Best Helena Grants for Nonprofits in Montana

The Northern Great Plains Grant Program, initiated by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), aims to conserve and restore grasslands and wildlife in the Northern Great Plains. With approximately $22 million available in grants for 2025, the program focuses on sustaining healthy populations of grassland-obligate species while promoting sustainable livelihoods and preserving cultural identities, including tribal cultures and food sovereignty. Key funding partners include multiple federal agencies and private organizations.

Montana conservation districts, including those serving Helena, Montana, can apply for Montana Department of Natural Resources & Conservation’s administrative grants; awards US $4,000 for basic operations and conservation work. Funding can support staff wages, insurance, office needs, equipment, on-the-ground projects, education programs, and assistance to landowners implementing innovative conservation practices.

With a mission to support affordable housing, the Montana Department of Commerce provides Helena, Montana local governments and nonprofit partners with funding for single-family housing rehabilitation and stabilization benefiting low- and moderate-income residents. Collaborative projects, especially those involving Certified Housing Development Organizations, may access a five-year pool for construction or rehabilitation of owner-occupied or rental units.

Helena, Montana 501(c)(3) nonprofits improving education, health care, youth and senior services, arts, or community enrichment can access funding through the Bill and Rosemary Gallagher Foundation; awards range from US $3,300 - US $25,000. Projects must exclusively benefit residents of Western Montana, including Lewis and Clark County and Helena-area communities in need.

Helena, Montana nonprofits focused on education, health, human services, arts, and community betterment can access funding through Basin Electric Power Cooperative’s Charitable Giving Program. Organizations in Lewis and Clark County within the cooperative’s service territory may receive financial support or surplus office equipment to strengthen community growth and sustainability.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Helena, Montana can seek support for education, health and human services, civic projects, culture and the arts, and resource conservation initiatives. With a mission to build stronger communities, NorthWestern Energy provides Community Works grants for programs, equipment, or physical improvements within its local service territory.

Brinker International provides Helena, Montana 501(c)(3) nonprofits with monetary or in-kind dining certificate support for programs serving children, youth, hunger, and education. Eligible organizations must submit requests at least six weeks before an event, and may receive donations once per calendar year through the online application process.

Nonprofit and public agencies planning outdoor recreation or river access projects in the Missouri-Madison Project Area near Helena, Montana may be eligible for this grant. Focused on recreation and conservation along NorthWestern Energy’s reservoirs and river reaches, NorthWestern Energy invites sponsors to seek River Fund grants with matching funds for qualifying projects that support approved management plans.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Helena, Montana that run existing digital literacy programs for families or seniors may be eligible for US $2,500 - US $50,000 to expand broadband education and access. Charter Communications supports technology access and digital literacy initiatives in Spectrum service areas that partner with low-income or multicultural communities and can report clear impact metrics.

Nonprofit mushroom clubs, mycology societies, and similar groups conducting mycological education or research in the Pacific Northwest, including Lewis and Clark County, Montana, can request up to US $1,000 for supplies, equipment, and events. With a mission to advance mycological research and education, Daniel E. Stuntz Memorial Foundation supports workshops, forays, lectures, and related activities.

Researchers, students, educators, and mycology-focused nonprofits in Helena, Montana can apply for Daniel E. Stuntz Memorial Foundation’s Stuntz Mycology Fund, with awards of More than US $1,000 for Pacific Northwest fungal research and education. Eligible costs include equipment, lab analyses, travel, conferences, educational materials, and fungal herbarium expenses, especially for mushroom-forming fungi projects.

Nonprofit organizations supporting family health leadership and advocacy in Helena, Montana and Western Montana can apply for Headwaters Foundation’s Family Power Fund Planning/New Partner Grants, with awards up to US $75,000. Funding supports building youth, parent, and caregiver leadership, organizing and advocacy, and storytelling or research that elevates families facing the greatest health barriers.

Nonprofit organizations running community power-building projects with families in Helena, Montana and Western Montana can apply for Headwaters Foundation’s Family Power Fund project grants, with awards up to US $125,000. Funding supports family leadership development, organizing and advocacy, and storytelling or research that advances health-focused policies for families facing the greatest barriers to health.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations focused on youth development and leadership, including those serving Helena, Montana (Lewis and Clark County), can apply for Lithia Motors’ Lithia 4Kids support. Grants help enrich the lives of children and their families through community-based programs, with local Lithia locations managing involvement and partnerships in their own communities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on affordable housing, skilled trades, clean water, sanitation, or community development may be eligible for funding in Helena, Montana and other areas within Ferguson’s footprint. Grants from Ferguson help U.S.-based nonprofits partner on projects that strengthen neighborhoods and improve economic wellbeing where the company has a strong presence.

Nonprofits, schools, local governments, and tribal governments in Helena, Montana that are near BNSF rail lines can seek US $1,000 - US $10,000 for community, cultural, education, health, and youth programs. Focused on community quality of life, BNSF Foundation invites organizations to propose projects such as STEM education, homelessness and hunger services, and environmental or conservation efforts.

Nonprofit organizations working alongside families on health, leadership, and advocacy in Western Montana, including Helena, Montana, can apply for general operating support up to US $150,000. Grants from Headwaters Foundation help groups build family leadership, support organizing and policy advocacy, and shift narratives through storytelling, journalism, and research for families facing the greatest health barriers.

Montana public K–12 schools can apply for Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks reimbursement grants to cover transportation and eligible lodging costs for field trips to the Montana WILD Education Center in Helena, Montana. Grants support hands-on wildlife and conservation learning experiences, and schools incorporating related classroom lessons or activities may be especially competitive.

Graduate and other mycology students, educators, and amateur mycologists in Helena, Montana can seek funding for research and educational activities, with awards ranging from US $1,000 - US $6,000. Grants from Daniel E. Stuntz Memorial Foundation may support equipment, supplies, travel for fieldwork or conferences, mycology classes, fungal herbaria, and related myco-education projects.

Eligible tribal, local government, nonprofit, and higher education organizations in Helena and Western Montana can develop or expand residential septic maintenance and education programs with up to US $50,000, helping protect local water quality. Grants from Montana Department of Natural Resources & Conservation support cost-shares for inspections and pumping, outreach, homeowner education, and septic stewardship activities.

Focused on financial literacy and housing, 501(c)(3) nonprofits can seek Union Home Foundation support for programs that help families achieve economic self-sufficiency. Grants of More than US $1,000 are available to organizations in Lewis and Clark County, including Helena, with quarterly application opportunities and an eligibility quiz required.

About Us

Leadership. Collaboration. Impact.

The Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley helps philanthropists support the causes closest to their heart while connecting local residents to the resources they need for a better quality of life.

Our Mission

To serve as a leader and advocate for strategic philanthropy, partnering with donors to anchor a permanent and growing endowment and making investments in the Mahoning Valley that improve the quality of life for all residents.

Scholarship Opportunities

Your Community, Your Support System

Our community members support hundreds of local students every year through various scholarships facilitated by the Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley.

Awarded to women living in Mahoning, Trumbull or Columbiana County who were born outside of the United States of America attending college.

The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts administers over 160 scholarships. Some of the funds help students from a particular school or area; others provide financial assistance to those pursuing a specific field of study; still others assist students that are most in need. Students who apply to the Scholarship program may be eligible for many of these funds. 

Scholarships are provided for one academic year and are not automatically renewed each year. You can reapply to our program every year you are going to attend college, and the application you submit that year will be considered for all scholarships for which you are eligible

Latino Scholarship Fund

To support graduating Latino high school seniors from Hampden and Hampshire Counties.

Additional Guidelines

• Students can receive up to $3,000 in scholarships from the Community Foundation.
• Scholarship awards could impact the financial aid offered by a college, and students are advised to check with their college financial aid offices about this.
• Scholarships may be used to offset tuition, fees, room and board, and other items included as part of the cost for attending the institution. Some part and/or all the award could be considered taxable income. It is advisable students check with the college or tax accountant regarding this matter.

About Us

Leadership. Collaboration. Impact.

The Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley helps philanthropists support the causes closest to their heart while connecting local residents to the resources they need for a better quality of life.

Our Mission

To serve as a leader and advocate for strategic philanthropy, partnering with donors to anchor a permanent and growing endowment and making investments in the Mahoning Valley that improve the quality of life for all residents.

Scholarship Opportunities

Your Community, Your Support System

Our community members support hundreds of local students every year through various scholarships facilitated by the Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley.

Established in memory of Melinda “Mindy” Henning.

About Us

Leadership. Collaboration. Impact.

The Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley helps philanthropists support the causes closest to their heart while connecting local residents to the resources they need for a better quality of life.

Our Mission

To serve as a leader and advocate for strategic philanthropy, partnering with donors to anchor a permanent and growing endowment and making investments in the Mahoning Valley that improve the quality of life for all residents.

Scholarship Opportunities

Your Community, Your Support System

Our community members support hundreds of local students every year through various scholarships facilitated by the Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley.

• MyPath- Goldberg Scholarship Fund for MVCAP
  • Awarded to Trumbull County or Mahoning County students participating in MyPath programming or advising, with priority given to students who are or have been in foster care. 

About Us

Leadership. Collaboration. Impact.

The Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley helps philanthropists support the causes closest to their heart while connecting local residents to the resources they need for a better quality of life.

Our Mission

To serve as a leader and advocate for strategic philanthropy, partnering with donors to anchor a permanent and growing endowment and making investments in the Mahoning Valley that improve the quality of life for all residents.

Scholarship Opportunities

Your Community, Your Support System

Our community members support hundreds of local students every year through various scholarships facilitated by the Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley.

• MyPath- Trumbull County Scholarship Fund for MVCAP
  • Awarded to Trumbull County students participating in MyPath programming or advising. 

About Us

Leadership. Collaboration. Impact.

The Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley helps philanthropists support the causes closest to their heart while connecting local residents to the resources they need for a better quality of life.

Our Mission

To serve as a leader and advocate for strategic philanthropy, partnering with donors to anchor a permanent and growing endowment and making investments in the Mahoning Valley that improve the quality of life for all residents.

Scholarship Opportunities

Your Community, Your Support System

Our community members support hundreds of local students every year through various scholarships facilitated by the Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley.