Community Assistance Fund

The Community Assistance Fund is administered by Missoula County under the authority of the Missoula Board of County Commissioners. The program is designed to support human services and establish a safety net for residents facing significant barriers to meeting basic needs. Through this fund, the county prioritizes projects that address essential services such as food, shelter, medical care, and emergency transportation for at-risk populations within Missoula County. These populations include individuals experiencing economic hardship, housing instability, chronic health conditions, disabilities, or other circumstances that limit access to necessary support systems. The purpose of the Community Assistance Fund is to ensure that vulnerable residents have access to a continuum of services that support their well-being and stability. Funded projects are expected to deliver direct assistance or services that respond to immediate and fundamental needs. The program emphasizes community-based solutions that improve access to basic necessities and enhance quality of life for populations that are underserved or disproportionately affected by hardship. The county seeks to fund projects that demonstrate a clear understanding of local needs and provide measurable outcomes aligned with the program’s objectives. Funding for the program is determined annually through the county’s budget process, and the total amount available for distribution is not guaranteed. While previous funding cycles have awarded substantial support across multiple projects, the exact funding levels for each cycle depend on decisions made by the Board of County Commissioners. Funds are distributed on a reimbursement basis, requiring recipients to submit quarterly financial and progress reports documenting eligible expenditures and program activities. No matching funds are required, which allows organizations to focus resources on service delivery rather than cost-sharing obligations. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status that provide health and human services, as well as governmental agencies serving Missoula County residents. Applicants must demonstrate the capacity to deliver services that align with the program’s focus on basic needs assistance. Projects must serve at-risk populations within Missoula County and may include initiatives that provide direct services, outreach, or coordinated support systems. The program does not permit expenditures prior to the start of the official project period, which runs from July 1 through June 30 of the following year. The application process requires submission through an online grant portal managed by Missoula County. Applicants must create an account, complete required application components, and upload supporting documentation. Required components include a project overview, a detailed narrative addressing the problem, project design, evaluation methods, and organizational capacity, as well as a workplan, budget worksheet, budget narrative, and supporting attachments. Applications are evaluated based on completeness, responsiveness, and alignment with program priorities, as well as the applicant’s past performance when applicable. The application period for this funding cycle opened on April 1, 2026, and closes on May 8, 2026. Following submission, applications are reviewed by a citizen review committee and county staff during May and June. Recommendations are then presented to the Board of County Commissioners for consideration in the county’s fiscal year budget. Tentative award notifications may occur in mid-summer, with final funding decisions made upon budget adoption in September. Contracts are executed after approval, with funding retroactively applied to the beginning of the fiscal year.

Ensure alignment with basic needs categories and provide clear measurable outcomes; demonstrate organizational capacity and include complete accurate documentation as applications are scored on completeness and past performance