Best Grants for Fire Departments in Montana

Fire departments and other nonprofit organizations in rural Montana can seek funding for community facilities, equipment, and capital improvements. Grants from AgWest Farm Credit help rural communities across several Western states with projects like fire engines, multi-purpose buildings, and park or community center upgrades, offering US $500 - US $2,500 per award.

With a mission to strengthen communities, US Bancorp Foundation provides Montana 501(c)(3) nonprofits with funding for economic and workforce advancement, safe and affordable housing, and community arts and culture. Fire departments and related organizations with nonprofit status may be eligible if their programs support these community development and equity priorities in designated U.S. Bank communities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Montana providing programs for children, education, or health and human services can seek monetary support that complements their program budgets. With a mission to strengthen community well-being, Costco Foundation provides grants to evidence-based, collaboratively supported programs; fire departments with qualifying community services or youth education components may be eligible.

Early-stage independent nonprofits and impact-first, mission-driven for-profits in Montana tackling urgent social or environmental problems can apply for Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation’s support; awards up to US $300,000 for scalable solutions. Fire departments or related organizations may be eligible if they serve underserved communities and can demonstrate measurable, systems-level impact and growth potential.

Fire departments and related nonprofits in Montana using technology-driven programs for crisis response, education, or economic empowerment can apply for Global Impact Cash Grants, with awards up to US $100,000. Grants from Cisco Systems Foundation help organizations serving predominantly economically underserved communities pilot or scale innovative, tech-enabled solutions that improve service reach and efficiency year-round.

Volunteer fire companies, government entities, schools, and 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Montana can seek funding for fire prevention, home safety, disaster preparedness, and related community programs. Grants from State Farm Companies Foundation help support firefighting and public safety, as well as broader education and community development initiatives with long-term, sustainable impact.

The Hearst Foundation's Social Service Grant focuses on tackling chronic poverty by funding direct-service organizations that implement effective solutions for economic independence and family strengthening. With a mission to support diverse nonprofits in the U.S., the Foundation allocates approximately 15% of its total funding to social services, prioritizing scalable programs that serve significant populations. The minimum grant size is $100,000, and special consideration is given to organizations addressing affordable housing, domestic violence, and youth development.

The Labcorp Charitable Foundation, a private 501(c)(3) entity, aims to enhance healthcare access and education for all. With grant opportunities focusing on food programs, healthcare services for underserved populations, and STEM initiatives, it seeks to support community health and well-being. Organizations eligible for funding must be U.S.-based and hold tax-exempt status. Requests are reviewed biannually, in March and September, to foster impactful community projects.

Organizations serving children and youth from low-income urban communities with education, health, or family economic stability programs in Montana can apply for more than US $50,000 to support projects or scaling efforts. With a mission to expand opportunity, Michael & Susan Dell Foundation provides eligible entities, including social enterprises and public agencies, with substantial project-based funding.

Roche Corporate Donations and Philanthropy (CDP) focuses on impactful projects that foster sustainable development, engage employees, and leverage Roche's expertise. Their philanthropic efforts prioritize humanitarian, educational, environmental, and cultural initiatives, aiming to build stronger communities and support innovative projects. Eligibility is limited to local organizations, while ineligible projects include those with political or religious ties. The foundation strives to create a positive societal impact through collaboration and strategic partnerships.

Montana fire departments and emergency service organizations can access funding through Semnani Family Foundation to support health, humanitarian, and social service programs for vulnerable and marginalized communities. Projects that advance healthcare access, disaster relief, women’s and children’s health, or related human services in Montana or abroad may be eligible.

Montana 501(c)(3) organizations running charitable, scientific, medical, educational, or related community programs can access funding through the Sidney Stern Memorial Trust, as long as funds are used in the U.S. This support may benefit fire departments or affiliated nonprofits with education, health, or safety initiatives that materially improve community welfare.

Montana 501(c)(3) nonprofits seeking support for community development, basic needs, workforce education, arts, or environmental initiatives can apply for sponsorship funding that may complement fire prevention, safety education, or related programs. Grants from Bank of America Charitable Foundation help organizations advance economic mobility and social progress in low- and moderate-income communities nationwide.

Public bodies, community-based nonprofits, and federally recognized Tribes in rural Montana can apply for USDA: Rural Development’s Community Facilities funding to build, purchase, or improve essential facilities and equipment. Fire departments may be eligible for support for stations, fire trucks, and public safety equipment in communities of 20,000 or fewer residents.

Montana fire departments and related 501(c)(3) organizations can access funding through the Dudley T Dougherty Foundation to support community services, environmental conservation, and peacebuilding initiatives. Eligible nonprofits whose fire prevention or safety programs intersect with these areas may be competitive applicants for this nationally focused opportunity.

Montana 501(c)(3) nonprofits supporting basic needs, at-risk youth, workforce readiness, or safety from domestic violence may be eligible for TJX Foundation grants if located within 15 miles of a TJX store, distribution center, or office. Grants from TJX Foundation help community organizations whose services may also support local fire departments’ outreach to vulnerable families and children.

U.S. IRS-qualified nonprofit organizations seeking support for community programs, education, arts, health, or environmental initiatives can apply for the Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation’s grants, awarding US $1,000 - US $20,000. Fire departments and related public safety organizations in Montana may be eligible when proposing community-based, educational, or facility-focused projects that fit these priorities.

The Spark Good: Strengthening Community Local Grants program by the Wal-Mart Foundation empowers local organizations through grants ranging from $250 to $5000. This initiative aims to enhance community welfare by supporting diverse projects, including animal shelters and educational programs. Eligible organizations must have a verified Spark Good account, ensuring funds are allocated effectively to meet local needs and foster community development. Together, we can create lasting impacts through small yet significant actions.

Ameriprise Financial provides Montana 501(c)(3) nonprofits with grants for meeting basic needs, supporting community vitality, and volunteer-driven causes. Organizations working on hunger relief, shelter and supportive housing, community development, cultural enrichment, or adult self-sufficiency across the U.S. may be eligible, with priority for those engaging Ameriprise employees and advisors as volunteers.

With a mission to strengthen rural communities, the Steele-Reese Foundation provides Montana rural agencies and 501(c)(3) organizations with funding for human and social services, including local fire-protection services. Eligible rural projects in Idaho, Montana, and nearby Native nations can request US $5,000 - US $50,000 for essential, community-backed programs with clear, measurable benefits.

The Nordstrom Community Grant focuses on supporting youth and families by providing over $1 million in grants annually. It aims to assist grassroots organizations that address essential community needs such as food, shelter, and clothing, as well as creating opportunities for economic mobility through mentorship and workforce development. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits located in areas where Nordstrom operates. Applications are encouraged for those meeting these criteria.

Montana 501(c)(3) nonprofits with programs in education, social services, health care, civic or cultural initiatives, or environmental work can access funding through the Dr Scholl Foundation; awards range from US $5,000 - US $25,000 for one-year projects. Fire departments with eligible nonprofit arms or partner organizations may be able to apply within these categories.

Rural volunteer fire departments in Montana can seek cost-share support for training, equipment, and organizational needs that strengthen wildfire and emergency response capacity. With a mission to bolster local fire protection, Montana Department of Natural Resources & Conservation administers this Volunteer Fire Capacity program funded by the USDA Forest Service for departments serving rural communities and counties statewide.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Montana serving youth, families, or communities can apply for Chick Fil A Foundation’s True Inspiration Awards, offering US $30,000 - US $350,000 for impactful programs. Fire departments or related agencies with youth leadership, housing support, food security, or environmental stewardship initiatives may be eligible alongside other community-focused nonprofits.

Local governments in Montana working on cross-boundary forest management to reduce wildland fire hazards and improve forest health can apply for Montana Department of Natural Resources & Conservation grants. Awards of US $3,000 - US $6,000 support coordination or facilitation for forest collaborative groups and funding of amicus briefs for locally supported projects likely to face litigation.

Montana rural volunteer fire departments needing training, wildland PPE, equipment, radios, or organizational support in Montana can access funding through Montana Department of Natural Resources & Conservation, which administers the Volunteer Fire Capacity Program. Eligible departments must primarily serve communities under 10,000 residents, be at least 80% volunteer, and meet NFIRS and NIMS compliance and federal grant requirements.

The Mutual of America Foundation Community Partnership Award honors exemplary nonprofit organizations in the U.S. that foster collaborative partnerships across sectors. Annually, a national competition showcases numerous organizations demonstrating impactful community partnerships. Six organizations receive recognition, including the Thomas J. Moran Award, which offers $100,000, and the Frances R. Hesselbein Award, granting $75,000. Since 1996, the award has acknowledged 262 partnerships, emphasizing Mutual of America's commitment to societal improvement through collaboration.