Best Grants for Youth Programs in Montana

The CD Education Mini-Grants program, funded by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, aims to support local conservation districts in their educational efforts. Grants ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 are available for projects that promote conservation education among youth and adults. Eligible projects include workshops, field trips, and resource development, all aimed at fostering a deeper understanding of natural resource management in Montana.

The Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation provides essential funding to nonprofit organizations that improve the lives of economically and socially disadvantaged individuals. Since 1988, the foundation has supported various initiatives, including education, health services, and community programs. It emphasizes direct services with low administrative costs, ensuring that funds have a meaningful impact. Organizations applying must demonstrate a commitment to serving at-risk youth and families, particularly in Montana and select areas where The Washington Companies operate.

Kiwanis Foundation of Montana

At the Kiwanis Foundation of Montana, our mission is to foster a brighter future by investing in children, empowering communities, and supporting Service Leadership Programs. We strive to change the world one child and one community at a time through our dedicated efforts in grants, scholarships, and youth programs.

Club Grants

​The Kiwanis Foundation of Montana supports Kiwanis Clubs in the Montana District and their family organization through grants for approved projects making a difference in lives of children and the communities they live in and around the world.

NorthWestern Energy Community Works Grants aim to enhance community well-being in Montana, Nebraska, and South Dakota. The program supports qualified nonprofit organizations with monetary donations focused on education, health services, civic improvement, culture, and resource conservation. Since 2019, over $2.1 million has been contributed towards community projects. Eligible applicants must demonstrate tax-exempt status and proposals should favor funding for programs and physical improvements. National organizations and political activities are generally excluded.

The Gianforte Family Foundation, established in 2004, aims to empower Montana youth through robotics clubs. By providing annual sponsorships of up to $1,000 per team or 25% of the team's budget, the foundation encourages engagement in coding and computer science. This initiative aligns with their mission to help individuals and families flourish economically and spiritually, supporting sustainable improvements in their lives. Interested clubs can apply through the provided application link.

Wells Fargo Community Giving supports nonprofit organizations focusing on financial health, housing affordability, small business growth, and sustainability. The grant cycle runs from February to October, inviting organizations with 501(c)(3) status or equivalent to apply. Funding is prioritized for programs addressing critical community needs, while limited support is available for local initiatives like disaster relief and arts. Organizations must demonstrate fiscal stability and potential impact to be considered for funding.

Montana Board of Crime Control 

Montana Board of Crime Control (MBCC) was created in 1968 as a planning and research agency under the authority of 2-15-2006, MCA whose goal was, and still is to promote public safety. The MBCC is a 18-member quasi-judicial board appointed by the Governor. MBCC provides financial support, technical assistance, and supportive services to state and local criminal justice agencies. The board provides funding to local, regional, and statewide projects with the central goal of making Montana a safer state.

Family Violence Prevention and Services Act (FVPSA)

Description

The FVPSA grant funds shall be used for programs and projects that are designed to prevent incidents of family violence, domestic violence, and dating violence by providing immediate shelter and supportive services, and that may include paying for the operating and administrative expenses of the facilities for a shelter, for adult and youth victims of family violence, domestic violence, or dating violence, and their dependents; and that may be used to provide prevention services to prevent future incidents of family violence, domestic violence, and dating violence (42 U.S.C. § 10408(a) and 42 U.S.C. § 10408(b)(1)(A)). The application process is non-competitive. 

Matching contributions of 20% (cash or in-kind) of the total cost of the FVPSA project (federal funds plus local match) are required and must be derived from non-federal sources. Federally Recognized Tribes are not required to provide match.

The Family Power Fund by Headwaters Foundation supports nonprofits that empower families to lead health policy advocacy in Western Montana. It focuses on building leadership among youth and caregivers, fostering community organizing, and shifting narratives through storytelling. This initiative prioritizes families facing significant health challenges, including low-income, Indigenous, Black, and LGBTQ+ communities, aiming to amplify their voices and create impactful policy solutions.

The Strategic Projects: Capital Grants by the M J Murdock Charitable Trust offer vital funding opportunities for nonprofit organizations in the Pacific Northwest. These grants support transformative projects that enhance community well-being through construction, renovation, and infrastructure investments. Eligible entities include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and government entities. The Trust emphasizes projects that demonstrate strong community impact and funding diversification, ensuring sustainable growth and lasting benefits for the communities served.

The M J Murdock Charitable Trust offers the Strategic Projects: Program & Staff Grants to support nonprofits in the Pacific Northwest. These grants focus on capacity-building for mission-driven projects and infrastructure investments. Eligible organizations must demonstrate a commitment to community flourishing, with funding available for new programs or expansion of existing ones. The Trust prioritizes initiatives that align with its strategic goals, fostering sustainable nonprofit growth and impact in the region.

The M J Murdock Charitable Trust offers Strategic Projects: Equipment & Technology Grants to nonprofits in the Pacific Northwest. These grants focus on capacity-building projects and essential equipment, requiring recipients to cover at least 50% of costs. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and tribal entities. Priority is given to projects enhancing community services, education, and environmental stewardship, supporting initiatives that foster human flourishing and demonstrate diversified funding.

The PacificSource Foundation for Health Improvement, a private foundation, is dedicated to promoting health equity since 1992. With a focus on underserved populations in Oregon, Idaho, Montana, and parts of Washington, the foundation supports initiatives that enhance access to healthcare and address health disparities. They provide both one-year and multi-year funding, typically ranging from $10,000 to $50,000, to organizations committed to advancing health equity through diverse community-driven solutions.

Humanities Montana's Community Project Grants support nonprofit organizations and public institutions across the state, fostering public humanities programs that engage Montanans in meaningful discussions about the human condition. These grants aim to strengthen cooperative relationships among diverse communities and cultural organizations, enriching civic discourse. Projects can range from film screenings to cultural festivals, all designed to inspire timely conversations and reflect local community needs.

The CHS Foundation is dedicated to enhancing agricultural education through its Teacher Grants program, providing up to $50,000 for innovative projects. This initiative aims to engage students in experiential learning within rural communities across various states. By supporting teachers and their creative ideas, the foundation fosters educational growth and prepares future agricultural leaders, ensuring a sustainable and empowered agricultural sector. This commitment reflects CHS's broader mission of community support and development.

The Cross Charitable Foundation Grant provides support to organizations focused on education, homelessness, wildlife conservation, environmental protection, and the welfare of dogs. Only organizations invited by the Board can apply, with one application accepted per year from each organization. Grants are restricted to the North West United States, specifically Idaho, Utah, Montana, and Wyoming. Individuals are not eligible for funding, ensuring that support is directed towards effective community initiatives.

The Charlotte Martin Foundation's Wildlife and Habitat Program focuses on promoting biodiversity and habitat conservation in the Northwest. It engages communities in addressing climate change impacts while emphasizing the importance of ecosystem resilience. Through collaboration with local organizations, the program aims to restore critical habitats, enhance landscape connectivity, and support underserved populations in Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington. This initiative recognizes the vital role of community engagement and sustainable practices in protecting wildlife and natural resources.

The Charlotte Martin Foundation prioritizes funding for rural BIPOC organizations focused on youth programs, emphasizing education, athletics, and cultural expression for ages 6-18. Grants support initiatives that enhance access to diverse experiences, educational opportunities, and sports programs. The foundation is committed to addressing inequities in funding distribution, ensuring resources reach non-dominant communities. Organizations must be based in the Western states and demonstrate a commitment to racial equity and diversity in their leadership and programming.

The Pride Foundation Community Grants Program supports LGBTQ+ organizations in the Northwest by providing consistent funding to advance equity and justice. Since 1987, over $12 million has been awarded, with a focus on innovative and grassroots organizations. The 2024 cycle includes both proactive grants and open applications, ensuring accessibility for all eligible groups. This initiative centers on racial justice and aims to empower BIPOC and TGNC communities, fostering health, education, and community-building efforts.

The Moonlight Community Foundation (MCF) is dedicated to enhancing youth education, conservation, and addressing under-served needs in the Big Sky Community. By funding impactful projects and programs, MCF aims to create transformative experiences for local organizations and residents. Grants are available to public charities with tax-exempt status, ensuring that all funds directly benefit the community. For more information, visit their FAQ page.

The Bill and Rosemary Gallagher Foundation Grant supports charitable organizations in Western Montana, focusing on education, arts, community enrichment, healthcare, and assistance to youth and the aging. Established in 2001, it honors the legacy of Bill and Rosemary Gallagher by providing financial assistance to those in need, fostering community improvement, and enhancing quality of life for residents. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) compliant and demonstrate effective fund usage.

The NRA Foundation: Montana Grants provides funding for charitable purposes aligned with its mission, primarily focusing on promoting firearms safety, education, and marksmanship. Eligible organizations must hold a Federal Employer Identification Number and can include IRS 501(c)(3) entities, government bodies, or state-recognized nonprofits. Ineligible applicants include labor organizations, private enterprises, and individuals. The Foundation emphasizes public benefit in funded projects, ensuring they contribute positively to the community.

The Seeley Lake Community Foundation (SLCF) offers the SLCF Community Grant Programs to support local initiatives that enhance the quality of life in Seeley Lake, MT. The foundation prioritizes projects in education, arts, community development, natural resources, and basic human needs. Eligible organizations must be tax-exempt and serve the community directly. The SLCF values proposals with broad community impact and strong partnerships, making it an ideal opportunity for collaborative projects.

The Idaho and Montana Grant Program, managed by the Steele-Reese Foundation, focuses on supporting rural communities through educational, health, conservation, and arts initiatives. Grants are available exclusively to federally tax-exempt organizations serving these areas. The Foundation prioritizes projects that directly benefit low-income and underrepresented populations, emphasizing sustainable community development. Interested applicants should ensure their projects align with the Foundation's criteria, as only select proposals will be funded.

The Youth Sports Grant Program, initiated by the Whitefish Community Foundation, aims to support youth sports organizations in Flathead Valley that do not engage in the Great Fish Community Challenge. This program fosters community involvement and provides essential funding to enhance youth sports opportunities. The grant is available annually, emphasizing the importance of nonprofit status and eligibility criteria for applicants to ensure that resources are directed effectively to benefit local youth.

The Community Foundation of Northern Rosebud County Grant supports nonprofit projects enhancing community welfare in Forsyth, Angela, Ingomar, and Rosebud. It prioritizes areas like youth education, healthcare, and emergency services. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations or government entities. Projects must demonstrate local support and sustainability, while the foundation does not fund conferences, planning, or routine operational costs. This competitive grant aims to improve quality of life and foster community development.

The Community Foundation of Northern Rosebud County offers the Signature Community Impact Grant, supporting projects that enhance the quality of life for residents in Forsyth, Angela, Ingomar, and Rosebud. Grants, up to $10,000, require significant community support and partnerships, with a focus on sustainability and addressing local needs. The granting process is competitive, emphasizing collaborations and in-kind contributions, and applicants must be a qualified non-profit or government entity.

The Avista Foundation supports non-profit organizations that address community needs in eastern Washington, northern Idaho, southern Oregon, and parts of Montana. Focused on education and cultural vitality, this funding opportunity targets 501(c)(3) organizations and civic groups serving local populations. Note that requests for religious or political activities, as well as support for individuals or private foundations, are not eligible. The Foundation also includes a matching gifts program for Avista employees.