Great Falls Area Community Foundation Grant

The Great Falls Area Community Foundation (GFACF), based in Great Falls, Montana, serves as a philanthropic organization committed to enriching the Great Falls region through community giving and engagement. The foundation draws support from a permanent endowment and additional contributions by individuals and organizations, enabling it to provide funding for a range of community-enhancing initiatives. GFACF's mission is to connect individuals who are passionate about community improvement with causes that have a meaningful and lasting impact. The foundation focuses on strategic areas such as education, preservation and conservation, culture and the arts, appropriate economic development, and civic improvement. The foundation’s 2025 grant cycle is open from July 1 to July 31, 2025. During this period, eligible applicants may submit proposals for funding support. Grants will be awarded in amounts ranging from $500 to $1,000, with funding decisions guided by the foundation’s goal to address community needs and promote long-term benefits to the region. Projects should clearly demonstrate how the requested funds will be used, how the project meets a specific community need, and how outcomes will be measured. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status and government entities. The foundation explicitly excludes certain types of activities from funding, such as political organizations or campaigns, religious activities, debt retirement, tickets for benefits, telephone solicitations, and grants to individuals. Applicants are advised to carefully review these limitations before submitting a proposal to ensure alignment with the foundation’s funding criteria. Applications must include several required components: a summary statement indicating the amount requested, a description of the project purpose, a justification for why the project is needed in the community, the organization’s mission, a discussion on the project's future impact, and an outline of how results will be evaluated. Additionally, applicants must provide organizational information such as their EIN, project start and end dates, the amount requested, and contact information. Applicants are also asked to disclose whether they have received GFACF funds in the past and whether a professional grant writer is on staff. The review and selection process is conducted by the Community Foundation Board of Directors. This board evaluates applications for completeness and fit within the foundation’s areas of interest before making final funding determinations. Notification of award decisions will be issued by mid-September 2025. All completed applications should be submitted either by email to gfcommunityboard@gmail.com or by mail to PO Box 1896, Great Falls, MT 59403. For questions, applicants may contact Sarah Cawley at (406) 453-0349 ext. 209. This grant opportunity is not recurring or rolling and is specific to the July 2025 cycle. The GFACF does not provide a pre-application deadline or Q&A session, and applicants must ensure that all materials are submitted within the designated window to be considered. The simplicity and targeted focus of the grant application process make it an accessible opportunity for community-focused organizations in the Great Falls region seeking modest funding for impactful local projects.