Nonprofit Grant

The Colstrip Impacts Foundation (CIF), administered through the Montana Community Foundation, supports nonprofit organizations focused on enhancing community and economic development within Colstrip, Montana. The foundation directs funding to local efforts that demonstrate innovative approaches to addressing community needs and economic challenges. Emphasis is placed on initiatives that are able to leverage other sources of financial or in-kind support and show creativity in problem-solving. The foundation’s nonprofit grant program provides funding for both project-based proposals and general operating support. It welcomes applications from organizations proposing new or ongoing efforts to improve community infrastructure, economic opportunities, and the overall quality of life in the Colstrip area. In particular, CIF prioritizes funding for proposals that outline sustainable and community-rooted development strategies. To be eligible for funding, applicant organizations must be physically located within 10 miles of Colstrip’s city limits. This geographic restriction reflects CIF’s core mission to directly support the immediate Colstrip community. Organizations that do not already have other investments or are planning to relocate outside of the Colstrip area are not eligible to receive funding. Furthermore, religious or sectarian programs, one-time events such as celebrations or parties, and businesses not located in Colstrip are ineligible. Applications for the CIF nonprofit grant are submitted through the Montana Community Foundation’s online grant portal. The review process is conducted quarterly by a dedicated committee. Applicants will receive notifications about their application status following each review period. There are no specific deadlines provided, which implies applications may be accepted on a rolling basis, reviewed in quarterly batches. The evaluation committee uses consistent criteria to assess all proposals. Successful applications must demonstrate alignment with CIF’s mission and vision, present a compelling and innovative solution to local challenges, and incorporate plans to leverage other support sources. Although the exact award amount is not specified, the foundation does not fund large one-off events or applicants without local investment, indicating a preference for sustainable, community-embedded efforts. For questions or additional information, applicants can contact CIF via email at info@mtcf.org or by phone at 406-443-8313. The foundation's physical address is 33 S. Last Chance Gulch, Suite 2A, Helena, MT 59601, with a mailing address at PO Box 1145, Helena, MT 59624-1145. EIN: 81-0450150.