. The fund’s guidelines emphasize the importance of aligning projects with local needs, encouraging applicants to propose initiatives that offer tangible improvements to Valley County residents’ quality of life. Eligible projects are expected to align with one or more of the following funding priorities: arts and culture, basic human needs, economic development, education, and natural resources or conservation. These categories highlight the endowment's commitment to fostering a vibrant, self-sustaining, and inclusive community. However, applicants should note several restrictions: grants will not be awarded for annual or capital campaigns, endowments, debt retirement, sectarian or partisan activities, or one-time events such as celebrations that do not contribute to broader community development goals. Grant awards may be up to $5,000 per project. There is no indication of a matching requirement, and no minimum award floor is specified, suggesting a flexible approach tailored to smaller-scale community initiatives. Applications are subject to competitive review by the Valley County Masonic Endowment Advisory Committee, composed of diverse representatives from the Nemont Manor Foundation. The Montana Community Foundation manages communication and disbursement processes but does not guarantee funding or full award amounts for every applicant. The application window for 2026 is March 1–31, with an online-only submission format. All applications must be submitted via the Montana Community Foundation’s website no later than 11:59 p.m. on March 31. There are no stated pre-application steps such as letters of intent or concept papers. Grant award notifications will be provided as soon as possible following the committee’s review. Additionally, grantees are required to submit a project report within one year of receiving funds. No further funding will be awarded to any applicant with outstanding reports. For questions related to the fund or the application process, applicants may contact Taylor Crowl via email at [email protected] or phone at (406) 603-4913. With its annual cycle and clear guidelines, the Valley County Masonic Endowment offers a reliable opportunity for organizations committed to advancing community well-being in Valley County to seek and secure financial support for their initiatives.