Search Through Grants for Environmental Conservation in Montana in the U.S.

Making community possible

At U.S. Bank, we are dedicated to supporting our communities through responsive and humbled actions focused on addressing racial and economic inequities and creating lasting change in our communities. Through our Community Possible Grant Program, we are partnering with organizations that focus on economic and workforce advancement, safe and affordable housing and communities connected through arts and culture.

The U.S. Bank Foundation is committed to making Community Possible through Work, Home and Play. We advance this work through collaborative grant making to bring equitable and lasting change through our focus on sustainable, high-impact funding with 501c3 nonprofit partners.

How we partner with nonprofits

We focus on collaborative grantmaking and sustainable, high-impact funding with 501(c)(3) nonprofit partners. We partner with organizations that support:

• Economic and workforce advancement
• Safe and affordable housing
• Community arts and culture

Our strategy

Our community affairs and foundation team work closely with U.S. Bank regional leadership, business resource groups and our National Community Advisory Committee to ensure that prevailing needs are addressed in all the communities we serve.

To make the most meaningful impact, we prioritize organizations that:

• Focus on economic development issues related to work, home and play
• Address more than one of the grant pillars (work, home and play)
• Are based in and serve designated U.S. Bank communities
• Advance diversity, equity and inclusion

Charitable Contributions

Costco Wholesale’s primary charitable efforts specifically focus on programs supporting children, education, and health and human services in the communities where we do business. Throughout the year we receive a large number of requests from nonprofit organizations striving to make a positive impact, and we are thankful to be able to provide support to a variety of organizations and causes. While we would like to respond favorably to all requests, understandably, the needs are far greater than our allocated resources and we are unable to accommodate them all.

Warehouse Donations:

Warehouse donations are handled at the warehouse level - please consult your local warehouse for up-to-date information regarding their donations contacts and review process.

Grant Applications

If the request is under consideration, you may be contacted by staff for any additional information needed. Applications are reviewed within 4-6 weeks, and decisions are made based on several factors, including: type of program; identified community need not otherwise available; indication that evidenced based data will establish measurable results of intended outcomes; community collaboration; broad base of financial support; project budget and operating expenses.

Who We Are

The Creag Foundation is a private grant making foundation established in 2009 in Woodinville, Washington.

The founders of the Creag Foundation believe that meaningful change can only be achieved through hard work, creativity and passion. They also understand the practical mechanisms that allow charitable organizations to succeed and grow. As a group, Creag Foundation principals are dedicated to helping today’s most innovative programs improve the human condition in a wide variety of ways.

Our Focus

The broad purpose of the Foundation is to support the efforts of nonprofit organizations who are innovators in the field of human services. Our particular focus is on smaller organizations that are starting out or established organizations that are looking for funding to take their organization in a new direction.

What We Fund

/ What We Fund

The Creag Foundation is focused on innovation in the industry. We will consider proposals from 501(c)(3) organizations that are finding new ways to address societal issues facing the nonprofit community. Applicants must have held 501(c)(3) status for one year before submitting. If your organization has held 501(c)(3) status for over a year, and your believe that your organization has a new approach to an existing social problem or is addressing a previously unaddressed social issue, you are welcome to contact us and request that we consider your organization for a funding opportunity.

Community Works

NorthWestern Energy is a community within many communities. We are close to 1,600 individuals working collectively to build stronger communities in Montana, Nebraska and South Dakota through the production, generation and delivery of electricity and natural gas.

Our goal is to be a leading corporate citizen in each of the diverse communities we serve. In 2019, our Community Works Fund contributed more than $2.1 million in economic development, charitable donations and community sponsorships. We are invested fully in the community spirit that connects us in common purpose.

Grant Categories

NorthWestern Energy wants to make the communities it serves better places to live, work and prosper. That's why we're proud to donate to a wide range of worthy causes. We encourage qualified nonprofit organizations that operate within our service territory to apply for donations through our NorthWestern Energy Charitable Giving program. Our local committees review requests year-round and determine funding.

While we seek to support a wide range of community activities, donations will generally be made to those non-profit groups that have the greatest opportunity for positively affecting the communities we serve and are focused in one of the following categories:

Education:

• Education remains a primary focus of the company. Donations to education will primarily be made through university system foundations and scholarship programs. Donations will also be made in support of local colleges, and special primary and secondary education programs in the fields of science, technology, math, and youth leadership.

Health And Human Services:

• Donations will be considered for organizations serving human needs such as the United Way, youth homes and special community health and safety needs. Donations will generally not be made to national health organizations or for medical equipment or research funds.

Civic And Community:

• Donations will be considered for civic improvement, special events, and youth and senior citizen organizations.

Culture And The Arts::

• Donations will be considered for local museums, libraries, cultural centers and the performing arts.

Resource Conservation::

• Donations will be considered for requests regarding environmental preservation including habitat, fish, and wildlife protection.

Summary

The Western Montana Conservation Commission (WMCC), an attachment to the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), is seeking applications from eligible entities to serve as partners in programs that reinforce efforts to enhance water quality through the reduction of toxins from stormwater and septic leachate within Western Montana, the headwaters of the Columbia River Basin. WMCC Grant Programs will provide funds to complete projects and programs that address the elimination or reduction of stormwater and septic leachate pollution, reduce runoff, and promote citizen engagement and knowledge through education and outreach efforts. These grant programs aim to support tribal, state, and local governments, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and others in implementing the Columbia River Basin Toxics Reduction Action Plan, as well as activities under the Clean Water Act (CWA) § 123, the Columbia River Basin Restoration Act.

Residential Septic System Education and Maintenance Program Grant

Purpose

Underperforming septic systems can release pollutants into groundwater and waterbodies. Proper maintenance, inspections, and education programs can reduce potential pollutants introduced to ground and surface waters.

The Residential Septic System Education and Maintenance Program Grant has been created to incentivize residential septic system maintenance best practices while increasing knowledge on how septic systems impact water quality to create long-term behavior change). This grant is intended to provide eligible entities with the resources to develop new and support existing, residential septic system maintenance programs that include cost-shares for inspection, pumping, homeowner septic education and planning programs, and maintenance best practices for residential septic systems.

Grant recipients will develop new or expand an existing septic maintenance program. In addition to providing a maintenance cost-share, the program will engage and educate residents about toxic pollution from septic leachate and present participants with an elective Septic Stewardship pledge to reinforce a long-term behavior change commitment to toxic reduction actions. Residents will take part in a survey before and after participation in the program to assess knowledge increase and behavior change commitment.

WMCC staff will provide awardees with resources and capacity support during program development and implementation as needed and as capacity allows for. WMCC has developed a toolkit of materials that may be used by awardees to develop, advertise, and implement their program, including a pledge template and survey content for assessing participant knowledge

Grants Awarded

Grants will be awarded until total awards reach $500,000.00.

Philanthropy is our commitment to communities in which we operate and broader society. We focus our resources on a limited number of key projects that can deliver valuable benefits from our contributions and those of our partners. We give priority to innovative, high-quality projects that meet the following criteria:

• promote sustainable development
• offer an opportunity for Roche to use its expertise and logistics capabilities
• involve Roche actively at an early stage with local authorities and established partners
• engage Roche employees in cultural (focus on contemporary arts), educational and social activities
• managed by an accredited charity

Our four focus areas

Humanitarian and Social

We direct the majority of our philanthropic donations to humanitarian and social development projects.

Science and education

We are dedicated to programmes that promote scientific interest and provide educational opportunities for young people around the world.

Community and Environment

We are committed to building stronger communities and responding to natural disasters sustainably.

Arts and Culture

We support groundbreaking contemporary art, cultural projects and activities that explore the parallels between innovation in art and in science. 

Summary

The Western Montana Conservation Commission (WMCC), an attachment to the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), is seeking applications from eligible entities to serve as partners in programs that reinforce efforts to enhance water quality through the reduction of toxins from stormwater and septic leachate within Western Montana, the headwaters of the Columbia River Basin. WMCC Grant Programs will provide funds to complete projects and programs that address the elimination or reduction of stormwater and septic leachate pollution, reduce runoff, and promote citizen engagement and knowledge through education and outreach efforts. These grant programs aim to support tribal, state, and local governments, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and others in implementing the Columbia River Basin Toxics Reduction Action Plan, as well as activities under the Clean Water Act (CWA) § 123, the Columbia River Basin Restoration Act.

Septic System Replacement and Sewer Connectivity Grant

Purpose

Underperforming septic systems can release pollutants into groundwater and waterbodies. Replacing and upgrading underperforming septic systems or connecting to adjacent sewer systems can reduce potential pollutants introduced to ground and surface waters.

The Septic System Replacement and Sewer Connectivity Grant program provides funds for replacing aging and underperforming septic systems or to connect residents to local sewer districts/systems, if and where applicable. 

Grants Awarded

The number of grants awarded is dependent on the size of the projects submitted. A total of 3-10 grants will be awarded until total awards reach $237,967.00.

What is Ecosystem Thinking?

Humans are an integral part of the ecosystem, and living in consistent connection with the natural world is good and healthy. Everything is connected. The decisions we make have upstream and downstream effects.

A healthy bull elk is part of a much larger story. His existence reflects an intricate food web supported by everything from soil and water to songbirds and predators.

This is Ecosystem Thinking.

What are Ecosystem Grants?

We believe extraordinary impacts can be made not only by large organizations but also by grassroots efforts led by passionate individuals.

SITKA Ecosystem Grants fund proposed projects that improve the state and function of an ecosystem, allow for the growth of the hunting experience through access and education, and create opportunities for collaborative conservation.

Our Funding Priorities

• Nurturing Natural Systems
  • Habitat Restoration,
  • Biodiversity,
  • Conservation,
  • Working Landscapes
• Encouraging the Hunting Experience
  • Mentorship,
  • Access,
  • Education,
  • Well-Being
• Shared Stewardship
  • Prioritizing Whole Ecosystems Through Collaboration

Examples of Funded Projects

• Supporting efforts to remove fencing that prohibits or threatens ungulate migrations in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, and efforts to install wildlife friendly fencing in key migratory areas.
• Supporting research efforts to better understand mallard duck overwinter habitat use and population dynamics in the Mississippi River Flyway.
• Supporting a scholarship fund for a Montana backcountry hunting course tailored to youth and first time hunters.
• Supporting a local trail crew who, on their personal time, maintain and restore public trails.
• Supporting efforts to restore the Mississippi River Delta by planting native trees to help capture downstream transported sediment, strengthen existing freshwater ecosystems and reduce the rate at which critical habitat and land is lost due to sea level rise, increase frequency and severity of storms, saltwater encroachment and a reduction of land building downstream sediment transport.
• Supporting efforts by leading scientific groups and universities to research CWD with hopes of curbing its spread, and lobbying efforts to pass legislation that can increase CWD education, advocacy and awareness.

Funding Amount and Duration

SITKA Ecosystem Grants vary in amount depending on significance of the project, though most range between US $3,000 and $20,000. However, we do not have a cap on individual grant funding requests. Each grant request is reviewed on a case by case basis. SEG funds often serve as complimentary support, which is why we encourage applicants to seek additional, concurrent funding, and disclose supporting funds and partners within the SEG application.

Typically, SITKA Ecosystem Grants support projects for one year. However, in certain circumstances, we support grants on a multi-year basis.

We have strong partnerships with nonprofit organizations across the country that are working to advance economic mobility and social progress in low- and moderate-income communities. Our focus areas include basic needs like food and housing, workforce development and education, and community development. In addition to our philanthropic investments, we also encourage our employees to make a difference by offering robust employee giving and volunteering programs, including the opportunity to direct funds to organizations they support through volunteer efforts, and a matching gifts program that doubles their individual giving to causes they care about. Last year, we invested $350 million in the communities we serve, and employees contributed more than 1 million volunteer hours and directed $65 million through individual giving and matching gifts to support nonprofits.Through our regional U.S. sponsorships, we support the economic, social and cultural life of the places we live and work. We provide an extensive program of arts and sports sponsorships to help maintain vibrant, healthy communities.Sponsorships supporting communitiesBank of America welcomes your sponsorship proposal for opportunities that make our communities a better place to live and work. We are particularly interested in providing support to address needs vital to the health of our communities through a focus on:

• preserving neighborhoods;
• educating the workforce for 21st century jobs;
• addressing critical needs such as hunger and emergency shelter;
• arts and culture;
• the environment; and
• diversity and inclusion programs.

Grants are made at the Foundation’s discretion based on our current funding strategies focused on housing, jobs and hunger. 

Our Mission

The Tony Robbins Foundation is a nonprofit organization created to empower individuals and organizations to make a significant difference in the quality of life of people often forgotten.

We’re dedicated to creating positive changes in the lives of youth, seniors, the hungry, homeless and the imprisoned population, all who need a boost envisioning a happier and deeply satisfying way of life. Our passionate staff, generous donors and caring group of international volunteers provide the vision, inspiration, and resources needed to empower these important members of our society.

Grants

Dedicated to meeting challenges within the global community, creating solutions and taking action, The Tony Robbins Foundation provides monetary donations to various organizations around the world. Funding requests are evaluated on an ongoing basis. We look for organizations that align with our mission to empower individuals and organizations to make a significant difference in the quality of life of those often forgotten.

Wells Fargo and the Wells Fargo Foundation collaborate with a wide range of nonprofit organizations that align with our strategic funding priorities. We prioritize our funding to activities and programs that have a broad reach and support the needs of underserved communities. We aspire to have a positive impact on the communities we serve by using our financial and volunteer resources and business expertise in collaboration with community organizations to help solve complex societal problems.

• Financial health
• Housing affordability
• Small business growth
• Sustainability

We may also support other local needs in eligible communities such as disaster relief, arts and culture, civic engagement, education, human and social services, and workforce development. However, opportunities are limited as our intent is to direct the majority of our giving within our major focus areas.

The Montana Noxious Weed Trust Fund (NWTF) Grant Program was established by the 1985 Montana Legislature to provide funding for the development and implementation of weed management programs. Grant awards of up to $75,000 are available for noxious weed research projects, state and community education/development projects, and local cooperative - landowner cost share grants. 

Specific Project Types

Local Cooperative Projects (New and Continuing)

Local Cooperative projects involve on the ground treatment of noxious weeds and require the participation of a minimum of three adjacent landowners. Participating landowners will develop a cooperative weed management area, map noxious weeds in the project area, develop long term weed control plans and must have a committed dollar amount for treatment prior to application submission.

Local Cooperative projects are required to have a minimum of 50% hard match for commercial application, herbicide, and revegetation costs.

Administrative costs are available for Local Cooperative project coordinators that have not received a Special County/Reservation Grant.

Local Cooperative projects should:

• support the State Weed Management Plan and meet Cooperative Weed Management Area (CWMA) criteria,
• adhere closely to herbicide costs listed in the State Term Contract for Agricultural Chemicals,
• have measurable objectives that describe how renewable resources will be enhanced,
• utilize appropriate integrated management techniques,
• provide a time schedule for beginning and completing all phases of the project,
• incorporate an annual monitoring plan to effectively track progress, and
• provide educational opportunities for land managers. 

New Local Cooperative projects require completion of an environmental assessment (EA) for the project area. EA requirements under the Noxious Weed Trust Fund Final Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (May 2010) include:

• General Vegetation.
• Soils (includes soil maps).
• Ground and Surface Water (includes project maps and well locations).
• Air quality.
• Habitat of fish & wildlife.
• Threatened, endangered and species of concern (includes list of animals from MNHP or FWP).
• Historical and archeological sites (includes a letter from the Montana Historical Society).

Research Projects

Research projects may include chemical, non-chemical, biological, and integrated approaches to weed control. Creative proposals for investigating new weed management techniques are encouraged. Matching funds are not required and any in-kind match or forgone indirect costs can be noted in the application.

Research projects should:

• Support the State Weed Management Plan.
• Be developed in cooperation with land managers to address land management needs.
• Increase knowledge of noxious weeds and/or improve an important aspect of noxious weed management.
• Enhance a new or existing method of weed management.
• Provide the foundation for a positive long term effect on threatened natural resources.
• Contain specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and timely project objectives.
• Explain the purpose of the research, what research has been done in the past, and what improvement and/or increased knowledge the project will produce.
• Effectively disseminate project results to end users.
• Provide a time schedule for beginning and completing all phases of the project.

Applicants are encouraged to contact the State Biological Control Coordinator to discuss and collaborate on biological control components of the project.

Education/Development Projects

Education/Development projects include mapping, monitoring, planning, and education. Matching funds are not required and any in-kind match or forgone indirect costs can be noted in the application.

Education/Development projects should:

• Support the State Weed Management Plan.
• Build partnerships and include collaborative resources from weed management resources.
• Promote public awareness about noxious weed impacts and illustrate opportunities for action.
• Be based on sound ecological principles.
• Include a detailed action plan of how the project will be completed.
• Contain specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and timely project objectives.
• Specify how project success will be monitored and measured, including long-term evaluation.
• Provide a time schedule for beginning and completing all phases of the project.

Applicants are encouraged to contact the State Education Coordinator to discuss and collaborate on educational components of the project.

The Foundation embraces the protection of biodiversity as its overarching priority.

Frank Weeden, the Foundation’s founder and original benefactor, established the Weeden Foundation to address the impact of growing human populations and overuse of natural resources on the biological fabric of the planet. Since his death in 1984, the Foundation has helped preserve more than 6 million acres of biologically important habitat worldwide and provided financing for the first debt-for-nature swap in Bolivia in 1992, a strategy that is now widely used by international conservation organizations. Program efforts have supported projects in environmentally sensitive regions of the western United States, Alaska, Russia, Bolivia, Chile, Peru, Columbia, Ecuador, Belize, Namibia, Mexico, and various Caribbean nations.

Focus Areas

On a more general scale the Foundation supports the following focus areas.

Bird Conservation

Our goal in the Bird Conservation program area is to conserve wild birds and their habitats throughout the Americas. In particular we seek to fund grantees that work to prevent bird species extinctions and to prevent declining populations of bird species from becoming endangered. We specifically focus on protecting and restoring public and private bird habitat and we assist in acquiring land for threatened bird species. Finally we support protection of bird migration corridors in North and South America.

Systemic Support program at the U.S. national policy level for wildlife corridors, the Endangered Species Act, and additional wilderness designation.

Our goal in Systemic Support is to improve the effectiveness of environmental efforts through specialized services. Specific objectives include:

• support the Endangered Species Act through litigation, lobbying, grassroots campaigns and public education generally,
• promote organizations providing support for groups engaged in wilderness protection, land conservation, endangered species protection, wildlife corridor issues, and management of public lands, an
• improve federal and state support for environmentally sustainable practices, wilderness designations, and wildlife corridors. 

Global Biodiversity

Our goal in Global Biodiversity is to support campaigns and/or groups in biodiversity hotspots. Specific objectives are to

• protect global temperate rainforests,
• support creation of wildlife corridors,
• land acquisition and protection for endangered species and,
• support projects that involve indigenous peoples in the process and stewardship of conservation projects.

Environmental Education

The Foundation’s Environment Education program area focuses on supporting grantees that will provide future leaders with the tools to effect environmental policies. These policies complement the other grantees of the Foundation including biodiversity and habitat protection. Sustainable environmental policies must include both immediate actions as well as education to anticipate and to prevent future environmental impact.

Marine Wildlife Conservation

The Marine Wildlife Conservation Program Area focuses on helping to protect endangered marine species in the Americas through research, advocacy, policy change, and habitat conservation.

To address the adverse impact of economic and human population growth on biodiversity, the Foundation’s grantmaking includes both Consumption and Population programs.

The Foundation’s Sustainable Consumption program currently focuses on promoting greater use of environmental paper. Grantmaking in this area aims to broaden the market for environmental papers and packaging through markets campaigns, shareholder activism, consumer-targeted education, and dialogue with the corporate sector. This year we have expanded our packaging program to include efforts to reduce plastics in the waste stream, through strategies such as eliminating single use plastic disposables by promoting reusable packaging for grocery stores, take-out, and delivery.

The Foundation’s International Population program area is focused on reducing population growth rates in countries recognized for their rich biodiverse landscapes and that have a total fertility rate exceeding replacement levels. To achieve this goal, the Foundation funds groups that facilitate initiatives related to family planning, women’s education and women’s empowerment in countries with such rich and recognized biodiversity. The Foundation also supports advocacy efforts addressing global population growth in the context of environmental sustainability.

Idaho and Montana Grant Program

The Steele-Reese Foundation is a charitable trust committed to supporting rural communities and the tax-exempt entities that serve them in Idaho, Montana, in the Native nations that share the geography, and in Appalachian Kentucky. Since its inception, the Foundation has maintained a focus on the unique challenges of rural living and on helping people build healthy, successful, and sustainable communities.

We support Rural Education, Rural Human/Social Services, Rural Conservation and Preservation, Rural Health, and Rural Arts and Humanities projects. Applications from organizations operating outside of the Foundation's regional or programming areas are not eligible for funding. Please check back periodically for the latest updates about the Foundation's priorities and application policies.

Idaho and Montana Grant Program

In its Idaho and Montana Grant Program, The Steele-Reese Foundation makes grants only to federally tax-exempt entities for work in rural Idaho and Montana communities, and in Native nations with whom we share this geography. 

Program Areas

Rural Education

In both the Appalachian Kentucky and Idaho and Montana Grant Programs, the Foundation focuses on early childhood to Grade 12 education programming. Examples include funding for supplemental programs in early childhood education settings; elementary, middle, and high school programs that improve outcomes for students; support of literacy programs and out-of-school-time services; and charter schools and other model school programs that provide quality educational options for students and families. We also provide assistance to small public libraries. The Foundation does not accept applications to directly fund higher education, though we will consider early childhood to Grade 12 programs operated by colleges or universities or state or local education districts.

The Foundation considers education projects that demonstrate a comprehensive level of engagement with participants that result in clear and measurable outcomes. We are not able to fund those projects with single or limited interactions with students or those whose primary outcome is to raise awareness or introduce a concept. We are unable to support summer camps.

The Foundation also supports a small college scholarship program only for graduates of high schools in Lemhi and Custer Counties, Idaho.

Rural Human/Social Services 

In the Idaho and Montana Grant Program, the Foundation considers programs in support of low-income and under-represented populations, including elders, homeless individuals, people living with disabilities, young children, disadvantaged or disconnected older youth, young people or adults involved in the criminal justice system, and survivors of abuse or domestic violence. Programming within this area also includes support to local libraries, fire-protection services, and local food banks.

Rural Conservation and Preservation 

In the Idaho and Montana Grant Program, the Foundation considers land, water, and wildlife conservation; historic preservation and restoration projects; and ecosystem protection programs. All conservation or environmental programs must be locally focused on rural communities or landscapes.

National organizations are eligible for support only if all Steele-Reese Foundation funds will be employed directly in projects located in the geographical areas served by the Foundation and if the coordinating entity can demonstrate substantial connections to the people and organizations in these areas.

Rural Health 

In the Idaho and Montana Grant Program, the Foundation considers services in preventive health programs; medical clinics; small hospitals; EMS and ambulance units; family-planning programs, and hospices. The Foundation is not able to support major equipment purchases for rural medical facilities.

Rural Arts and Humanities 

In the Idaho and Montana Grant Program, the Foundation considers local arts programs, and the broader support of creative arts activities and efforts to maintain the rich histories of the Foundation’s funding geographies. 

Capital Improvements and Campaigns

In all program areas, the Foundation makes a limited number of grants for capital improvements, fixtures, and remodeling, retrofitting, and building new structures. In projects involving the building of a new facility or other large-scale capital endeavors, we typically make these grants only during the closing phases when a substantial portion of the required funds are already in hand. 

Funding

The minimum grant awarded by the Foundation is $5,000. We rarely make grants of up to $50,000 for a single year or make multi-year grants.

The Seeley Lake Community Foundation helps local groups fund important community projects. In this capacity, the SLCF strives to be a community resource and catalyst for innovative approaches to improving the quality of life in Seeley Lake, MT.

Areas of Interest

Education

• Projects and efforts that seek to close the achievement gap among students.
• Projects that foster creativity and experiential learning in the classroom.
• Projects that promote literacy and life-long learning.
• Collaborative projects with other teachers, non-profit organizations (such as museums, libraries, theater companies, human service agencies, etc.) and business-education entities. 

Arts & Culture

• Projects that broaden, deepen, and diversify the public’s awareness of and engagement in local arts and cultural activities. 
• Projects that increase the creation and performance of art forms that reflect the diversity and cultural history of our community. 
• Projects that offer children and youth experiences in the arts.
• Projects that seek to increase the venues for art exhibition and performances.
• Collaborative projects with other non-profit organizations, government agencies, and business entities. 

Community Development

• Projects that help strengthen our economy and build financial stability for our community.
• Projects that work to unify and build community support and capacity to improve the quality of life for all members of the community. 
• Projects that create or retain jobs in our community.
• Projects that support affordable housing initiatives in the community.
• Projects that promote and recognize citizen volunteerism. 
• Projects that promote the physical development of a town center and hub for activities.
• Collaborative projects with other non-profit organizations, government agencies, and business entities.

Natural Resources & Conservation

• Projects that promote positive stewardship of our timber, water and other natural resources.
• Projects that recognize and protect the unique ecological setting of the Seeley Lake region.
• Projects that provide opportunities in environmental education and conservation.
• Projects that promote open space and greater recreational opportunities.
• Collaborative projects with other non-profit organizations or government agencies to ensure sustainability of the regions natural resources. 

Basic Human Needs

• Projects that help low-income and disadvantaged children and adults meet basic needs for food, clothing, and emergency and permanent housing. 
• Projects that address family violence.
• Projects that expand opportunities for persons with disabilities
• Projects that initiate or strengthen services for recovery from illness or substance abuse.
• Collaborative projects with other non-profit organizations (such as community medical services, hospitals, government agencies, human service agencies, etc.) to provide dependable, basic services to community members. 

The Seeley Lake Community Foundation will consider requests for special projects, ongoing programs, and one-time capital projects. 

What generally has a better chance of being funded:

• Proposals with broad community impact, or that touch more than one of our 5 focus areas,
• Projects that will use these grant dollars to leverage other sources of funding
• Community partnerships 

Definition and Purpose

The Cinnabar Foundation supports organizations that effectively conserve, preserve and restore the natural environment in Montana and the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.

Program/Project Grants provide funding that enables an organization to carry out a specific project, program or campaign. 

Priority for Program/Project Grants will be given to projects that align with the Cinnabar Foundation's priorities and advance the Foundation's strategic vision and conservation goals. 

Conservation Program Areas

The Cinnabar Foundation has adopted four key program areas that align with its Strategic Framework, each with specific focus areas designed to drive impact and further the Foundation's mission. Conservation program areas and focuses are described below.

Please note that in 2025, the Cinnabar Foundation Board of Directors has adopted a new policy regarding educational programs. Cinnabar has de-emphasized funding K-12 education and community-based ecology and conservation programs that are not embedded in the applying organization’s broader conservation work.

• For example, if an organization is strictly a K-12 or community-based ecology or conservation program without a broader conservation work, Cinnabar will likely not fund that organization in 2025. However, if education is one element of the organization’s broader conservation strategy (and that strategy aligns with Cinnabar’s mission), that organization will be considered. 

2025 Program Areas

• Build an informed constituency to inspire conservation actions that advocate to preserve and restore our natural heritage as we adapt to change
• Support the advancement of climate strategies and solutions 
• Support stewardship practices that enhance ecosystem health 
• Prevent or mitigate irresponsible natural resource extraction 
• Nurture the next generation of conservation leaders and stewards 

• Protect wildlife habitat and migration corridors
• Conserve strategic open space and agricultural lands that protect habitat and migration corridors

• Advocate, preserve and protect our public lands and public access
• Support citizen science and field work restoration programs

• Protect, restore and advocate on behalf of clean air, water and fisheries
• Support citizen science and field work restoration programs

Applications will be accepted in any of these four program areas as long as they are focused on one or more of the bulleted criteria.

2025 Funding Priorities 

​Cinnabar has four funding priorities which are hierarchically described below.

• Build an informed constituency to inspire conservation actions that advocate to preserve, protect and restore clean air, water, lands and public access, wildlife, fisheries, and wildlands in Montana and the GYE
• Expand knowledge through scientific research and data collecting to find and implement solutions to environmental and conservation challenges (includes citizen science)
• Conserve strategic open space and agricultural lands that protect wildlife habitat and migration corridors
• Protect public lands and advance critical wilderness projects

Funding Amount

Applicants seeking Program/Project support are advised that grant amounts will not exceed 50% of the total project budget, or $15,000, whichever is less. Cinnabar rarely funds more than 25% of total program/project expenses.

 Montana Department of Agriculture 

The Montana Department of Agriculture (MDA) operates more than 30 programs, many funded entirely through user fees. These include regulatory programs that protect producers, consumers and the environment, as well as development and marketing programs to foster growth in Montana agriculture. The Director's Office also serves as an advocate for Montana agriculture in national and international forums and works to make the department's programs accessible to the public.

Specialty Crop Block Grant Program

Through the Specialty Crop Block Grant (SCBG) Program, Montana Department of Agriculture (MDA) seeks to enhance the marketability and competitiveness of Montana specialty crops. Grants are available to State and/or local organizations, government entities, producer associations, academia, community based organizations, and other specialty crop stakeholders are eligible to apply either as single entities or in combined efforts. Specialty crops are defined as fruits and vegetables, peas, lentils, horticulture, and nursery crops.

Applicants are encouraged to develop projects in the following issue areas affecting the specialty crop industry:

• enhancing food safety;
• improving the capacity of all entities in the specialty crop distribution chain to comply with the requirements of the Food Safety Modernization Act, for example, by developing “Good Agricultural Practices,” “Good Handling Practices,” “Good Manufacturing Practices,” and in cost-share arrangements for funding audits of such systems for small farmers, packers and processors;
• investing in specialty crop research, including research to focus on conservation and environmental outcomes;
• developing new and improved seed varieties and specialty crops;
• pest and disease control;
• increasing child and adult nutrition knowledge and consumption of specialty crops;
• improving efficiency and reducing costs of distribution systems and;
• sustainability.

Our Mission

Our mission is to continue and further the philanthropic legacy of Gardner Cowles, Jr. and the Cowles family, which includes promotion of education, social justice, health, and the arts.

The Founder

The Cowles Charitable Trust was first established in 1948 by Gardner “Mike” Cowles, Jr. (1903-1985). Born into the Cowles publishing family of Des Moines, Iowa, Mike was the youngest of Gardner Cowles and Florence Call Cowles’ six children. A newspaper editor and publisher by trade, he was committed to his family’s traditions of responsible, public-spirited, and innovative journalism as well as philanthropy. 

The Cowles Charitable Trust supports the arts, education, the advancement of ethical journalism, medical and climate research.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Montana Department of Agriculture (MDA) is to protect producers and consumers, and to enhance and develop agriculture and allied industries. 

 Specialty Crop Block Grant

The Montana Department of Agriculture is pleased to present the Specialty Crop Block Grant (SCBG). The purpose of this program is to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops in Montana. For purposes of the program, specialty crops are defined as fruits, vegetables, peas and lentils, dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery crops (including floriculture).

Program Purpose

The purpose of this program is to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops in Montana pertaining to the following issues affecting the specialty crop industry:

• enhancing food safety;
• improving the capacity of all entities in the specialty crop distribution chain to comply with the requirements of the Food Safety Modernization Act,
  • for example, by developing “Good Agricultural Practices,” “Good Handling Practices,” “Good Manufacturing Practices,” and in cost-share arrangements for funding audits of such systems for small farmers, packers and processors;
• investing in specialty crop research, including research to focus on conservation and environmental outcomes;
• developing new and improved seed varieties and specialty crops;
• pest and disease control;
• increasing child and adult nutrition knowledge and consumption of specialty crops;
• improving efficiency and reducing costs of distribution systems and;
• sustainability.

For purposes of the program, specialty crops are defined as fruits, vegetables, peas and lentils, dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery crops (including floriculture).

How and Why Giving Back to Communities is Important to O’Reilly

From O’Reilly Auto Parts’ inception, O’Reilly co-founder C.H. “Chub” O’Reilly instilled the culture of maintaining high standards for every endeavor, including the area of building civic pride. With Chub’s good example to guide them, all four of his children adopted a business and family philosophy of “giving back” to the community as the Company grew and prospered. Supporting a large number of charitable organizations in all communities in which we operate has long been a focal point for O’Reilly Auto Parts. In order to make an even greater impact, the O’Reilly Automotive Foundation was established in 2020.

O’Reilly Automotive Foundation, Inc.

Impact

The O’Reilly Automotive Foundation complements O’Reilly Auto Parts’ role as the Friendliest Parts Store in Town. The Foundation serves as an additional conduit to connect with, support, and strengthen the communities in which O’Reilly Auto Parts’ team members and customers live and work. The Foundation continues the philanthropic legacy of the O’Reilly family as dependable community partners, seeking to support critical services in times of need to build stronger communities.

Mission

The O’Reilly Automotive Foundation strives to have a lasting, positive impact in the communities where O’Reilly Auto Parts’ team members and customers live and work by supporting organizations and programs which address issues critical to improving the quality of life for underserved and underrepresented individuals and families. In particular, the Foundation will concentrate its giving in support of organizations and programs addressing economic stability and mobility, workforce development, health and social services, and disaster relief.

Economic Stability and Mobility

Advocating for and endowing programs which provide assistance with issues including hunger, homelessness, and poverty for the economic betterment of the communities in which we operate.

Workforce Development

Promoting programs which aid in workforce readiness, technical training, and literacy, including children’s literacy, to ensure the continuance of an educated society and a capable, innovative workforce.

Health and Social Services

Championing and prioritizing matters of health, including mental and behavioral health, access to basic needs such as medical and dental care for underprivileged communities, and providing funding for organizations focused on childhood development and children’s advocacy as well as care and support for victims of domestic violence.

Disaster Relief

Providing funding and visibility to organizations specializing in providing relief from natural disasters and state of emergency, including providing temporary shelter, food, water, and hygiene or sanitation products to those affected and aiding in cleanup efforts.

Application Requirements

We will consider three principal types of grants:

Project Support Grants support specific projects or programs aligned with our mission. These requests may include some funds earmarked for the overhead costs associated with running a project.

General Operating Support Grants provide limited general operating support for the core operations or organizations whose missions and activities are aligned with our mission. These grants will often help the grantee build organizational, programmatic, and fundraising capacity. Operating support is not intended to help organizations in fiscal crisis. Applicants must have a current strategic or business plan that clearly outlines the organization’s goals and presents a plan for achieving results. Operating support grants must not exceed 15% of an organization’s total agency budget.

Capital Support Grants provide limited support for capital campaigns to fund the acquisition and construction of facilities, existing property renovation, or the purchase of major equipment. The program has a comprehensive approach to funding capital initiatives, which also includes funding for increased program capacity. A feasibility study may be required for capital initiatives to be considered.

In 1998, the Jerry Metcalf Foundation inaugurated its annual award program. Each spring, the Foundation awards between $25,000 to $50,000 to selected individuals and organizations. Most grants that have been awarded in our 25-year history have fallen between $1,000 and $5,000.

The Foundation invites applications for the following purposes: 

• specific projects
• buildings
• assets and endowments
• operation and administration costs
• matching funds

The Foundation supports projects in these areas:

• the visual, performing, and literary arts
• historical research and preservation
• environmental research and conservation
• education and community health

Community Ties Giving Program

As part of the Community Ties Giving Program, Local Grants help us achieve our mission by providing small and medium-sized grants within our priority cause areas to local organizations spread widely across Union Pacific's footprint.

Funding Priorities & Objectives

Throughout its existence, the success of Union Pacific's business has been inextricably linked to the economic and community wellbeing of cities and towns across the nation. We take pride in the role we have played in helping communities thrive and believe the impact we can have on local communities is greatest when it is authentic to our history and reflective of the diverse company we are today.

As such, we have carefully aligned our Local Grants cause areas to our company's unique heritage, strengths, and assets. Specifically, we prioritize funding for direct services and efforts that build the capacity of organizations focused on the following causes within our local operating communities. Within each focus area, we aim to support programs and organizations working to advance the diversity, equity and inclusion of underrepresented populations within the local context and issue areas addressed. Find more information about our commitment to DEI in our FAQs.

Safety

In order for communities to thrive, all residents must feel safe. Just as the safety of our employees and community members is paramount to how we operate, Union Pacific is committed to helping communities prevent and prepare for incidents and emergencies, and helping residents get home safely at the end of each day. As such, we prioritize funding for projects and programs that seek to: 

• Encourage safe behaviors and prevent incidents through education and awareness, particularly projects which focus on rail, driver, bike, and pedestrian safety, and ensure outreach efforts reach underserved populations.
• Eliminate risks and improve safe and equitable access to community spaces through infrastructure improvements, such as signage, proper lighting, and public trail improvements.
• Prepare and equip residents and emergency responders* to effectively respond to incidents and emergencies if or when they occur.
  • *Union Pacific supports publicly funded emergency responders through a variety of corporate programs; only independent nonprofit, 501(c)(3) emergency response organizations, such as volunteer departments, are eligible for funding through this grant program
• Prevent crime and violent incidents and support survivors of domestic violence through efforts that address the root causes of these issues and seek to mitigate their occurrence.
• Build the capacity of safety-focused organizations to integrate practices that improve upon the diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts of the organization. This can take the form of internal capacity building or the creation/expansion of culturally relevant programming and services that seek to impact a broad and diverse audience. 

Workforce Development

For more than 160 years, Union Pacific has helped stimulate economic growth in cities and towns throughout the nation by training and providing employment to millions of workers. More than ever, we are committed to helping underrepresented residents in our communities achieve family-supporting careers like those offered by Union Pacific. As such, we prioritize funding for programs that seek to:

• Put youth on the right track by creating awareness of and pathways toward employment opportunities; building foundational skills, especially in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM); establishing necessary technical skills and life skills; and providing mentorship and positive role models for the future.
• Raise awareness of, educate and prepare young adults for middle skills jobs like those Union Pacific offers, for instance through community colleges, vocational and career training programs, workforce readiness initiatives, and programs that assist with job placement and/or on-the-job experience.
  • Programs that develop proficiency in areas relevant to Union Pacific operations such as welding, electrical work, machine operations, and civil and electrical engineering are given priority.
• "Up-skill" the existing workforce by providing training and resources that enable them to reach the next level of their career.
  • Programs that develop proficiency in areas of relevance to Union Pacific operations are given priority.
• Resolve barriers to employment such as transportation, childcare, acquiring necessary equipment for work, and second chance employment programs.
• Build the capacity of workforce development-focused organizations to integrate practices that improve upon the diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts of the organization. This can take the form of internal capacity building or the creation/expansion of culturally relevant programming and services that seek to impact a broad and diverse audience. 

Community Vitality

Union Pacific Railroad is committed to establishing vibrant, healthy and inclusive communities for employees, customers and residents to work, visit and call home. Just as the railroad opened avenues for economic development and opportunity more than 160 years ago, we maintain this tradition by cultivating unique cultural and recreational experiences and equipping community members with opportunities to live healthy, vital lives. As such, we prioritize funding for projects and programs that seek to:

• Create, sustain or expand artistic and cultural experiences offered to a broad and diverse audience (e.g., museums, theaters, zoos, cultural and local heritage, visual and performing arts, etc.)
• Provide recreational opportunities that foster wellbeing, enrichment and/or an appreciation for our natural environment (e.g., parks, libraries, senior centers, recreation centers, learning centers, etc.).
• Revive neighborhoods and main street areas, especially in historically underinvested neighborhoods, to improve livability, promote commerce and attract more residents, businesses and visitors to town.
• Ensure residents’ basic needs are met and barriers are overcome (e.g., safe shelter and homelessness prevention, hunger relief, mental health and community health needs, etc.).
• Offer youth development and educational opportunities to ensure young people can thrive into healthy and productive community members (e.g., mentoring, leadership development, tutoring, services for youth in foster care, etc.).
• Build the capacity of community vitality-focused organizations to integrate practices that improve upon the diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts of the organization. This can take the form of internal capacity building or the creation/expansion of culturally relevant programming and services that seek to impact a broad and diverse audience. 

Environmental Sustainability

The future of our business, communities and planet depends on bold, collective action to reduce and slow the impacts of climate change while building a more sustainable economy for the next generation. Union Pacific is taking deliberate steps to reduce our environmental impact and helping our partners improve their own. Extending this commitment to our community investments, we seek to support leading environmental nonprofits and community-based organizations to advance the health of our environment. As such, we prioritize funding for projects and programs that seek to:

• Preserve and restore nature, including programs focused on natural habitats, ecosystems, and biodiversity.
• Protect and enhance water, soil and air quality through innovative and proactive solutions such as water conservation, carbon sequestration and emission reduction programs.
• Reduce waste through initiatives focused on promoting recycling and circularity throughout the community, including recycling and composting programs and other efforts that reduce waste.
• Develop environmental stewards through youth programs focused on fostering environmental appreciation, responsibility, and leadership.
• Advance a sustainable economy by helping communities accelerate their transition to environmental jobs and renewable energy, as well as helping nonprofits and small businesses build their own capacity to operate more sustainably.
• Promote environmental justice through initiatives that ensure access to clean air, water, and land and protect underserved populations from disproportionate and adverse environmental effects.
• Build the capacity of sustainability-focused organizations to integrate practices that improve upon the diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts of the organization. This can take the form of internal capacity building or the creation/expansion of culturally relevant programming and services that seek to impact a broad and diverse audience.

Background

The Maki Foundation, established in 1981, is concerned with environmental protection in the western United States. The Foundation awards grants to organizations and projects where modest support can make a significant contribution. Most awards range from $1,000 to $5,000. Because of its small size, the Foundation rarely funds groups with annual budgets over $1 million.

At this time, the Foundation's priorities are as follows:

• wilderness and wildlands protection
• river and wetlands conservation
• biological diversity conservation
• public lands management

The Lawrence Foundation is a private family foundation focused on making grants to support environmental, human services and other causes.

The Lawrence Foundation was established in mid-2000. We make both program and operating grants and do not have any geographical restrictions on our grants. Nonprofit organizations that qualify for public charity status under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code or other similar organizations are eligible for grants from The Lawrence Foundation.  

Grant Amount and Types

Grants typically range between $5,000 - $10,000. In some limited cases we may make larger grants, but that is typically after we have gotten to know your organization over a period of time. We also generally don’t make multi-year grants, although we may fund the same organization on a year by year basis over a period of years.

General operating or program/project grant requests within our areas of interests are accepted. In general, regardless of whether a grant request is for general operating or program/project expenses, all of our grants will be issued as unrestricted grants.

Our Mission

The Hansen Family Foundation provides opportunities to domestic, international, secular, and non-secular organizations that support the American way of life, which is defined by the principles of “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” 

Causes

Children

The Hansen Family Foundation supports causes dedicated to helping children both home as well as abroad. Learn More

Education

The Hansen Family Foundation believes that a decent education should be made available to everyone, young or old, the world over. Learn More

Animals

The Hansen Family Foundation believes in helping those who cannot speak on their own behalf. Learn More

Environmental

The Hansen Family Foundation is dedicated to preserving the world we all share. Learn More

Humanitarian

The Hansen Family Foundation views the plight of our fellow man as an opportunity to actively engage and effect change. Learn More

Arts & Culture

The Hansen Family Foundation supports all forms of artistic and cultural endeavors. Learn More

Conservation Stewardship Program

The Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) helps you build on your existing conservation efforts while strengthening your operation.

Whether you are looking to improve grazing conditions, increase crop resiliency, or develop wildlife habitat, we can custom design a CSP plan to help you meet those goals. We can help you identify natural resource problems in your operation and provide technical and financial assistance to solve those problems or attain higher stewardship levels in an environmentally beneficial and cost-effective manner.

How It Works

If you are already taking steps to improve the condition of the land, chances are, CSP can help you find new ways to meet your goals.

NRCS works one-on-one with producers to develop a conservation plan that outlines and enhances existing efforts, using new conservation practices or activities, based on management objectives for your operation. Producers implement practices and activities in their conservation plan that expands on the benefits of cleaner water and air, healthier soil and better wildlife habitat, all while improving their agricultural operations.

For example, if you have been planting a cover crop, you may decide to try an enhancement for a multi species cover crop or implement a deep-rooted cover crop to break up soil compaction and further improve the health of your soil.

CSP offers annual payments for implementing these practices on your land and operating and maintaining existing conservation efforts. Want to take it a step further? CSP also offers bundles where you can select a suite of enhancements and receive a higher payment rate.

Benefits

CSP is for working lands and is the largest conservation program in the United States. Thousands of people voluntarily enroll in the program because it helps them enhance natural resources and improve their business operation.

CSP participants are seeing real results.  Some of these benefits include:

• Enhanced resiliency to weather and market volatility
• Decreased need for agricultural inputs
• Improved wildlife habitat conditions

CSP Contracts

The program represents a genuine commitment to conservation – CSP contracts are for five years, with the opportunity to compete for a contract renewal if you successfully fulfill the initial contract and agree to achieve additional conservation objectives. An NRCS conservation planner will work closely with you, throughout the entire contract process.

Contract payments are based on two components:

• Payments to maintain the existing level of conservation, based on the land uses included in the contract and an NRCS assessment of existing stewardship at the time of enrollment, and
• Payments to implement additional conservation activities.

Most participants will be eligible for a $4000 minimum payment during any year that their total annual contract payment falls below the minimum payment amount.

Montana Priority Resource Concerns

• Degraded Plant Condition
• Field Sediment, Nutrient and Pathogen Loss
• Fire Management
• Livestock Production Limitations
• Pest Pressure
• Soil Quality Limitations
• Terrestrial Habitat (Fish and Wildlife – Inadequate Habitat)
• Wind and Water Erosion

Overview

The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) is NRCS’ flagship conservation program that helps farmers, ranchers and forest landowners integrate conservation into working lands.

Through EQIP, NRCS provides agricultural producers and non-industrial forest managers with financial resources and one-on-one help to plan and implement improvements, or what NRCS calls conservation practices.  Using these practices can lead to cleaner water and air, healthier soil and better wildlife habitat, all while improving agricultural operations.

In Montana, NRCS uses a “Focused Conservation” strategy to guide its EQIP investments. Learn more about Montana Focused Conservation.

Targeted Implementation Plans (TIPs)

Targeted Implementation Plans are local-level EQIP initiatives used by NRCS in Montana to guide on-the ground implementation of locally developed Long Range County Plans. See what's available in your county.

EQIP Initiatives Offered in Montana

Targeted EQIP financial assistance is available through general EQIP and several other initiatives. These initiatives address priority natural resource concerns on the most vulnerable lands, target conservation assistance in high priority watersheds, or help stimulate the development and adoption of innovation and technology.

The following initiatives are currently offered in Montana:

• Conservation Incentive Contracts
• Community Agriculture Initiative
• Joint Chiefs’ Landscape Restoration Partnership Projects
  • Connecting Fuels Treatments in the Salish Mountains and Whitefish Range
  • Fire Adapted Bitterroot Project
  • Gallatin Valley Forest Resiliency and Watershed Health Project
  • Libby Surround Stewardship Project
• National Water Quality Initiative Projects
  • Camp and Godfrey Creeks
  • Shields River
• On-Farm Energy Initiative
• Organic Initiative
• Regional Conservation Partnership Program Projects
  • Big Game Habitat Improvement Project
  • Northern Great Plains Grassland Conservation Project
  • Flint Creek Valley Conservation Partnership Project
  • Bitterroot Conservation Connectivity Project
• Sage Grouse Initiative

Montana Priority Resource Concerns

• Degraded Plant Condition
• Field Sediment, Nutrient and Pathogen Loss
• Fire Management
• Livestock Production Limitations
• Pest Pressure
• Soil Quality Limitations
• Terrestrial Habitat (Fish and Wildlife – Inadequate Habitat)
• Wind and Water Erosion