Best Judith Basin County Grants for Nonprofits in Montana

The NIAID aims to enhance infectious disease research by supporting human microphysiologic systems (MPS) development. These in vitro platforms mimic human tissue functions, promoting drug and biological product development while reducing animal use. This initiative aligns with NIH’s commitment to innovative research practices and regulatory acceptance. By focusing on MPS in infectious disease contexts, NIAID seeks to streamline therapeutic advancements and establish robust human tissue models, addressing critical challenges in understanding and treating infections.

ASPCA Reimagining Racers: Grants for Adopting Out Retired Racehorses Grant

ASPCA Right Horse Adoption Partners, ASPCA Right Horse Industry Partners, and organizations actively participating in the warm-up ring (defined as groups that are actively working to achieve the 13 criteria for Partnership and are participating on myrighthorse.org) are invited to apply for a grant to support an increase in capacity and/or efficiency of programs aimed at adopting out retired Thoroughbred racehorses. 

Funding requests for this grant initiative should focus on:

Activities that increase capacity, decrease length of stay, reduce cost of care or increase efficiencies, and/or improve humane outcomes in other ways. Examples:

• Training programs
• Programs that engage new adopters and grow the market share for adoption
• Medical make-ready or rehabilitation with a focus on innovation and/or sustainability
• Collaborations with other equine industry organizations to increase support for retired racehorses

Proposals will be evaluated on their potential (within the 12-month grant term) to: 

• Increase capacity (the number of horses that can be rehabilitated, trained, and placed)
• Decrease length of stay
• Decrease cost of care
• Reduce risk, harm or suffering for retired racehorses

Requests may be for the creation of new programs or the expansion of existing programs. Programs that test innovative ideas are welcome.

Grant Amounts

Grants will generally range from $10,000-$40,000, with a maximum individual grant amount of $60,000. The total funding amount available for this grant opportunity is $200,000. 

Eligibility

ASPCA Right Horse Adoption Partners, ASPCA Right Horse Industry Partners, and active Warm-Up Ring participants (defined as groups that are actively working to achieve the 13 criteria for Partnership and are participating on myrighthorse.org) whose mission or operations focus significantly on serving retired Thoroughbred racehorses are eligible to apply for this grant opportunity. Adoption organizations must be up to date on reporting data biannually to the Equine Welfare Data Collective (EWDC). If you’re unsure about your eligibility, you may contact therighthorse@aspca.org to confirm before applying.   

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals® (ASPCA®) was founded on the belief that animals are entitled to kind and respectful treatment by humans. We invite all voices to join us in working together to improve the lives of animals in need.

The ASPCA Right Horse Grants aim to enhance equine adoptions and support community equines by funding programs that boost shelter capacity or assist in keeping owned equines in their homes. Grants between $5,000 and $50,000 are available, with a total funding pool of up to $750,000. Eligible applicants include ASPCA Right Horse Adoption Partners and organizations committed to the welfare of retired Thoroughbred racehorses. Proposals should clearly outline the objectives and expected impacts.

Montana’s CDBG Economic Development Program is designed to stimulate economic development activity by assisting Montana’s private sector to create or retain jobs for low and moderate-income LMI Montanans. The goal is to help communities provide decent housing, suitable living environments, and expanded economic opportunities. 

In 1975, the Montana Legislature set aside a percentage of the Coal Tax to restore murals in the Capitol and support other cultural and aesthetic projects. Applications must be for cultural and aesthetic projects including, but not limited to: Visual Arts, Performing Arts, Literary Arts, Media Arts, History, Archaeology, Folklore, Archives, Collections, Research, Historic Preservation and Construction and Renovation of Cultural Facilities. 

This grant assists eligible adults seeking to enter or re-enter the workforce, improve occupational skills, or advance in their careers.

Driving University Impact: Expanding the Public Exchange Network Grant

How the Public Exchange Network Works

No single university – even a large R1 – has enough faculty expertise available to meet the needs of every partner. The Public Exchange Network was designed to help universities work together seamlessly to build robust partnerships and generate more collective impact. Universities joining the network are independent but affiliated members, with full control over their own program and project portfolios. As a national network with local, on-the-ground capacity, Public Exchange Network members can also share approaches that work, scale solutions to common problems, and build cross-regional partnerships together. 

As an institutional partner in the Public Exchange Network, universities will build capacity to develop, test and implement solutions to the most urgent problems in their regions and beyond. Universities joining the Public Exchange Network get:

• The tools, templates and training they need to start right away;
• A shared brand they can plug into on day one;
• A network of faculty, past and potential partners and philanthropic relationships, benefitting everyone in the network. 

Public Exchange Network Expansion grants will cover 75-80% of the minimum estimated annual costs for two years to launch a new Public Exchange. To launch a Public Exchange, universities must have the following in place: (1) a staff executive director with experience launching and leading social impact partnerships, (2) a project seed fund, and (3) a modest operations budget. We also recommend some in-kind project management support from an existing university staff member. The grant includes a two-year Public Exchange Executive Director (ED) compensation subsidy of $300,000 to launch the Public Exchange on campus, and a 2-year license to use the Public Exchange brand. New Public Exchange Network members will also receive ongoing support and guidance from current Public Exchange leadership and staff at USC and WashU, including recruitment support and intensive training for hiring and onboarding an executive director, a sub-site on the Public Exchange website, incubation and project management support from current Public Exchange staff, and a suite of tools for developing and implementing Public Exchange projects.

Governor’s Office of Community Service aka ServeMontana

Established in 1993, Montana’s Commission on Community Service administers grants under the National and Community Service Trust Act of 1993, amended by the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act of 2009 and the Montana Community Service Act of 1994 (MCA 90-14-103). In partnership with the Montana Commission on Community Service, a primary function of the Governor’s Office of Community Service (GOCS) is administering funds to AmeriCorps State programs. 

AmeriCorps Montana

AmeriCorps State grants aid programs in addressing critical community needs, including Education, Disaster Services, Health, Environmental Stewardship, Economic Opportunity, and service to Veterans and Military Families. Grants must align with priorities in the Montana State Service Plan.

Eligible organizations may apply for the following AmeriCorps grants to address pressing needs in Montana: Competitive Program Grants; and Formula Program Grants.

Competitive Program Grants

Implement or continue a Competitive AmeriCorps State program.

This Notice is the first in a multistep process an applicant must complete to apply for and receive AmeriCorps State Competitive funding. ServeMontana’s role is to solicit, screen, and rank applications. This process is only for ranking; no funding will be awarded from this solicitation. All applications cleared through screening will be ranked and submitted to compete nationally for funding. 

Organizations continuing a competitively funded program or proposing an AmeriCorps State program that operates only in Montana must apply to this competition.

Expectations of All Applicants

• Address rural, Tribal, underserved, or areas of poverty not currently served by AmeriCorps programs;
• Clearly connect proposed activities to the needs and priorities in the Montana State Service Plan;
• Take a collaborative approach to program planning, design, and delivery;
• Recruit Montanans to serve in their local community; and
• Design and deliver an inclusive program that is accessible to individuals with disabilities.

Governor’s Office of Community Service aka ServeMontana

Established in 1993, Montana’s Commission on Community Service administers grants under the National and Community Service Trust Act of 1993, amended by the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act of 2009 and the Montana Community Service Act of 1994 (MCA 90-14-103). In partnership with the Montana Commission on Community Service, a primary function of the Governor’s Office of Community Service (GOCS) is administering funds to AmeriCorps State programs. 

AmeriCorps Montana

AmeriCorps State grants aid programs in addressing critical community needs, including Education, Disaster Services, Health, Environmental Stewardship, Economic Opportunity, and service to Veterans and Military Families. Grants must align with priorities in the Montana State Service Plan.

Eligible organizations may apply for the following AmeriCorps grants to address pressing needs in Montana: Competitive Program Grants; and Formula Program Grants.

Formula Program Grants

Implement or continue a Formula AmeriCorps State program.

This Notice is the first step an applicant must complete to apply for and receive AmeriCorps State Formula funding. ServeMontana’s role is to solicit, screen, and rank applications. All applications cleared through screening will be ranked and submitted to AmeriCorps for funding determination.

Organizations proposing a new AmeriCorps State program or continuing a currently formula funded program that places AmeriCorps members and operates only in Montana must apply to this competition.

Expectations of All Applicants

• Address rural, Tribal, underserved, or areas of poverty not currently served by AmeriCorps programs;
• Clearly connect proposed activities to the needs and priorities in the Montana State Service Plan;
• Take a collaborative approach to program planning, design, and delivery;
• Recruit Montanans to serve in their local community; and
• Design and deliver an inclusive program that is accessible to individuals with disabilities

The NIH Research Evaluation and Commercialization Hubs (REACH) program aims to facilitate the translation of biomedical discoveries into marketable products to enhance patient care. By funding five new academic entrepreneurship hubs, NIH will provide essential resources such as funding, mentorship, and expertise in product development. These hubs will address high-priority technologies and foster public-private partnerships, ultimately supporting the goals of federal research initiatives and addressing local health needs in underserved areas.

About Henry L. Hillman Foundation

Henry L. Hillman Foundation inspires, invests in, and leverages great ideas to improve the quality of life in Pittsburgh and southwestern Pennsylvania.

Backup Power When Your Community Needs It

The Powered & Prepared Initiative seeks proposals from nonprofit and municipal organizations in southwestern Pennsylvania for backup power solutions that allow those organizations to offer essential services during emergencies without disruption.

Southwestern Pennsylvania is increasingly impacted by severe weather events that cause widespread power outages and disruptions. The Powered & Prepared Initiative, supported by Henry L. Hillman Foundation, seeks proposals from nonprofit and municipal organizations for backup power solutions that allow those organizations to offer essential services during emergencies without disruption.

Building the Future Workforce Challenge

Awarding $5 million and the opportunity to test bold, tech‑forward solutions that strengthen the advanced manufacturing and industry technician workforce—today and for the future.

About the Challenge

Caterpillar knows preparing the workforce for the future is urgent. Communities, employers, and industry need new ways to close advancing skill gaps. The Building the Future Workforce Challenge invites fresh perspectives from all sectors to rethink training. Up to five teams will be awarded $1 million each for sustainable, tech‑forward solutions that strengthen today’s—and tomorrow’s—advanced manufacturing and industry technician talent pipelines.

What types of solutions are you looking for?

The Building the Future Workforce Challenge aims to identify, test, and scale innovative, sustainable solutions that will address today’s and tomorrow’s advanced manufacturing and industry technician skill gaps. A core requirement of any solution is that it remains relevant amid evolving technology—ensuring that breakthrough innovation and human potential rise together.

Strong proposals for Building the Future Workforce Challenge will meet four criteria outlined in the scoring rubric, and proposed solutions must focus on one or more of the following solution categories for Building the Future Workforce Challenge:

Pre-clinical Investigation of anti-TFPI-mediated Rebalancing Mechanisms in Non-Hemophilic Bleeding Disorders 

There remains a scientific gap in understanding of the role of anti-TFP Imediated hemostatic rebalancing in the context of inherited or non-hemophilic bleeding disorders. This competitive grant program encourages competitive submissions focsed on generating preclinical/foundational data exploring the therapeutic potential and mechanisms of TFPI modulation in bleeding disorders other than hemophilia.

Geographic Scope

Brazil, China, Europe, Israel, Japan, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Turkey, USA

Funding Range and Project Length

Individual projects requesting up to $50,000 USD will be considered.

Request for study drug or compound is allowed (max $50,000 USD), additionally to the study project costs.

Maximum project length is 1 year.

The 2026 Carceral Systems Organizing Grant seeks to support organizations working to eradicate carceral systems, create alternative justice solutions, or pursue system reform by addressing systemic criminalization that disproportionately targets Black, Indigenous and people of color (BIPOC) and low-income/poor communities across our five-state region.

This grant will fund organizations that meet SJF’s community organizing framework and prioritize communities underrepresented in traditional grantmaking.

We define carceral systems organizing broadly to include all systems that criminalize people’s lives based on race, poverty, gender, immigration status and/or disability. Examples include but are not limited to: 

• Abolition, transformative justice, and alternatives to incarceration
• Ending racial profiling and police brutality
• Addressing racial inequities in drug laws
• Child welfare, foster care, child protective services
• Youth incarceration and the school-to-prison pipeline
• Detention and deportation of immigrant communities
• Homeless encampment sweeps and criminalization of survival needs
• Re-entry organizing by and for folks who were recently incarcerated

Montana Department of Commerce

Mission

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.

HOME Investment Partnerships Program

Created under Title II of the National Affordable Housing Act of 1990, the HOME Investment Partnerships Program is the largest federal block grant that is designed exclusively to create affordable housing for low-income households. Montana’s HOME funds are allocated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

The Montana Department of Commerce administers the program and grants these funds to local governments, nonprofit organizations and private developers to develop and preserve affordable housing for or offer homebuyer assistance to income-eligible individuals and families. An individual may not apply directly to the HOME Program.

The HOME Program does the following:

• Expands the supply of affordable housing for Montanans with low- and very low-incomes
• Improves the means of state and local governments to implement strategies to achieve adequate supplies of decent, affordable housing
• Provides both financial and technical assistance to participants to develop model programs for affordable housing

Housing Development Projects

Commerce accepts applications for housing development annually. Funds are awarded to construct, acquire and/or rehabilitate rental properties, or develop new units for homeownership. Awards are to fill financing gaps and may not exceed HUD-determined subsidy limits. Additionally, 5% of HOME investments must be matched.

Montana Department of Commerce

Mission

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.

HOME Investment Partnerships Program

Created under Title II of the National Affordable Housing Act of 1990, the HOME Investment Partnerships Program is the largest federal block grant that is designed exclusively to create affordable housing for low-income households. Montana’s HOME funds are allocated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

The Montana Department of Commerce administers the program and grants these funds to local governments, nonprofit organizations and private developers to develop and preserve affordable housing for or offer homebuyer assistance to income-eligible individuals and families. An individual may not apply directly to the HOME Program.

The HOME Program does the following:

• Expands the supply of affordable housing for Montanans with low- and very low-incomes
• Improves the means of state and local governments to implement strategies to achieve adequate supplies of decent, affordable housing
• Provides both financial and technical assistance to participants to develop model programs for affordable housing

Homebuyer Assistance Programs

Commerce accepts applications for homebuyer downpayment assistance programs on a rolling basis. Grants covering a two-year period are awarded to eligible entities seeking to undertake homebuyer activities locally. HOME funds are used to provide subsidy to individual homebuyers and costs associated with administering the homebuyer program. Grantees determine maximum subsidies based on their local housing markets and targeted beneficiaries, and ensure that home purchase prices follow HUD-determined limits. Generally, 5% of HOME investments are matched.

Montana Department of Commerce

Mission

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.

Community Development Block Grant Housing

Montana's CDBG Housing grants help local governments fund primarily the rehabilitation of single-family or multi-family housing projects that benefit low- to moderate-income Montanans, i.e., households earning less than 80% of the area median income. CDBG offers two distinct types of housing grants:

• The competitive CDBG Affordable Housing Development and Rehabilitation Grant, for which applications are accepted every fall, and
• The CDBG Housing Stabilization Program, for which applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

CDBG Affordable Housing Development and Rehabilitation Grant

This grant is intended primarily for the rehabilitation of affordable housing projects. Typically, these housing projects are multi-family rental projects in which CDBG fills a funding gap.

The cities of Billings, Bozeman, Great Falls, and Missoula are entitlement communities and are not eligible for state CDBG funds, as they receive a CDBG allocation directly from HUD.

About Us

At the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS), we are dedicated to our mission of serving Montanans in their communities to improve health, safety, well-being, and empower independence. As the largest executive branch agency in the state, our broad reach allows us to provide essential, community-based support where and when it matters most. Our DPHHS team is passionate about improving our clients’ lives and helping them build a more secure and independent future.

Food Farmacy Project

Support food insecure patients to access food resources. Using a team-based care approach, a clinic will partner with a local food pantry to improve access to healthier food for patients with high blood pressure and/or high cholesterol. Funds cannot be used to directly purchase food.

The WISEWOMAN Program, funded by the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, aims to conduct cardiovascular risk assessments for low-income women aged 35-64 who are uninsured or underinsured. This initiative addresses social determinants of health (SDOH) and includes tracking referrals and participation in Healthy Behavior Support Services. It is designed to improve women's health outcomes by ensuring access to necessary health programs and services.

Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Title I - Dislocated Worker Program Services

The Montana Department of Labor & Industry (MTDLI), in compliance with the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), is seeking applications from experienced and qualified organizations to execute essential workforce development through the WIOA Title I - Dislocated Worker Program.

In doing so, the Department is seeking applicants who:

• Implement service deliver strategies that align with the 406 JOBS initiative and America's Talent Strategy, including:
  • use of apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship training models,
  • training in Industry Recognized Credentials,
  • employer engagement to ensure industry-driven strategies, and
  • outreach to hard to reach populations.
• Coordinate with WIOA core partners.
• Deliver strong performance outcomes with respect to employment, wages, credential attainment, and skill gains.

About the Montana Department of Commerce

Every day, staff at Commerce work alongside private industry and local organizations to create jobs, grow businesses, provide affordable housing and improve community infrastructure.

The economy of the Treasure State continues to grow and diversify. Studies rank Montana as the number one place in the country to start a business. Plus, our workforce has earned some of the highest rankings in both trade and technical skills by having one of the highest STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) concentrations in the country.

Public and Community Facilities

Public and Community Facility Grants

Montana's CDBG Public and Community Facilities grants help local governments fund construction or rehabilitation of infrastructure and facilities that primarily benefit low- to moderate-income (LMI) Montanans, i.e. individuals earning less than 80% of the area median income. These projects can target LMI residents and provide direct benefits by improving or creating access to suitable living environments or necessary services, or these projects can provide an area-wide benefit to the entire community as long as at least 51% of the project’s beneficiaries are determined to be LMI. 

Certain projects such as senior centers, food banks, homeless shelters, youth homes, or head start centers are presumed to serve a limited clientele that is primarily LMI. Therefore, determining exactly what percent of project beneficiaries qualify as LMI is not required. Other projects, such as a wastewater improvements or water treatment improvements provide benefits to the entire community and are considered to have area-wide benefit because both LMI and non-LMI residents are served. Therefore, applicants must document at least 51% of the project’s beneficiaries qualify as LMI for projects considered to have an area-wide benefit.

Funding Opportunity

Asthma Quality Improvement Projects

12-month period, starting when you are awarded. There is no set start date for Asthma QI projects.

Improve care of patients with Asthma through a quality improvement project to deliver evidence-based healthcare. Many avenues to choose from to improve Asthma care for your population!

Improving Clinical Outcomes

The Montana Asthma Control Program is committed to helping healthcare providers in the state improve their clinical outcomes.

Participating facilities receive the following:

• $5000 to improve care of patients with asthma.
  • * $2,000 additional funding for sites choosing to include a tobacco screening/cessation component.
• Support from professionals to optimize utilization of the EHR and ease workflows.
• Onsite educational presentation(s) approved for continuing education credits.
• Scholarships to the Big Sky Pulmonary Conference and the Asthma Educator Review Course: and materials from the MACP to support quality patient care.
• Patient educational materials from the MACP to support quality patient care.
• Options to renew for additional funding and improvement.

Montana Cardiovascular Health Program 

Program Description

The Montana Cardiovascular Health Program has been funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention since 2000. The program conducts statewide activities to prevent heart disease and stroke and associated risk factors - particularly hypertension The program has:

• Formed a Cardiovascular Learning Collaborative with the mission "Striving for comprehensive whole person care for all Montanans to enhance quality of life."
• Assessed existing policies and systems that promote cardiovascular health in a variety of settings including pharmacies and healthcare.
• Formed the Montana Stroke Workgroup. This is a working collaborative of doctors, emergency response professionals, rehabilitation professionals and healthcare facilities dedicated to implementing a statewide Stroke Initiative to enhance diagnosis, treatment and care of stroke patients.

Funding Opportunity

Blood Pressure Cuff Loaner Program

12-months

Implement blood pressure (BP) cuff loaner programs for patients/participants with uncontrolled hypertension.

Funding Opportunity

Health-related Social Need Training

6-months

Improve the capacity of the diabetes, cardiovascular, or asthma workforce to address factors related to health-related social needs that impact outcomes for priority populations with and at risk for chronic disease.

Montana Cardiovascular Health Program 

Program Description

The Montana Cardiovascular Health Program has been funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention since 2000. The program conducts statewide activities to prevent heart disease and stroke and associated risk factors - particularly hypertension The program has:

• Formed a Cardiovascular Learning Collaborative with the mission "Striving for comprehensive whole person care for all Montanans to enhance quality of life."
• Assessed existing policies and systems that promote cardiovascular health in a variety of settings including pharmacies and healthcare.
• Formed the Montana Stroke Workgroup. This is a working collaborative of doctors, emergency response professionals, rehabilitation professionals and healthcare facilities dedicated to implementing a statewide Stroke Initiative to enhance diagnosis, treatment and care of stroke patients.

Funding Opportunity

Community-Based Organization Project

12-months

Community-Based Organizations partner with a healthcare organization (using CONNECT to receive referrals) to improve non-medical factors like food insecurity, housing instability, etc. that influence overall health.

Community Development Block Grant Planning 

Description/Guidelines

CDBG Planning Grants are available to eligible counties, cities and towns. Local governments may apply on behalf of special purpose districts, such as water or sewer districts; unincorporated areas; public school districts; or nonprofit or for profit organizations, such as a human resource development council, an economic development agency, an area agency on aging, a local domestic violence shelter, a Boys and Girls Club, local food bank, hospital, nursing home, etc. Counties may also apply for Planning grants on behalf of tribal utility authorities or in those cases where tribal members would be assisted like any other county residents.

Local governments may apply for one CDBG Planning Grant per funding cycle. Local governments with an open CDBG Planning Grant from a previous funding cycle are ineligible to apply for an additional Planning Grant until their current planning project is completed and closed out, except in special circumstances, with prior approval of Commerce. 

Consolidated local governments, such as Butte-Silver Bow and Anaconda-Deer Lodge, may apply for two Planning Grants per funding cycle and may have up to two Planning Grants open at any given time. 

Economic Development Grants

Montana’s CDBG Economic Development Program is designed to stimulate economic development activity by assisting Montana’s private sector to create or retain jobs for LMI Montanans. Specifically, this includes individuals earning less than 80% of the area median income.

The program can assist businesses by awarding grants to local governments and making fixed-rate financing available to those businesses at low interest rates. In addition, the program can offer payment deferrals, lower first-year payments, and interest-only payments.

Businesses work with local governments to apply to the program, and the local government then loans to an eligible business or grants to a nonprofit. CDBG-ED funds are intended to be used in situations where a funding gap exists and alternative sources of public and private financing are not adequate.

The focus of the program is to support the creation or retention of full-time permanent jobs for Montanans. Loan amounts are based on the number of employees a business will retain or the number of new positions to be created. Loan terms are determined according to the use of funds and the businesses financial position. The business must ensure that at least 51% of the jobs are made available to, or held by, individuals earning less than 80% of the area median income.