Best Grants for the Arts in Montana

Montana 501(c)(3) nonprofits providing direct services in arts and culture, education, health and human services, or community service can apply for grants supporting disadvantaged youth, families, and individuals with special needs. The Dennis & Phyllis Washington Foundation prioritizes low-overhead programs delivering measurable impact, including arts initiatives that expand access for economically and socially disadvantaged communities.

The Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation provides grants to early-stage social entrepreneurs working on scalable solutions to pressing social and environmental issues. By supporting organizations with innovative approaches and proven impact, they aim to uplift underserved communities globally. The foundation offers operational support, funding of up to $300,000 over three years, and fosters a collaborative community among its portfolio organizations. They focus on candidates demonstrating measurable impact and sustainable growth potential.

The Hearst Foundation: Culture Grant aims to support outstanding nonprofits that enhance cultural engagement and artistic talent in the U.S. With a focus on programs that reach young people, the grant prioritizes organizations that create lasting impacts in the arts and sciences. The Foundation allocates 25% of its funding to cultural initiatives, favoring established organizations with a history of significant results. Eligible nonprofits must encourage inclusivity and sustainability in their programs.

Montana 501(c)(3) arts and culture nonprofits can receive reimbursement funding to present Japanese arts and culture projects, including performances, exhibitions, film screenings, lectures, or symposia. Focused on Japanese arts and Asian/Pacific Island heritage, the United States-Japan Foundation covers costs like publicity, printing, artist honoraria, travel, shipping, and facility fees, with awards up to US $5,000.

Nonprofit organizations and community groups in Park County, Montana can apply for Livingston Community Trust grants to support arts, education, human services, and economic development projects. Funding favors self-sustaining initiatives, and applicants must provide at least a 10% hard-dollar match toward total project costs.

Montana arts and culture nonprofits can access funding for local museums, libraries, cultural centers, and performing arts projects through NorthWestern Energy. The Community Works program supports qualified 501(c)(3) and 170(c)(2) organizations within its Montana service counties, favoring program, equipment, and facility improvement requests over general overhead, with applications reviewed year-round by local committees.

Montana 501(c)(3) arts organizations can receive up to US $1,000 to support arts programming, professional development, and arts events in Montana. With a mission to develop creative potential and revitalize communities, Montana Arts Council provides funding for activities like workshops, performances, exhibitions, marketing, technology, and other arts-related opportunities.

With a mission to support charitable work, 501(c)(3) organizations in Montana can receive $3,300 - $25,000 from the Bill and Rosemary Gallagher Foundation for arts and culture, education, health care, youth, seniors, and community enrichment. Eligible projects must exclusively benefit residents of Western Montana, including Missoula and surrounding counties, and align with the foundation’s stated program areas.

The Dudley T. Dougherty Foundation Grant supports nonprofit charitable organizations recognized under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Revenue Code. Established in 2002, the foundation aims to empower groups committed to positive change, fostering respect for life and the environment. Their vision emphasizes collaboration for a better future, encouraging applicants to embody these values in their initiatives. With a focus on impactful projects, this grant is an opportunity for organizations striving to make a critical difference in our world.

Arts and culture nonprofits, schools, and civic groups in Montana communities served by Avista Utilities or Alaska Electric Light and Power can seek support for cultural vitality projects. With a mission to strengthen education, vulnerable populations, and economic and cultural vitality, The Avista Foundation provides funding for arts and culture proposals in its specified Montana service areas.

Montana 501(c)(3) arts and culture nonprofits, tribal entities, and select government institutions can seek more than US $50,000 to expand programs and add staff through strategic project grants. M J Murdock Charitable Trust supports capacity-building projects that grow artistic and cultural programming, typically funding new or expanded positions on a declining three-year schedule.

Montana arts and culture nonprofits and public entities running community projects or covering operating costs in Park County may be eligible for this funding. Park County Community Foundation supports charitable activities benefiting Park County and Mammoth residents, with priorities including landscapes and natural amenities, housing and affordability, health, safety and education, rural lifestyle, and economic performance.

With a mission to improve quality of life, Seeley Lake Community Foundation provides Montana arts and culture nonprofits and public agencies with grants up to US $3,000. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations or government/educational entities must be located in or directly benefit Seeley Lake, supporting local arts, education, community development, conservation, or basic human needs projects.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and public agencies offering rural arts and humanities programs in Montana’s small communities can seek US $5,000 - US $50,000 to strengthen local creative and cultural activities. With a mission to support rural communities, Steele-Reese Foundation also funds related education, health, conservation, and human services projects in rural Idaho, Montana, and Native nations in this region.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3)s, tax‑exempt government entities, and fiscally sponsored groups in northern Rosebud County, Montana can apply for Montana Community Foundation’s Community Foundation of Northern Rosebud County Grant; awards up to US $3,500 for community service projects. Arts, culture, recreation, historic preservation, and related initiatives that enhance local quality of life may be eligible.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, tax-exempt government entities, and fiscally sponsored groups in northern Rosebud County can seek up to US $10,000 for community service projects across youth, arts and culture, recreation, and more. Montana Community Foundation’s affiliate program favors projects with strong partnerships, clear community benefit, and lasting impact, which may include arts-focused initiatives in Montana.

Montana nonprofit arts organizations with statewide service impact can receive operating support for their artistic and educational missions in Montana. Grants from Montana Arts Council help arts and culture groups strengthen management, sustain high-quality programming, and deepen community engagement. Organizations serving other arts nonprofits, not just individual artists, may be eligible.

Montana nonprofit arts organizations with statewide membership, boards, and service impact can access operating support funding through Montana Arts Council’s Statewide Service Organization Grants. These grants back strong management and high-quality services that help members and artists more efficiently deliver programs, expanding opportunities for Montanans to create, participate in, and appreciate cultural resources across the state.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) and government entities with arts and culture projects benefiting Valley County communities can receive up to US $5,000 for program support in Montana. Montana Community Foundation’s Valley County Masonic Endowment also funds basic human needs, economic development, education, and natural resources and conservation projects that positively impact Valley County residents.

Nonprofit and community groups creating or teaching media arts projects in Montana can apply for grants of US $500 - US $2,000 to support production, presentation, and education. With a mission to share stories about Montana’s arts, culture, history, and traditional art forms, Montana Community Foundation supports media, folk, and Native arts initiatives statewide.

Montana arts and culture organizations can seek US $500 - US $2,000 to build awareness, involvement, and preservation of traditional and folk arts statewide, and to support media arts education, production, and presentation. The Montana Community Foundation’s William B. Pratt Endowment Fund focuses on sharing untold stories about Montana’s arts, culture, and history.

Montana arts, culture, and community organizations can seek Jerry Metcalf Foundation grants to fund specific projects, buildings, endowments, operations, and matching funds. Focus areas include visual, performing, and literary arts, historic preservation, environmental conservation, education, and community health, with typical awards of US $1,000 - US $5,000 for work enhancing Montana’s natural environment and diverse communities.

BIPOC-led nonprofit organizations in Montana and other Western states serving youth ages 6–18 through athletics, culture, or education programs can seek flexible funding, including general operating support. Charlotte Martin Foundation prioritizes rural communities, youth arts and cultural expression, STEAM learning, and early college awareness, with all funded programs taking place in its five-state region.

Nonprofit organizations providing community services or arts and culture programs in Montana’s Tobacco Valley can apply for Montana Community Foundation’s Tobacco Valley Community Foundation Grants, with awards of more than US $500. Funding supports local projects in areas like after-school programs, cultural activities, emergency services, and environmental stewardship in the Lincoln Electric service area.

Nonprofit presenters, government units, higher education institutions, and tribal governments in Montana and the broader Creative West region can receive US $2,000 - US $3,000 to present touring performers and literary artists. With a mission to expand access to the performing arts, Creative West supports artist fees, travel, facilities, outreach, and related administrative costs, prioritizing rural and smaller-budget organizations.

Montana arts and culture nonprofits serving children and families can access funding through Detwiler Family Foundation for projects that improve health, safety, education, and arts access. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations in Flathead County may receive US $10,000 - US $50,000 for arts, education, literacy, and community resource improvement programs benefiting children facing difficult life challenges.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Montana and the broader Pacific Northwest can apply for Foster Foundation grants to support social services, education, medical research, community engagement, and arts and cultural programs. Eligible groups must serve local populations within these priorities and first submit an Organization Information Form, accepted January 1 through August 31.