Community Investment Program

The Community Investment Program (CIP), housed within the Montana Community Foundation, was launched through the support of Grid United, a company focused on enhancing the U.S. electric grid infrastructure. Specifically, this program targets the communities of Rosebud, Custer, and Fallon counties in Eastern Montana—regions directly impacted by the development of Grid United’s North Plains Connector. This transmission line connects the eastern and western power grids of the U.S. across Montana and North Dakota. Grid United’s investment in these communities stems from its commitment to positive, long-term partnerships with local stakeholders, and the CIP was created to provide meaningful support through grants that aim to improve residents' quality of life. The overarching purpose of the Community Investment Program is to strengthen local communities through funding projects that address community needs in creative and sustainable ways. Projects supported by the CIP must benefit residents of the three targeted counties and demonstrate a broad impact. Funded initiatives may tackle specific problems, enhance infrastructure, or provide services that lead to stronger and more resilient communities. The program encourages applications that promote community engagement, leverage additional funding sources, and address changing needs through innovation. Notably, the CIP supports economic and community development as central components of its mission. Eligible applicants for this grant must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits or government entities, including local, tribal, or school district organizations. Non-501(c)(3) nonprofits may also qualify by reaching out to the foundation’s officers for clarification and approval. Individuals and for-profit businesses are not eligible to apply directly, but may participate through a fiscal sponsor that meets eligibility requirements. Importantly, while organizations need not be physically based in the three focus counties, all funded projects must benefit communities within Rosebud, Custer, or Fallon counties. Organizations may apply in multiple cycles for different phases of a project but are limited to one application per cycle. The grant awards will be up to $50,000 per project. For initiatives requiring funding beyond this amount, applicants must directly contact program staff for additional review. Projects not eligible for funding include those with religious or partisan content, one-time events like social gatherings that don’t align with the long-term development goals of the region, and requests for general operating expenses. The application process is conducted entirely online through the Montana Community Foundation’s website, and applications are accepted in two annual cycles: the spring deadline is May 1, and the fall deadline is November 1. All applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on the deadline day. Submissions are reviewed by Community Advisory Committees composed of diverse community leaders and residents from the three eligible counties. Notifications of funding decisions will be sent out after committee review, but approval is not guaranteed, nor is the full request amount. Each awarded project must submit a report within one year of receiving funding, and future grants are contingent on compliance with reporting requirements. For assistance with the application process or clarification on eligibility, applicants are encouraged to contact Taylor Crowl, LCF Program Officer, at (406) 603-4913 or via email at [email protected]. This structured and community-focused grant program represents an opportunity for Eastern Montana counties to benefit from sustained investment and strategic project implementation supported by a committed corporate partner.

CIP prioritizes projects with broad impact, community engagement, innovation, and leveraging of external support.