Montana Private Grants

The Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation strives to better the human condition by supporting programs and services that give people the tools to enhance the quality of their lives and to benefit society as a whole. The Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation funds direct service non-profit organizations to improve the quality of people’s lives by providing them with the tools they need to succeed. Since its inception in 1988, the Foundation has funded programs around Montana and in the areas in which the Washington Companies operate. When making a grant decision, we examine each organization’s financial stability, staffing and facility capacity, and relevant partnerships. Additionally, we assess the capability of an organization to sustain a program into the future and their ability to show measurable impact on the population they serve. Finally, funding is guided toward organizations that support low income, rural, and underserved populations through one of our four main focus areas: Education, Health and Human Services, Arts and Culture, and Community Service.

The Film + Video grant is a competitive grant program intended to support the development, production, and distribution of documentary films or series that engage general audiences with humanities ideas in creative and appealing ways. Donor Name: Humanities Montana State: Montana County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 07/19/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: The Film + Video program supports the development, production, and distribution of documentary films or series that engage general audiences with humanities ideas in creative and appealing ways. Projects must be grounded in humanities scholarship and incorporate an approach that is thoughtful, balanced, and analytical; proposals must demonstrate the potential to attract a broad general audience. Humanities Montana’s Film + Video grants offer multiyear support or one-time-only funding for major projects in film and video. Film and television projects may be standalone documentaries or series of programs. Major projects are those requiring multiple stages of research and development, production, and post-production and which generally require a script and a year or more to complete. Projects may also include supplementary components such as discussion programs and public screenings. Humanities Montana-funded projects must: focus on clearly defined humanities theme(s) build on sound humanities scholarship deepen public understanding of significant humanities questions approach a subject analytically, presenting a variety of perspectives involve humanities scholars (academic, professional, or expert) in all aspects of the project employ appealing and accessible formats that will actively engage the general public in learning demonstrate support and involvement of communities and cultures represented in project content and activities or specifically address why they are not involved (e.g., projects that involve Native American communities or cultures must include letters of support from participating scholars, researchers, program participants from that specific community outlining their involvement.) Funding Categories  Stage One: Research and script development award (up to $8,000) enable media producers to collaborate with scholars to develop humanities content and other program elements. Awards must result in a script or detailed treatment, which is required to progress to Stage Two funding. Applicants must submit an example of previous work Prior to applying for Stage One, you should have: assessed the major humanities scholarship related to the subject identified humanities themes assembled a group of humanities scholars to serve as advisers, and other experts if applicable consulted with the humanities scholars to identity the project’s interpretive ideas formed a media team to see the project through its development period Stage Two: Production awards (up to $10,000), including principal photography, source material acquisition, and rights clearance, result in a rough cut of film /video or equivalent (required to progress to Stage Three funding). Applicants must submit a completed script or detailed narrative treatment Prior to applying for Stage Two, you should have: completed all required components of Stage One conducted extensive research on your subject, including archival work and preliminary interviews drafted the script or detailed treatment(s) Stage Three: Post-production awards (up to $10,000) support completion of product and public distribution. Applicants must submit a rough cut of the project Prior to applying for Stage Three, you should have: completed all required components of Stage One and Stage Two designed your plans for distribution, outreach, and partnerships. Period of Performance 12 months Eligible Activities Stage One awards may support activities such as: meetings with scholars preliminary interviews preparation of program treatments or scripts production of a work-in-progress or trailer creation of partnerships for outreach activities and public engagement archival and other scholarly research to further development of script and humanities themes Stage Two awards may support activities such as: archival research and rights clearances meetings with scholars additional script development production (including filming, recording, and editing) and distribution Stage Three awards may support activities such as: development of related resources that explore the humanities content and themes central to the project (e.g., websites and curriculum materials) post-production outreach and public engagement. Eligibility Criteria  To be eligible to apply, your organization must be established in the United States or its jurisdictions as one of the following organization types: a nonprofit organization recognized as tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code an accredited institution of higher education (public or nonprofit) a state or local government or one of their agencies a federally recognized Native American Tribal government If your organization is eligible, you are encouraged to partner with independent producers and other skilled professionals to carry out programmatic activities. Under this arrangement, the applicant organization submits the application on behalf of the partnership(s). Applicant organizations must not function solely as fiscal agents or fiscal sponsors but must make substantive contributions to the success of the project. If Humanities Montana makes an award, the applicant organization is considered the recipient of record and assumes all programmatic, financial, and legal responsibilities associated with the award, including adherence to, and compliance with, federal regulations and the terms and conditions of the award. In addition, Film + Video Grants must: involve appropriate media professionals appeal to a broad audience demonstrate a plan for statewide, regional, or national audience involvement and of secondary non-broadcast distribution and long-term utilization include a 1:1 cost-share of in-kind or other funds include public programming such as discussions, lectures, screenings include outreach/publicity and evaluation plans where appropriate. For more information, visit  Humanities Montana.

This grant provides funding to agricultural professionals and organizations in the Western U.S. to implement educational and demonstration projects that promote the adoption of sustainable farming practices based on previous research findings.

The Otto Bremer Trust (OBT) is implementing new grantmaking approaches to effectively invest in people, places, and opportunities in Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, and Wisconsin. The new model includes Strategic Grants and Community Responsive Fund grants. Strategic Grants are awarded directly by OBT to organizations with at least $500,000 in expenses from the previous year, aligning with OBT's objectives. Community Responsive Fund grants are managed by intermediary partners, focusing on organizations with less than $500,000 in expenses.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to tribal entities and organizations in Montana for projects that enhance community forests, promote climate resilience, and improve environmental quality.

This funding opportunity provides $5,000 in unrestricted support to emerging organizations in Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, or Wyoming that are focused on community organizing and align with social justice values.

This grant provides financial support to Indigenous communities in Montana for search efforts to locate missing loved ones, addressing the urgent crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous People.

The Community Investment Program (CIP) was created by the Montana Community Foundation in partnership with Grid United to support communities in Rosebud, Custer, and Fallon County. These areas are affected by Grid United’s North Plains Connector, a significant transmission line project. CIP aims to fund innovative projects that enhance the quality of life and strengthen community ties in Eastern Montana. The program is dedicated to supporting broad-impact initiatives that address community issues, leverage other support, encourage community involvement, offer creative problem-solving, respond to changing needs, and promote economic and community development.

The Humanities Montana’s Community Project Grants support public humanities programming that strengthens community and culture by promoting civic engagement, sparking thoughtful community dialogue, and reflecting on the human experience across the Big Sky State. Donor Name: Humanities Montana State: Montana County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline:  08/01/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details:   These grants are designed to support a vast array of bold and innovative projects that are meaningful to local communities and inspire timely community conversations, from film screenings and panel discussions to cultural festivals and youth literacy programs Focus Areas Festivals Literary Programs Lectures & Discussions Podcasts & Radio Shows New Ideas Funding Information Maximum Award: $2,000-$10,000 All Humanities Montana-funded projects must: Focus on clearly defined humanities theme(s) Build on sound humanities scholarship Deepen public understanding of significant humanities questions Approach a subject analytically, presenting a variety of perspectives Involve humanities scholars (academic, professional, or subject-expert) in all aspects of the project; all projects require at least one confirmed subject-expert Employ appealing and accessible formats that will actively engage the general public in learning Demonstrate support and involvement of communities and cultures represented in project content and activities or specifically address why they are not involved (e.g., projects that involve Native American communities or cultures must include letters of support from participating scholars, researchers, and/or program participants from that specific community outlining their involvement) Community Project formats & methods content (this list is not exhaustive): Storytelling Historical Analysis Public Writing Workshops Literacy Programs Ethical Inquiry Interpretation at Historic Sites Book Festivals Exhibits Lectures Speaker Series Panel Discussions Teacher Institutes & Workshops Humanities Program Planning Reading & Discussion Programs Humanities Events (conferences, symposia, Chautauqua, workshops, humanities labs) Eligibility Criteria To be eligible to apply, your organization must be established in the United States or its jurisdictions as one of the following organization types: A nonprofit organization recognized as tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code An accredited institution of higher education (public or nonprofit) A state or local government or one of their agencies A federally recognized Native American Tribal government A tribal organization Ineligibility Fiscal agents or fiscal sponsors may not apply on behalf of ineligible applicants. Only applicant organizations meeting some or all the requirements of substantive involvement listed below are eligible to apply. For more information, visit Humanities Montana.

This funding opportunity supports licensed mental health providers working on Montana's Indian Reservations to enhance access to mental health services, particularly through innovative and sustainable solutions for tribal communities.

This program provides financial support to small nonprofit initiatives in Flathead County and nearby areas, focusing on projects that address community needs, particularly in health and human services.

Social Justice Fund is pleased to announce the 2024 Native Led Organizing Grant, open to grassroots organizations in Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, and/or Wyoming. Donor Name: Social Justice Fund State: Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, Wyoming County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/14/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Focus Native Led organizing across the post-colonial borders of the northwestern region, namely Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Wyoming, & Montana.  Funding Information Awards of $10,000-$30,000. Priority Consideration Indigenous, Native, American Indian, First Nation community led organizations (51% or more). Organizations conducting most of their work with reservation communities, and/or in rural/small towns. SJF will prioritize funding organizations with Indigenous, Native, and American Indian community led organizations, and/or who conduct most of their work in reservation communities, and/or rural, small town communities.  Some examples of organizing work that is eligible for this grant include:   language rejuvenation programs  culture as healing programs  environmental justice  civic engagement including voter education  food sovereignty  MMIW & MMIP  wellness projects  youth-led initiatives  art as activism installations This grant can fund  Organizations with 501(c)3 or 501(c)4 status as determined by the IRS  Organizations that are fiscally sponsored by 501(c)3 or 501(c)4 organizations or by tribal governments Organizations can apply without a fiscal sponsor but must confirm a fiscal sponsor if awarded a grant; Organizations or groups that carry out their work in Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, and/or Wyoming  Eligibility Criteria Eligible organizations must meet the following criteria: Organizations that work within SJF’s community organizing framework Nonprofit organizations, tribal agencies, or groups sponsored by a nonprofit organization or tribal agency They support indigenous frontline communities, Nations, organizers, actions, and movements. For more information, visit SJF.

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 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 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.