Best Grants for Environmental Projects in Montana

Montana 501(c)(3) organizations and qualified institutions seeking support for environmental projects and related community programs may be eligible for this funding. Grants from MDU Resources Foundation help Montana groups working in environment, health and human services, education, civic activities, culture, and arts, with an emphasis on new programming needs beyond regular operating expenses.

Environmental and conservation-focused 501(c)(3) organizations carrying out specific programs or projects in Montana can seek Program/Project Grants supporting work in areas like climate solutions, wildlife and wildlands, public lands, and air and water quality. Grants from Cinnabar Foundation range from US $2,500 - US $15,000 and back advocacy, stewardship, research, and community-rooted conservation campaigns.

Nonprofits, charities, municipalities, Indigenous groups, associations, and foundations near TC Energy operations in Montana can seek funding for safety, education, environment, and resilient community projects. Focused on community impact, TC Energy Foundation invites environmental and related initiatives within about 30 kilometers of its projects to apply for US $2,500 - US $25,000.

Montana 501(c)(3) environmental nonprofits can seek funding for conservation projects such as wilderness protection, trail maintenance, environmental education, and forest preservation. With a mission to protect Pacific Northwest mountain environments, Mazamas provides grants up to US $2,500 to qualified organizations across the region, including Montana, for eligible conservation work.

Researchers and potential authors conducting natural history and environmental studies in Montana and the broader western North America region can receive up to US $2,500 for travel, supplies, student wages, and other justifiable research expenses. Western North American Naturalist especially encourages applicants from institutions where research is possible but not the primary focus.

Montana environmental and community organizations, including 501(c)(3) nonprofits and eligible government entities, can access funding for sustainability, conservation, disaster preparedness, and thriving community initiatives. Marathon Petroleum supports projects such as environmental conservation, parks and green spaces, clean water and food access, and related workforce development, with preference for communities where it has significant operations.

Our Mission

The Baughman Family Foundation aims to make an impact on our local communities by supporting organizations nominated by family members. The goal of the foundation is twofold: to make a meaningful impact on our selected charitable organizations and to encourage family members to become active in charitable giving.

Submission Guidelines

When submitting an application, please keep the following guidelines in mind:

The focus of the Baughman Family Foundation is on supporting local charities where the Foundation can make a direct, tangible impact on causes that matter to our family.

The Avista Foundation offers sponsorships to non-profit organizations that support community needs in areas served by Avista Utilities and Alaska Electric Light and Power Co. Focused on education, environment, and cultural vitality, the foundation invites applications year-round for event sponsorships, requiring a 90-day review period. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) charities and civic groups within the service area, while requests for religious or political activities are not accepted.

Nonprofit organizations running food access or STEM education programs in the U.S., including Montana, may be eligible for Takeda’s corporate giving. Focused on reducing social disparities, Takeda supports efforts like nutritional food access, urban farming, K-8 math, and STEM enrichment, with a preference for communities near its major U.S. facilities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Montana working on environmental projects, basic needs, housing, workforce development, or community development can seek sponsorship support from Bank of America Charitable Foundation. With a mission to advance economic mobility, the foundation provides regional sponsorships that may benefit Montana environmental initiatives within low- and moderate-income communities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and public agencies in Montana planning community projects can apply for up to US $1,000 to support activities and events in Golden Valley that enhance physical, cultural, or intellectual vitality. Grants from Golden Valley Community Foundation may benefit environmental, recreation, arts, education, tourism, and community engagement initiatives.

Municipal, religious, charitable, benevolent, and educational organizations in Montana can apply for the Elizabeth Raymond Ambler Trust’s project-based community grants to support work in areas like environment, education, health, and human services. Eligible entities planning environmental projects in Montana may be able to include them within broader community-focused proposals.

Montana environmental organizations and other nonprofits can access funding for environmental projects, vulnerable children, Alzheimer’s research, and educational equity. While the Goodnow Fund is based in Connecticut with a focus on Fairfield County, U.S. nonprofits may be eligible and can contact the Executive Director to discuss projects, though formal proposals are not accepted unsolicited.

Environmental and conservation-focused nonprofits, especially in Michigan, can seek project or capital support from the Harry A. & Margaret D. Towsley Foundation, which funds environment, education, health, and community initiatives. Organizations in Montana working on environmental projects may be eligible if they fit the foundation’s geographic priorities and charitable focus.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) public charities, government entities, and IRS-recognized tribes working on environmental science, STEM education, or human services can seek project support that drives systemic, catalytic impact. Grants from Change Happens Foundation help organizations nationwide, including those serving Montana, advance environmental conservation, climate resilience, and related educational initiatives for underrepresented communities.

Montana environmental organizations can access funding through the James C Stewart Charitable Foundation for nature and environmental projects, alongside related education, health, or community initiatives. 501(c)(3) nonprofits nationwide may be eligible, with awards of approximately US $10,000 supporting a broad range of charitable program areas, including environment and animals.

Nonprofit and mission-driven for-profit innovators with early-stage environmental, heritage conservation, or social justice projects in the U.S. can access funding through the J.M. Kaplan Fund. The J.M.K. Innovation Prize awards up to US $175,000 plus capacity-building support; Montana environmental initiatives with transformative, scalable ideas may be competitive.

Students pursuing environmental science, biology, engineering, or related physical sciences in Montana can receive U.S.-wide scholarship support to advance their studies. RTK Environmental Group provides $1,500 through an annual essay-based award for high school seniors and college undergraduates with a 3.0 GPA who are U.S. citizens or legal residents interested in environmental testing and inspection careers.

Montana environmental and community-focused 501(c)(3) organizations, municipalities, and public schools can access funding through Sorenson Legacy Foundation for projects in education, health care, innovation, and community development. Programs that protect and enhance the environment, develop parks and green spaces, or support youth and families may be especially competitive, with preference for efforts in Utah.

Montana 501(c)(3) organizations working on environmental, educational, or human and social services projects can seek support for programs that promote environmental, educational, and social progress. Donald & Ruby Branson Foundation offers funding to tax-exempt nonprofits whose work keeps communities and natural surroundings healthy and attractive for future generations.

Environmental and conservation nonprofits, schools, tribal governments, and local agencies in Montana communities along BNSF rail lines can seek BNSF Foundation support for local projects. Focus areas include environmental, sustainability and conservation initiatives, plus related community development, youth, and human services efforts that improve quality of life in eligible Montana counties.

The Amy Adina Schulman Memorial Fund

The Amy Adina Schulman Memorial Fund is a Princeton, New Jersey-based endowment fund providing grants to individuals, young adults who volunteer or intern for progressive social action projects or programs in an area of their interest and commitment. The Amy Adina Fund also sponsors a lecture each year on a relevant and timely topic related to its educational mission.

The Amy Adina Schulman Memorial Fund was started in 1987 one year after Amy Adina, 20, died suddenly while a student and activist at Rutgers University. It is a realization of her family and her communities’ desire to celebrate her life, to fulfill her dreams and her potential. Since its inception, almost 1,500 grants have been awarded for work in Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, and the United States—nearly $1,000,000 in total. The Amy Adina Schulman Memorial Fund is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.

About Our Grants

Small grants (depending on length of service), are awarded to as many applicants as possible rather than giving larger amounts to fewer individuals. The number of awards has grown each year thanks to annual contributions as well as to gifts sent to the Fund to honor special occasions and life cycle events.

U.S. academic institutions supporting doctoral students conducting Arctic-focused environmental or social science research can apply for dissertation research funding through the National Science Foundation, including projects based in Montana. NSF’s Arctic Doctoral Dissertation Research Improvement Grants back early-career STEM researchers studying Arctic systems, social and cultural change, and related environmental processes.

The Rieschel Foundation Annual Grant supports public charities in Gallatin and Park Counties, Montana, offering up to $20,000 for general operating expenses. The grant cycle opens in February, allowing eligible organizations to submit applications. The foundation prioritizes funding for mental health services, human services, environmental initiatives, and education. With an average of 15 awards each year, the foundation aims to align with impactful organizations to foster significant community contributions.

The Bernie Bahr Forestry and Natural Resources Scholarship, managed by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, awards a $1,000 grant to undergraduate students pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Forestry or related fields. Eligible applicants must have completed at least two years of college and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5. Preference is given to graduates from specific high schools in Missouri. This scholarship aims to support students dedicated to environmental and natural resource management.

The FY 2026 Continuation of Solicitation for the Office of Science Financial Assistance Program invites applications for research in various domains, including Advanced Scientific Computing and Biological Research. This ongoing opportunity from the Department of Energy will remain available until September 30, 2026. Eligible projects must align with SC's mission, supporting innovative research that advances scientific knowledge and energy solutions.

The Sensata Foundation, established in 2017, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit supporting community development and STEM education across the U.S. With a focus on improving access to STEM resources and empowering youth, the Foundation partners with nonprofits to address food insecurity, homelessness, and environmental sustainability. By fostering community partnerships and providing financial support, Sensata Foundation aims to inspire future leaders and enhance the quality of life for all, particularly in underserved areas.