Best Affordable Housing Grants for Nonprofits in Montana

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Bank of Montana aligns our giving with our team members philanthropic passions, i.e. giving to an organization will have greater impact if one of our team members is on the Board of the organization, volunteers their time with the organization, etc. 

Bank of Montana funding priorities are focused on programs that provide a direct impact to our community.

Bank of Montana provides donations in two main areas: Community Development and Leadership Opportunities.

Community Development 

Community Development Funds are awarded to nonprofit organizations that provide services to low-and moderate- income (LMI) individuals and communities across our territory. Bank of Montana’s CRA committee works together with those nonprofits toward the salient goal of community development. We provide expertise and resources to affordable housing projects, services targeted to LMI individuals, activities that revitalize or stabilize LMI geographies, and activities that promote economic development.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Montana improving nutrition security or providing stable, quality housing through wraparound services can seek US $5,000 - US $100,000 in Social Drivers of Health funding. Intermountain Community Care Foundation supports evidence-based programs addressing social determinants of health, including affordable and equitable housing initiatives for eligible communities.

Nonprofit organizations working on equitable and affordable housing in Montana can apply for Community Possible support to advance safe, stable homes and stronger neighborhoods. Grants from US Bank Foundation help 501(c)(3) groups address housing within broader economic and workforce advancement or community arts and culture efforts, with priority for organizations led by people of color in designated bank communities.

Local governments in Montana can apply for funding to rehabilitate single- or multi-family housing that benefits low- to moderate-income households through the CDBG Housing Stabilization Program. Focused on equitable, affordable housing, Montana Department of Commerce invites communities to access a five-year pool of funds for ongoing housing stabilization projects.

Local governments in Montana seeking support to develop or rehabilitate affordable housing projects for low- to moderate-income residents can apply for the competitive CDBG Affordable Housing Development and Rehabilitation Grant. Administered by the Montana Department of Commerce, this program typically fills funding gaps for multi-family rental projects and may benefit nonprofit-led housing initiatives in partnership with local governments.

Focused on equitable and affordable housing, eligible local governments, nonprofit organizations, and private developers in Montana can seek funding to run homebuyer downpayment assistance programs. Grants from the Montana Department of Commerce support subsidies for income-eligible homebuyers and related administrative costs, helping expand affordable homeownership opportunities for low-income households.

Local governments, nonprofit organizations, and private developers in Montana can seek funding to develop and preserve affordable housing for low-income households, including rental and homeownership units. Montana Department of Commerce’s HOME Investment Partnerships Program supports construction, acquisition, and rehabilitation projects that fill financing gaps and require a 5% match, helping expand equitable and affordable housing options.

Nonprofit and other eligible housing developers in Montana can use this program to build or preserve affordable rental housing for extremely low-income households. Grants from Montana Department of Commerce help Montana equitable and affordable housing organizations expand safe, decent units, including for people with special needs and those experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

Nonprofit organizations, tribal agencies, and fiscally sponsored grassroots groups working on tenant and housing justice organizing in Montana can apply for grants up to US $25,000. Social Justice Fund Northwest supports efforts like tenant power-building, policy change, cooperative housing, and housing-focused disability, re-entry, and survivor-led organizing, with preference for smaller, BIPOC-led groups.

Montana 501(c)(3) organizations working on equitable and affordable housing, neighborhood assets, and related health needs can seek program or general operating support to build healthier communities. With a mission to expand access to quality, affordable health care, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Montana provides funding for efforts that improve housing, stability, nutrition, and overall wellness for Montanans.

Nonprofits and other eligible entities serving residents of HUD-assisted housing in Montana can seek US $112,500 - US $250,000 to fund rapid-response service coordination and limited direct services after emergencies. US HUD: Office of Public and Indian Housing supports affordable, equitable housing communities facing natural disasters, public health crises, or major economic disruptions through the ROSS Rapid Response Program.

Nonprofit organizations working on hunger, housing, or financial education in Montana can apply for annual support to strengthen local communities. Grants from RRCU Gives Foundation help fund programs that expand affordable housing options, address food insecurity, and provide financial literacy education, with applications accepted in June and awards announced in August.

Nonprofit leaders age 50-plus working on livable communities, housing, or related aging issues in Montana can receive recognition and organizational support through the Purpose Prize. AARP Foundation provides U.S. changemakers with US $75,000 and a year of capacity-building assistance to expand nonprofit impact for people 50 and older.

Nonprofit 501(c) or 170(c) organizations working on equitable and affordable housing and related community development can receive up to US $1,000 per year in matching donations through Regions Bank’s retiree program. Although Regions’ footprint does not include Montana, housing nonprofits elsewhere in the U.S. within eligible states may benefit from these matching gifts.

Nonprofit 501(c) or 170(c) organizations working on equitable and affordable housing and related community development may be eligible for matching donations through Regions Bank’s Matching Gifts Program, including those in Montana. Eligible charities within the Regions footprint can have full-time associates’ tax-deductible gifts doubled to support their housing and community initiatives.

Nonprofits, mission-oriented for-profits, and eligible housing entities with scalable affordable housing innovations can seek US $2,000,000 to expand their work in Montana and nationwide. Enterprise Community Partners and Wells Fargo support solutions in design and construction, finance, or service delivery that increase affordable rental and homeownership options for low- and moderate-income residents.

Nonprofit organizations working on equitable and affordable housing, social services, education, or public health can apply for more than US $10,000 in program or capital support from Navigant Credit Union Charitable Foundation; priority goes to groups in its general marketing area, including Montana. Funding can support housing stability, shelters, and related community well-being initiatives.

Adam R Scripps Foundation

Adam Scripps lived a life of humble generosity, helping to improve the lives of others without seeking recognition or fanfare for himself. The family-run Adam R. Scripps Foundation, established posthumously in 2023, allocates millions annually to his cherished causes like animal welfare and community development, with grants overseen by his relatives to honor his legacy.

Honoring Adam’s legacy, we make grants to collaborate, provide support and build resources that create opportunities and transformative pathways. For generations to come, we will improve lives and transform communities because we are a leader in family philanthropy. We value helping communities create lasting change. We do this through compassion, love of neighbor, humility, and generosity.

Self-Sufficiency Grant

Self-sufficiency is not just crucial for individuals; it’s also vital to the communities in which they live. As Adam did in his lifetime, his foundation will focus on initiatives to address employment, food insecurity, housing/homelessness, and critical human needs.

• Housing Access
  • Housing instability can negatively affect job security, academic performance, and physical and mental health.
  • Programs designed to help keep people in stable homes, including emergency shelter, rental assistance programs, transitional housing, and subsidized housing units, can help combat housing instability and promote self-sufficiency. 
• Food Insecurity
  • Persistent poverty in communities increases food insecurity and threatens child welfare.
  • Children deserve full plates and a system (beyond the child welfare bureaucracy) that will fight for them. Recognizing their importance to stability and eventually mobility, we support programs that meet the unique needs of children in vulnerable situations, address the needs of their caregivers and provide consistent access to enough food for every person in a household to live an active, healthy life. 
• Employment Barriers
  • Barriers to employment have detrimental impacts on individuals and families.
  • Economic development programming focused on business growth, job creation, entrepreneurship, financial well-being, job readiness, and stable employment will be embraced by the foundation because of their lasting benefits to individuals, families and communities.

Montana nonprofits developing affordable housing or reducing homelessness can access funding through Volunteer Mississippi to run AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP projects that engage volunteers 55+ in service. Grants up to Up to US $75,000 support community-based efforts such as housing development or renovation, helping people secure permanent housing, and addressing housing needs for vulnerable populations.

Nonprofit community development organizations working on equitable and affordable housing, small business, or workforce development in Montana can apply to host a graduate-level NCRC Fellow. This nationwide program from the National Community Reinvestment Coalition places part-time fellows on site; priority is given to NCRC member hosts in select cities and states, including Montana-related regions.

Graduate students in urban planning, policy, public administration, economics, or related fields can apply for the National Community Reinvestment Coalition’s Fellowship for Equitable Development, which provides a US $20,000 stipend for eight months of part-time work on housing, small business, and workforce projects. Montana affordable housing nonprofits may participate as host organizations by applying separately as host partners.

The Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grants for Fiscal Year 2025 support revitalization efforts in severely distressed public housing and surrounding neighborhoods. This program encourages collaboration among local governments, housing agencies, and community partners to create comprehensive plans aimed at improving housing quality, promoting upward mobility for residents, and attracting long-term investment for neighborhood development. Successful applicants will implement their Transformation Plans, which were developed through prior Planning Grants to enhance the quality of life for residents.

Wegmans Family Foundation Inc focuses on cultivating healthy communities through support for hunger relief, health initiatives, education, and youth programs. They prioritize collaborations with local nonprofits to enhance community well-being, offering assistance in key areas like economic mobility and youth engagement. Despite their wide-ranging support, they have specific ineligibility criteria, such as not accommodating personal requests or solicitation on their property, aiming to direct resources effectively where they are needed most.

The Level 1 Fair Housing Grant, offered by the National Association of REALTORS®, supports initiatives aimed at educating REALTORS® on fair housing issues. Grants can fund classes, forums, or workshops, with a maximum award of $3,000. Starting in 2025, the grant will also support expenses related to the At Home With Diversity class to align with new training requirements. This initiative ensures REALTORS® have the resources to promote diversity and inclusion in their communities.

State Farm's Good Neighbor Citizenship Company Grants aim to enhance community safety, development, and education. Focused on long-term impact, they support initiatives in auto and home safety, disaster preparedness, affordable housing, and educational programs. Eligible recipients include nonprofits, educational institutions, and government entities. However, funding is not available for individuals, religious programs, or organizations outside the U.S. By addressing critical community needs, these grants foster safer and more resilient neighborhoods.

• Innovative: An approach that brings fresh thinking, tools, or models to homeownership in ways that challenge the status quo and demonstrate a disruptive, future-oriented vision with potential to inspire or shift broader field practice.
• Impactful: A solution with meaningful potential to expand homeownership through knowledge and action, featuring clear and measurable progress indicators that demonstrate capacity to shift trajectories for low- and moderate-income households.
• Bridge-Building: An initiative that effectively connects and unifies a wide range of stakeholders, fostering meaningful collaboration across sectors or perspectives. The strongest submissions will reflect strong community partnerships across the housing ecosystem.
• Durable: A sustainable pathway that addresses root causes of homeownership barriers rather than just symptoms, with compelling evidence of potential to elicit robust support from broad private, philanthropic, and public funding sources over time.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on equitable and affordable housing in Montana can receive up to US $500 annually when an eligible Ecolab employee or retiree serves on their board. With a mission to strengthen communities, Ecolab Foundation provides support for crisis assistance, affordable housing, and related community development efforts.