Mental Health Access Fund for Indigenous Communities in Montana

The Montana Mental Health Access Fund for Indigenous Communities was established by the Montana Community Foundation to increase access to mental health services across the state, with a particular emphasis on tribal communities and Indigenous individuals. The fund seeks to support innovative, culturally responsive, and sustainable mental health solutions—especially in areas where services are historically limited or difficult to access due to geography or resource constraints. Montana consistently ranks among the states with the highest suicide rates, a problem exacerbated by a lack of mental health infrastructure, particularly within tribal communities. The Fund supports initiatives that improve access through evidence-based programming, reduce economic and geographic barriers, and provide services at no cost to patients. Projects utilizing telehealth, integrating licensed providers, and forming new, substantive partnerships are especially encouraged. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, schools, hospitals, mental health centers, government agencies, and health clinics. For-profit organizations may also apply if their proposed project provides substantial community benefit and does not duplicate services already reimbursable by Medicaid, Medicare, or private insurance. Applicants must either serve one of Montana’s seven reservations—Flathead, Blackfeet, Rocky Boy’s, Fort Belknap, Fort Peck, Northern Cheyenne, Little Shell Chippewa—or urban Indian populations. Applications open on September 1, 2025, and close on October 15, 2025. Grants typically range from $5,000 to $10,000 depending on project scope and merit. Funding may be provided for program support or operating costs, but not for policy advocacy, regranting, debt reduction, or fundraising events. All awarded projects must be evidence-based, demonstrate measurable outcomes, and fill service gaps not addressed by existing programs. Additionally, grant-funded services must be offered free of charge to recipients. Final reports are due within 12 months of receiving funds. An external review committee of mental health experts will evaluate proposals, and successful applicants will be notified after the review period. For questions or support with the application process, especially accessibility concerns related to the online portal, applicants should contact Elisa Fiaschetti, Program Director, at elisa@mtcf.org.