Montana Private Grants

This initiative provides funding and support to nonprofit organizations, local governments, and Tribal governments in coal-impacted communities to develop and scale innovative economic projects that create job opportunities and foster local economic transformation.

The Blaine County Community Foundation Fund, established at the Montana Community Foundation (MCF) by Warren Ross in 1997, is offering grants to benefit communities and residents of Blaine County. The grant cycle runs from August 15 to November 15. The grants range in size from $500 to $2,000 and must be used for projects benefiting communities or residents in Blaine County. Eligible applicants must be either a 501(c)(3) nonprofit or an exempt governmental unit. The grantee organization does not need to be based in Blaine County. Only one application is allowed per organization. Eligible projects must provide a direct benefit to local residents, be sustainable, and address important, unmet needs. Ineligible projects include conferences, workshops, planning, research, untested projects, and partisan or sectarian activities. The grant requests are reviewed by the Blaine County Community Grantmaking Committee, and incomplete applications will not be considered. For additional help or inquiries, contact Taylor Crowl, Program Officer, Local Community Foundations, at 406-603-4913 or [email protected]. The application can be accessed at https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=mtcommunity.

The Otto Bremer Trust is a private charitable trust based in St. Paul, Minn. Created in 1944 by Otto Bremer, it is committed to supporting a better quality of life for residents of Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, and Wisconsin. Since its founding, OBT has invested nearly $1 billion and provides ~$105 million annually to nonprofit organizations in Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, and Wisconsin. Applications are due on a rolling basis on these dates: February 4, 2024; April 4, 2024; June 6, 2024; August 1, 2024. - General Operations Application: General operations grants provide unrestricted funding that enables an organization to carry out its mission. Typical uses could include support for an organization’s administrative and infrastructure costs, maintaining core programs and/or staffing. This application is for organizations seeking $75,000 or more in general operations support. - General Operations Short Application: This application is for organizations seeking general operations support of less than $75,000. - Restricted Application: Restricted grants provide funding for a specific program or project. These funds may not be used for other purposes, although a portion may be utilized for overhead or indirect costs of administering the program or project. - Capital Application: Capital grants support constructing, repairing, renovating, or rehabilitating an organization’s physical space. Capital grants can also support the purchase of equipment necessary for an organization to carry out its work.

Humanities Montana Research Fellowship supports projects with a central focus in the humanities, a clearly defined theme, and involvement of professional humanists. Projects must include a public program, publicity, and evaluation plans where appropriate. There is a 1:1 cost-share requirement and applications involving Native American communities or cultures must demonstrate their involvement or address why they are not involved. Humanities Montana cannot fund projects focusing on personal concerns, non-public meetings, construction or operating expenses of existing organizations, lobbying or direct social action, one-sided treatment of an issue, fundraising for profit-making groups, alcoholic beverages or entertainment costs, and candidates running for political office.

This grant provides financial support and mentorship to early-stage cleantech entrepreneurs in the Midwest who are developing innovative solutions to promote economic growth and environmental sustainability.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in Montana that focus on improving literacy, children's health services, and mental health access, particularly for underserved communities.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in the Pacific Northwest for innovative projects focused on environmental conservation, preservation, and restoration efforts.

This fund provides emergency financial support to Indigenous students in Montana to help cover urgent educational expenses and prevent interruptions in their studies.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations in Oregon, Idaho, Montana, and parts of Washington that aim to improve healthcare access and promote health equity for underserved communities through various health and social initiatives.

This grant provides funding for conservation projects in Gallatin Valley, Montana, focusing on biodiversity, habitat restoration, and sustainable resource management while honoring the land's historical significance and Indigenous connections.

This funding opportunity supports innovative projects that improve mental health and social well-being in rural communities across the Mountain West, targeting local organizations and individuals with creative solutions to address mental health care challenges.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations and local government entities in the Midwest and Pacific Northwest to support community development, education, cultural enrichment, and environmental initiatives that enhance the quality of life in their areas.

This funding opportunity is designed for Montana-based organizations to develop and implement innovative health solutions that address critical health challenges in the state.

This funding initiative provides financial support to nonprofit organizations, local and state governments, tribal entities, and educational institutions to promote conservation practices and technical assistance for farmers and ranchers on private working lands.

This program provides financial support to LGBTQ+-owned and allied restaurants, cafes, and bars to help them thrive and recover.

This grant provides financial support to small, community-based nonprofits in the Rocky Mountain West focused on protecting public lands, preserving biodiversity, and advocating against environmentally harmful activities.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations in Montana that are dedicated to preserving and interpreting the state's historical resources through community-focused projects.

This grant provides funding for educational projects that promote wilderness values and stewardship among youth and adults in Idaho, Montana, and Iowa.

This funding opportunity supports individuals and nonprofit organizations in Montana working on research and education projects that conserve wildlife habitats, particularly for nongame species like birds and invertebrates.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations that enhance youth education, environmental conservation, and address community needs in Big Sky, Montana.