Best Grants for Native Americans in Montana

Montana Department of Commerce

The Department of Commerce effectively and efficiently delivers programs and resources through technical assistance, funding/investments, training/consulting, promotion, research, reporting and outreach to provide affordable housing and create sustainable business and economic growth to enhance community vitality to benefit the citizens of Montana. The vision of Commerce is to be the recognized leader in realizing Montana’s full potential by efficiently growing sustainable economies and vibrant communities.

Indian Equity Fund Small Business Grant

The Indian Country Economic Development Program, created by the 59th Montana State Legislature, is a State-funded program administered by the Montana Department of Commerce. Various programs are funded under the ICED Program, including: (i) the Tribal Business Development Grant; (ii) the Tribal Tourism Grant; (iii) the Indian Equity Fund Small Business Grant; and (iv) the Native American Business Advisors. These programs allow the Office of Indian Country Economic Development at Commerce to continue to articulate measurable successes of the program to tribal communities, the executive branch, and elected leadership. 

The Indian Equity Fund Small Business Grant assists startup or expanding Native American businesses in Montana. This money can be used for a variety of activities, such as the purchase of new equipment or the development of a new product line. A total of $320,000 is available to fund Native American businesses in Montana. The funds are available to enrolled members of the eight federally recognized tribes in Montana. All applications must include documentation of tribal enrollment in the form of a Certified Indian Blood Form or Tribal ID. An application will be considered incomplete without this information.

Montana Department of Commerce

The Department of Commerce effectively and efficiently delivers programs and resources through technical assistance, funding/investments, training/consulting, promotion, research, reporting and outreach to provide affordable housing and create sustainable business and economic growth to enhance community vitality to benefit the citizens of Montana. The vision of Commerce is to be the recognized leader in realizing Montana’s full potential by efficiently growing sustainable economies and vibrant communities.

Tribal Tourism Grant

The Tribal Tourism Grant is a competitive grant opportunity to connect participating tribes of Montana with the resources necessary to advance one or more self-identified tourism priorities. Approximately $150,000 is available to fund projects defined as Eligible Tribal Tourism Projects on an annual basis. Tribal Tourism Grant's goals are to elevate brand recognition through: Publications, Marketing, Content creation and advertising, and Feature Montana’s native talent in national and international campaigns. Another goal is to expand Montana’s tribal tourism industry into measurable economic benefits for tribal nations and inspire visitation through: Identifying assets and resources, Investment and partnership opportunities; Targeted sponsorships and grants; and Promotion of experiences, events, historical locations and businesses.

Montana Department of Commerce

The Department of Commerce effectively and efficiently delivers programs and resources through technical assistance, funding/investments, training/consulting, promotion, research, reporting and outreach to provide affordable housing and create sustainable business and economic growth to enhance community vitality to benefit the citizens of Montana. The vision of Commerce is to be the recognized leader in realizing Montana’s full potential by efficiently growing sustainable economies and vibrant communities.

Native American Business Advisor

The Native American Business Advisor Grant is a fund to support Native organizations that offer business and credit counseling and application support to Native American businesses in Montana. The NABAs are a key community asset necessary in the development and success of Native American businesses. To develop this asset, the program is focused on increasing the technical capacity of the NABA network by assisting individuals in business startup, marketing, utilization of business resources and commercial loan application assistance. Additionally, NABAs provide more robust application assistance to the Indian Equity Fund Small Business Grant applicants.

The funds are available to Native American community-based organizations, tribal colleges and tribal government organizations that support private sector business development on reservations and in tribal communities.

With a mission to support Native American culture and heritage, Creative West provides Montana Native artists and cultural practitioners with unrestricted funding and a three-month virtual cohort experience. Eligible individuals must be 18 or older, reside in the Creative West region, and receive US $2,500 to sustain their creative, cultural, and wellness practices.

American Indian undergraduate students from Montana high schools attending Montana State University can receive renewable support for college access and success. Montana State University’s Charlotte Yeoman Martin Scholarship helps Native students with financial need who have overcome adversity, with preference for first-generation college students pursuing higher education and persistence in Montana.

American Indian and Alaska Native nursing students in Montana can apply for Montana State University's Alice Willman Cassidy Scholarship to support their degree in the Mark and Robyn Jones College of Nursing. Preference is given to participants in the Caring for Our Own Program, with secondary consideration for those demonstrating financial need.

Nonprofits and community groups in Montana producing or presenting media arts projects can seek US $500 - US $2,000 to support storytelling about the state’s arts, culture, and history. With a mission to uplift these stories, Montana Community Foundation’s William B. Pratt Endowment Fund especially supports traditional and Native American cultural expressions in media arts.

Tribal language programs, schools, colleges, and community initiatives connected to Lewis and Clark Expedition tribes can seek up to US $20,000 for Native language documentation and revitalization. Focused on preserving Native American languages, Endangered Language Fund supports salaries, equipment, travel, and materials for education, recording elders, and training projects in Montana and other eligible areas.

Tribal governments and Native-led organizations pursuing renewable energy and solar workforce development in Montana and other tribal communities can access funding for capacity building and new solar projects. Grants from GRID Alternatives help tribal communities across the U.S. plan, finance, and implement solar installations, education, and training that advance energy sovereignty and resilience.

Nonprofits and community groups preserving traditional and folk arts in Montana can seek US $500 - US $2,000 to build awareness, involvement, and preservation of these art forms. The Montana Community Foundation’s William B. Pratt Endowment Fund also supports projects that share Montana’s arts, culture, and history, which may benefit Native American culture and heritage initiatives.

Tribal, local, and state governments and 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Montana working with American Indian communities can apply for Indian Land Tenure Foundation’s Economic Opportunity grants to improve use and control of reservation lands. Funding supports projects that prioritize land acquisition strategies, create productive land use opportunities, and expand direct owner management for long-term community benefit.

Montana Native American-serving governments and 501(c)(3) nonprofits can seek support for projects that strengthen tribal control over land and legal systems. Montana Native American organizations can access funding through Indian Land Tenure Foundation for estate planning and probate reform, land policy development, landowner associations, and initiatives improving the legal framework for owning and managing Indian land.

Native-led organizations and community-based initiatives in Montana strengthening indigenous nations can access funding through Vadon Foundation for language revitalization, MMIWG2S advocacy, innovative community leadership, and COVID-19-related food and essential needs. Eligible entities include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, tribal and other governments, colleges, universities, and health systems in the U.S. and Canada.

Native-serving organizations working on education, health, culture, environmental protection, or Native rights in Montana can seek support for programs assisting people in need. Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation’s Community Fund prioritizes initiatives in health and wellness, Native arts and culture, environmental protection, and the advancement of Native rights and Tribal sovereignty across the U.S.

American Indian and Alaska Native students in Montana pursuing certificate, undergraduate, or graduate study at accredited nonprofit U.S. colleges can access funding for their education through the American Indian College Fund; awards average US $2,000 - US $3,000. Grants from American Indian College Fund help Native American students with tuition and related academic costs nationwide.

American Indian and Alaska Native students at Tribal Colleges and Universities seeking scholarship support for certificate, undergraduate, or graduate study in the U.S., including Montana, can apply for this program. Grants from American Indian College Fund average US $2,000 - US $3,000 and use a single annual application to consider students for multiple scholarship opportunities.

American Indian and Alaska Native high school seniors in Montana planning full-time study at an accredited nonprofit college or Tribal College or University in the U.S. can receive merit-based scholarships for higher education. The American Indian College Fund awards US $2,000 - US $3,000 on average through a single annual application covering its full scholarship portfolio.

Native American organizations across the U.S. can apply for funding supporting education, health, housing, public safety, addiction treatment, the arts, environmental and natural resource preservation, cultural activities, and historic preservation. Focused on Native American services and culture, the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians invite eligible groups, including those serving Montana communities, to seek charitable support.

The David Moses Bridges Scholarship honors the legacy of a renowned Passamaquoddy artist and activist, providing essential support for individuals dedicated to the preservation of Wabanaki culture, traditional arts, and environmental stewardship. This scholarship aims to foster connections between master artists and apprentices, promote research on David's impactful life and work, and protect culturally significant natural spaces. It empowers artists and scholars to continue the vital work of preserving indigenous knowledge and practices for future generations.

Montana Native American tribes and tribal entities conducting health-related research can access funding through the National Institutes of Health’s Native American Research Centers for Health program. Eligible federally recognized AI/AN tribes, tribal colleges or universities, tribal health programs, and tribal organizations may receive support for research projects, career development, and research infrastructure across the U.S.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations supporting American Indian self-sufficiency, education, or cultural preservation across the U.S., including Montana, can seek project-specific funding ranging from US $10,000 - US $20,000. Focused on Native American services and culture, the Santa Fe Natural Tobacco Company Foundation requires proposals within its charter and follow-up reports on funded projects.

Native-led organizations in Montana working on cultural and ecological renewal rooted in connection to the Earth may be eligible for Kalliopeia Foundation support. Kalliopeia Foundation funds U.S.-based projects in land care and Indigenous leadership, prioritizing intergenerational initiatives, Indigenous sovereignty and culture, and land-based efforts that regenerate soil, soul, and community.

Native Voices Rising (NVR) offers grants to empower Native-led grassroots organizations in the U.S. With over $16 million awarded since inception, NVR focuses on enhancing lives through collective action and advocacy. Eligible organizations must be Native-led and engage community members in policy improvement efforts. NVR supports initiatives addressing environmental justice, health, and youth involvement, with a commitment to fostering leadership and social change within Native communities.

The Udall Undergraduate Scholarship, awarded by the Morris K. Udall and Stewart L. Udall Foundation, supports future leaders in environmental, tribal public policy, and health care fields. With 55 scholarships of $7,000 each expected in 2025, this highly competitive program requires students to participate in their schools' internal competitions. Scholars benefit from networking opportunities and access to the Udall Alumni Network, fostering collaboration and growth in their respective fields.

The Indian Housing Block Grant Competitive Program (IHBG-COMP) for FY 2026 offers competitive grants to eligible recipients under NAHASDA. This program aims to support affordable housing initiatives benefiting low-income Tribal families, enhancing their living conditions and community well-being. Funded by the US HUD's Office of Public and Indian Housing, the IHBG-COMP encourages the development of sustainable housing solutions within Native American communities.

Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians

The Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians is a sovereign nation and has three main branches of government – Judicial, Executive, and Legislative. One of our most important resources is our people.

Education

The Confederated Tribes of Siletz seeks to provide opportunities for Tribal members to reach potential, establish independence and improve quality of life through lifelong learning and education.

Full Circle Scholarship

For American Indian and Alaskan Native students pursuing under-graduate and graduate degrees from Tribal colleges, non-profit and accredited schools.

Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians

The Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians is a sovereign nation and has three main branches of government – Judicial, Executive, and Legislative. One of our most important resources is our people.

Education

The Confederated Tribes of Siletz seeks to provide opportunities for Tribal members to reach potential, establish independence and improve quality of life through lifelong learning and education.

Pepsi – Craig Whitehead Scholarship

Pepsi, Inc. donates scholarship funds to the Siletz Tribe and has asked that this be the Pepsi-Craig Whitehead Scholarship in honor of Craig Whitehead, Tribal member and Pow-Wow Coordinator at the time of his death in 2004.

Craig was also the Tribal Whip Man for Pow-Wows, coordinated a dance troupe that visited schools and was the Peace Keeper for the Citizen’s Advisory Board (CAB). He was a dear friend and loved by all who knew him.

This scholarship is open to any field of study.