Indigenous Student Rapid Assistance Fund

The Indigenous Student Rapid Assistance Fund is a funding initiative managed by the Montana Community Foundation, with contributions from partners such as the Women's Foundation of Montana and local community foundations. The Montana Community Foundation is a private philanthropic organization committed to improving the lives of Montanans through strategic giving and community investment. This fund specifically addresses the acute, short-term financial challenges that Indigenous students face while pursuing postsecondary education in Montana, with the aim of preventing these stressors from derailing their academic progress. Designed as a rapid response mechanism, the fund provides one-time emergency assistance to Indigenous students attending accredited colleges or universities in Montana. The support is tailored to help students navigate urgent financial crises that might otherwise interrupt or end their education. Unlike scholarship programs, this fund operates on a rolling basis and is focused exclusively on emergency needs. Eligible students can request support typically ranging from $250 to $1,000 per application, although all submitted requests are considered regardless of amount. Funding can be used for a broad array of emergency expenses that directly impact a student’s ability to remain enrolled and succeed in school. These include food insecurity costs such as groceries or meal plans, travel costs for emergencies including vehicle repairs and airfare, housing needs such as rent or short-term accommodations, healthcare expenses including prescriptions and mental health services, and childcare or dependent-related expenses. Additionally, costs related to educational technology and academic materials, such as internet access, device repairs, and textbooks, are also eligible for support. The application process is designed to be accessible and swift. Students can apply directly through the Montana Community Foundation’s scholarship portal, with the option to submit applications through third-party advocates such as school staff or counselors, or by working with MCF staff over the phone. In cases where a third party applies on behalf of a student, it is highly recommended that the student be present during the process to ensure accurate submission. Once an application is submitted, an immediate request for verification is sent to a designated college faculty or staff member to confirm the student’s need. Upon successful verification and depending on payment processing logistics, funds are typically disbursed within one to two days. Applications are accepted year-round, including during academic breaks, and are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Prior awards, the frequency of requests, and available funding are considered during the review process. Students are allowed to reapply even if they have previously received assistance. Awards may be granted in full or in part depending on the assessed need and fund availability. The current active grant cycle runs from April 1 to April 30, 2026. While this marks a specific application window, the fund continues to accept applications outside this cycle for emergency needs. For further inquiries, applicants or interested parties may contact Corey Kopp, the Scholarship & Grants Program Officer at the Montana Community Foundation, by phone at 406-262-7711 or via email. Additional contact options include the main office at 406-443-8313 or email at [email protected]. The Foundation's physical location is at 33 S. Last Chance Gulch, Suite 2A, Helena, MT 59601, with mail directed to PO Box 1145, Helena, MT 59624-1145. Those interested in supporting this initiative may donate online or by check, noting the Indigenous Student Rapid Assistance Fund in the memo line.