Best Grants for K-12 Schools in Montana

K-12 schools and 501(c)(3) education organizations in Montana can apply for First Interstate Bank’s community grants, with awards of more than US $2,500 for local educational and related needs. Funding is recommended through local bank branches and may also support health, human services, arts, and sustainability programs connected to school communities.

Montana K-12 schools, teachers, and education leaders can seek funding to develop or expand GIS, GPS, and other location-based technology use in classrooms, including curriculum, training, and equipment, with awards up to Up to US $1,500. The Montana Association of Geographic Information Professionals also offers conference registration and a travel stipend for grant recipients to share their projects.

K-12 schools and 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Montana can apply for Albertsons Companies Foundation’s Intermountain grants to support education, youth success, and related health and human services programs. Eligible organizations must serve communities where Albertsons operates and may also propose projects in areas like cancer research or inclusion for people with disabilities.

Local educational agencies and community-based organizations in Montana can receive multi-year funding for after-school and summer academic enrichment programs through the Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers grant. Montana Office of Public Instruction awards more than US $250,000 total, with at least $50,000 per year for five years, to support K-12 students and families.

BIPOC-led nonprofit organizations in Montana and other Western states serving youth ages 6–18 can seek funding for athletics, culture, and education programs, including general operating support. With a mission to expand youth education and opportunities for communities of color, Charlotte Y Martin Foundation prioritizes rural groups and programs that increase racial equity and diverse learning experiences.

Montana Catholic K-12 schools and dioceses seeking to develop emerging school leaders can access funding through Catholic Extension for graduate-level training in Catholic school administration. The program covers most tuition plus travel for a one-year online certificate focused on mission effectiveness, operational management, and instructional leadership, with participants committing to two years of service in their diocesan schools.

K-12 schools and education-focused 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Montana can seek funding for economic and workforce advancement, safe and affordable housing, and community arts and culture programs that benefit students and families. Grants from US Bancorp Foundation help organizations in designated U.S. Bank communities, with priority for those advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion and addressing multiple “work, home, and play” pillars.

The CRSJ Racial Justice in Education Grant, administered by the National Education Association, aims to enhance racial equity within education by funding initiatives that promote awareness, leadership development, and solidarity among diverse racial groups. Grants typically range from $10,000 to $75,000, supporting projects that address racism and foster equitable policies in educational settings, thereby accelerating efforts towards social justice.

Montana K-12 education professionals in higher education roles who are SHAPE America members and exemplary mentors of future teachers may be eligible for this national recognition. Montana K-12 schools can access funding through Society of Health and Physical Educators to honor faculty who model professionalism, advise students, and encourage involvement in service, research, and professional activities.

K-12 schools and youth-serving music programs in Montana can access support for bluegrass music education through the IBMA Foundation’s Bill Breen Bluegrass Youth Education Fund. The fund is used where most needed to help people age 21 and younger experience and learn to play bluegrass music, including school-related initiatives.

K-12 schools and education-focused nonprofits working on youth learning, workforce readiness, or basic needs in Montana may be eligible for community grants supporting education-based programs. Grants from OneAmerica Financial help organizations nationwide, with emphasis on Indianapolis and Maine, fund K-12 education, workforce development, and food security and housing stability initiatives.

K–12 educators and other SHAPE America members planning projects that expand opportunities for girls and women in sports can apply for the NAGWS Legacy Award, which provides US $1,000 for research, professional development, after-school programs, or similar initiatives. Montana school-based health and PE programs may be eligible if led by a current member.

K-12 health and physical education professionals in Montana focused on measurement and evaluation scholarship can be honored through this lifetime achievement award. With a mission to advance professional practice, Society of Health and Physical Educators recognizes SHAPE America members who have significantly advanced theory and scholarly application in school-based health and physical education nationwide.

With a mission to advance health and physical education, Society of Health and Physical Educators provides Montana K-12 professionals with the Measurement and Evaluation Honor Award. Current SHAPE America members in the Measurement and Evaluation SIG who have significantly advanced the SIG’s mission may be nominated, including posthumous nominations within five years.

Graduate students in psychomotor measurement and evaluation at U.S. colleges or universities can receive support to cover professional expenses, including work connected to K-12 health and physical education. With a mission to advance health and physical education, SHAPE America provides this award to members with at least one academic year remaining.

Individual K-12 health and physical education professionals in Montana and nationwide can be recognized for long-term excellence, leadership, and service through this top professional honor. The Society of Health and Physical Educators’ Luther Halsey Gulick Award annually celebrates one SHAPE America member with at least ten years of membership and prior national recognition.

Early-career researchers in health or physical education curriculum and instruction can be recognized for outstanding scholarship through the Helen M. Heitmann Young Scholar Award from SHAPE America. Focused on curriculum and instruction, SHAPE America invites Montana K-12–oriented scholars meeting its membership and doctoral timeline requirements to be nominated for this national honor.

The E.B. Henderson Award, presented by SHAPE America, honors minority members who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to scholarship, mentorship, and advocacy for ethnic minorities within health and physical education. Established in 1885, SHAPE America serves over 200,000 professionals, promoting high-quality education standards. The award recognizes individuals who have significantly contributed to increasing the participation of underserved populations in the field. Limited to two awards annually, it highlights the importance of diversity and inclusion in health education.

The Curriculum and Instruction Honor Award, presented by SHAPE America, recognizes outstanding contributions to health and physical education curriculum research. This prestigious award highlights the importance of effective instructional practices that prepare students for active and healthy lives. Award recipients are selected based on their scholarship in health education and physical education, demonstrating commitment to excellence since the organization's founding in 1885. SHAPE America advocates for quality education and promotes the well-being of preK-12 students across the United States.

The K–12 Educators Grants in American Music, offered by the American Musicological Society, provides $500 awards to K-12 educators with an interest in American music to attend the Teaching Music History Conference. This grant supports educators in engaging with historical pedagogy through workshops and networking opportunities. Participants will explore American music's significance while developing actionable lesson plans, fostering connections among educators and researchers committed to enhancing music education.

The SPFFA Educational Scholarship provides financial support of $5000 for university candidates aiming to teach French in primary and secondary schools. To be eligible, applicants must be American citizens or resident aliens, preferably enrolled in a School of Education and pursuing a Master in Teaching with a focus on French. Additionally, applicants need to maintain a GPA above 3.00, ensuring commitment to their educational goals.

The Spotlight Fund: Arts Grants support K-12 educators by providing funding for essential tools and materials to enhance art education. With grants ranging from $500 to $1,000 per educator, the program prioritizes educators in high-needs schools, fostering creativity and reducing dropout rates among at-risk youth. By engaging children in various art forms, the initiative enriches their educational experience and opens up future possibilities. This targeted support is vital for cultivating a new generation of artists and creative thinkers.

The Spotlight Funds: Inclusive Classroom Grants support K-12 educators by providing financial assistance to acquire essential tools and materials for diverse classrooms. These grants address inequities based on race, gender identity, and ability, ensuring that all students have the resources they need to succeed. With awards ranging from $500 to $1,000 per educator, the program prioritizes high-needs schools, empowering teachers to create inclusive learning environments that reflect their students' unique backgrounds.

The Spotlight Fund Grants aim to enhance racial equity in K-12 education by providing flexible funding to BIPOC educators. With grants ranging from $500 to $1,000 per educator, these funds are essential for sourcing tools and materials that support diverse student needs. As schools face budget cuts exacerbated by COVID-19, this initiative focuses on proven strategies that foster an inclusive learning environment for students of color, ensuring they have equal opportunities to thrive.

The Spotlight Fund Grants, specifically the STEM Fund, provide essential funding for K-12 educators to enhance their curriculum with necessary tools and materials for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math education. Aimed at supporting under-served communities, these grants typically range from $500 to $1,000 per educator, with a cap of $5,000 per school. Priority is given to educators from high-needs schools, ensuring equitable access to quality STEM education.

The All Kids Play: Youth Sports Grant aims to support families and community-based organizations in low-income areas, ensuring access to recreational sports for children in grades K-12. This grant assists those who struggle to afford youth sports, providing essential funding on a first-come, first-served basis. Eligible organizations must demonstrate budget constraints and operate in areas with high low-income student percentages, promoting inclusivity in youth sports participation.

The NewSchools Learning Differences Grant Program aims to enhance educational opportunities for students who learn differently, particularly those affected by poverty and racism. The program invests in innovative solutions and models that support personalized education for these students, ensuring they have access to quality instruction and belonging within school communities. With a focus on equity, it seeks ideas that align with its core investment areas and addresses the needs of marginalized learners.