Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits in Montana

Who We Are

For Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana, health care is deeply personal. It's also inherently local — like us.

Our Local Focus

We’ve been serving the people of Montana for 85 years, and we’re committed to expanding access to quality, affordable health care to people in all phases of life. We offer health plan options for individuals and families, group customers and Medicare, and we deliver differentiated value to the people we serve through our focus on access, affordability, outcomes and innovation.

Community Giving

Each year, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana supports communities throughout our state with grants and sponsorships with the overarching goal of improving access to and affordability of health care. We are proud of these community investments and value the very important work that organizations are doing to keep Montanans healthy.

Community giving is divided into three areas: grants, sponsorships and Blue Impact℠ major grants. Areas of focus and exclusions for all funding requests, and specific requirements for each type of funding are detailed below, along with links to apply.

Areas of Focus

All community giving at BCBSMT is designed to build healthier communities as part of an ongoing commitment to invest in and partner with nonprofit organizations to reach Montanans in these focus areas:

• Economic opportunity and stability: Addressing issues such as poverty, removing barriers to employment, providing good jobs and upskilling;
• Nutrition: Supporting efforts to decrease hunger and increase access to nutritional food;
• Neighborhood and local assets: Focusing on affordable healthy housing, access to transportation and to physical activity;
• Locally defined health solutions: Addressing hyperlocal health and human service needs; and 
• Optimal health

BCBSMT Grants

A charitable grant supports either program-focused initiatives or general operating support. Grants provide support to programs and organizations that align with our mission to promote health, wellness and human services in the communities we serve.

The Creag Foundation, established in 2009 in Woodinville, Washington, provides funding to innovative 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations addressing social issues. Focused on smaller organizations, the foundation seeks to support those with unique approaches to improve the human condition. Eligible applicants must have held 501(c)(3) status for at least one year and present a new or previously unaddressed solution to societal challenges. Applications are by invitation only, encouraging creativity and passion in charitable work.

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.

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'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.

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.

Ranchland Stewardship Program

The Ranchland Stewardship Program is designed to transform rangelands into thriving, carbon-rich landscapes that support agricultural productivity and environmental resilience. Led by The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), in partnership with state and federal agencies, nonprofit organizations, university researchers, and industry groups, the program leverages data-driven adaptive management to increase soil carbon while enhancing the economic viability of Montana’s ranching operations.

The Colstrip Impacts Foundation, part of the Montana Community Foundation, offers grants aimed at supporting impacted workers and enhancing economic development in the Colstrip community. With a focus on fostering community resilience, the foundation funds innovative projects that address local issues, leverage additional support, and promote sustainable growth. Eligible organizations can apply for funding to cover general support and operational expenses, driving meaningful change and development in this evolving region.

The Emergency Community Water Assistance Grants program in Montana provides crucial support for communities facing emergencies that threaten safe drinking water. It assists in the construction and repair of water infrastructure, with grants available for water transmission lines and sources, helping to restore access to clean water in rural areas. Eligible applicants include local governments, nonprofits, and tribes, ensuring that assistance reaches those in need and aids recovery from various natural disasters.

The Family Power Fund, established by the Headwaters Foundation, empowers youth, parents, and caregivers to influence health-related policies and systems. By supporting nonprofits that foster leadership, advocacy, and storytelling, the fund aims to address health disparities impacting families, particularly those facing significant barriers. With grants of up to $150,000, it prioritizes organizations that engage these communities and promote their voices in decision-making. This initiative is critical for driving health equity across Western Montana.

The Water & Waste Disposal Loan & Grant Program in Montana provides essential funding for the development of reliable drinking water, sewage disposal, solid waste management, and storm water systems in eligible rural areas. It supports applicants unable to secure conventional financing, including local governments, private nonprofits, and tribes. Eligible areas include rural towns with populations under 10,000 and tribal lands. Funds can cover construction costs, legal fees, and necessary project expenses to enhance community health and environmental sustainability.

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 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 PCCF Annual Community Grants provide essential funding to support local nonprofits and public entities in Park County. These grants aim to enhance community projects focused on arts, health, education, and more, directly benefiting local residents. Priority areas include landscapes, housing affordability, health and safety, rural lifestyle, and economic performance. Eligible organizations must be based in Park County or serve its residents. This funding reflects the community's vision and priorities, fostering a positive impact on the region.

The WCF Community Emergency Response Fund Grant provides vital support for nonprofits in Flathead County facing unexpected emergencies. This flexible funding enables organizations to address immediate repairs essential for continued program delivery. Eligible applicants include 501(C)(3) nonprofits and government entities, with no maximum request amount specified. The foundation prioritizes urgent needs, ensuring that essential services remain operational during crises, while ineligible projects include recurring expenses and completed initiatives.

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.

The Emerging Justice Fund Grant, offered by Social Justice Fund Northwest, aims to support grassroots organizing in communities affected by systemic injustices. With a funding cycle starting in February, the grant prioritizes organizations led by Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. Eligible groups can apply for a one-year grant of $10,000, with a final deadline of September 12th. This initiative emphasizes unrestricted funding to empower marginalized communities and foster long-term social justice solutions.

The Red Ants Pants Foundation Community Grant Program supports projects that enrich rural communities in Montana. Grants are awarded to organizations and individuals aligned with the Foundation's mission, focusing on leadership for women, preservation of family farms, and community development. Eligible applicants must demonstrate community support and the potential for significant local impact. With over $190,000 granted in the past cycles, this initiative fosters collaboration and growth in small towns, ensuring that rural voices are heard and valued.

Intermountain Community Care Foundation

Our mission: Helping people live the healthiest lives possible.

Intermountain Health is the largest nonprofit health system in the Intermountain West. We’re dedicated to creating healthier communities and helping our patients thrive.

Intermountain Health was established in 1975, but our legacy of compassion and care extends well beyond that, going back to the late 1800s and the early 1900s in Colorado and Utah respectively. We have since become a 60,000+ person strong nonprofit health system, with operations in six states across the interior West with a shared vision to be a model health system that inspires the future of health.

Intermountain Healthcare, SCL Health, and HealthCare Partners Nevada have now come together to serve communities in Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Utah, and Wyoming.

Grants

The Intermountain Community Care Foundation awards grants to organizations whose programs align with Intermountain Health’s mission, our national community health areas of focus, and priorities identified through our Community Health Needs Assessment. By supporting evidence-based programs and services that strengthen communities, the Foundation is dedicated to helping people live the healthiest lives possible.

What We Fund

We provide grants to organizations whose programs align with Intermountain Health’s mission, our national community health areas of focus, and priorities identified through our Community Health Needs Assessment.

• Healthcare Access Grants
• Social Drivers of Health Grants
• Child & Family Mental Well-Being Grants
• Utah Education Innovation Grants

Child & Family Mental Well-Being Grants

To qualify for Child and Family Mental Well-Being funding, your program or service must focus on families with children. Funding priority areas include:

• Mental well-being for children, including: reducing suicide deaths; reducing frequent mental distress, anxiety, and depression; decreasing substance misuse
• Advance prevention and early intervention addressing risk and protective factors
• Expand comprehensive, family-centered, mental well-being programs
• Build trauma-informed systems for young children including evidence-based prevention, behavioral health treatment, or related interventions or programs
• Strengthen community behavioral health capacity and collaborations through coalition-building

Requirements

• A full and complete financial audit conducted within the last two years. Submission must include the entire audit, including any findings and the auditor's letter
• A copy of the organization's 501(c)(3) designation letter or a comparable government designation
• A completed W9
• A completed Supplier Form (a blank copy will be provided in the application)

Additional information

• In Utah and Idaho, applicants can request a total grant award between $5,000 to $100,000 per year for 3 years (up to $300,000 total) for the entire project period. Projects can last between 12 and 36 months and must begin upon receipt of funding.
• In Colorado, Montana, and Nevada, applicants can request a total grant award between $5,000 to $50,000 per year for 2 years (up to $100,000 total) for the entire project period. Projects can last between 12 and 36 months and must begin upon receipt of funding.
• A funding request may not exceed 20 percent of an organization’s annual operating budget, e.g., to be eligible for a $50,000 grant, your organization’s annual operating budget must be at least $250,000.
• In general, small equipment and materials are eligible at no more than a total $5,000 cost, but large equipment, construction, and capital costs are not eligible. Consideration will be given if computer equipment is necessary and vital to the success of the project.

The Intermountain Community Care Foundation aims to enhance healthcare access and promote healthy behaviors among low-income and underrepresented populations in Utah and Southeast Idaho. It funds innovative projects that yield measurable results, focusing on significant and lasting changes in community health. Successful applicants must demonstrate a clear need, include a financial audit, and adhere to specific eligibility criteria. The foundation specifically excludes funding for political campaigns, operational deficits, and large equipment purchases.

Intermountain Community Care Foundation

Our mission: Helping people live the healthiest lives possible.

Intermountain Health is the largest nonprofit health system in the Intermountain West. We’re dedicated to creating healthier communities and helping our patients thrive.

Intermountain Health was established in 1975, but our legacy of compassion and care extends well beyond that, going back to the late 1800s and the early 1900s in Colorado and Utah respectively. We have since become a 60,000+ person strong nonprofit health system, with operations in six states across the interior West with a shared vision to be a model health system that inspires the future of health.

Intermountain Healthcare, SCL Health, and HealthCare Partners Nevada have now come together to serve communities in Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Utah, and Wyoming.

Grants

The Intermountain Community Care Foundation awards grants to organizations whose programs align with Intermountain Health’s mission, our national community health areas of focus, and priorities identified through our Community Health Needs Assessment. By supporting evidence-based programs and services that strengthen communities, the Foundation is dedicated to helping people live the healthiest lives possible.

What We Fund

We provide grants to organizations whose programs align with Intermountain Health’s mission, our national community health areas of focus, and priorities identified through our Community Health Needs Assessment.

• Healthcare Access Grants
• Social Drivers of Health Grants
• Child & Family Mental Well-Being Grants
• Utah Education Innovation Grants

Social Drivers of Health Grants

To qualify for Social Drivers of Health grant funding, your program or service must align with at least one of these social drivers of health priorities:

• Improve nutrition security
• Improve stable and quality housing through wraparound and support services

Requirements

• A full and complete financial audit conducted within the last two years. Submission must include the entire audit, including any findings and the auditor's letter
• A copy of the organization's 501(c)(3) designation letter or comparable government designation
• A completed W9
• A completed Supplier Form (a blank copy will be provided in the application)

Additional information

• Applications will be accepted for new or existing programs that clearly address a social driver of health. New programs may include pilot initiatives.
• In Utah and Idaho, applicants can request a total grant award between $5,000 to $100,000 per year for 3 years (up to $300,000 total) for the entire project period. Projects can last between 12 and 36 months and must begin upon receipt of funding.
• In Colorado, Montana, and Nevada, applicants can request a total grant award between $5,000 to $50,000 per year for 2 years (up to $100,000 total) for the entire project period. Projects can last between 12 and 36 months and must begin upon receipt of funding.
• Budget Limitation - A funding request may not exceed 20 percent of an organization’s annual operating budget, e.g., to be eligible for a $50,000 grant, your organization’s annual operating budget must be at least $250,000.
• In general, small equipment and materials, such as jump ropes or cooking utensils are eligible, at no more than a total $5,000 cost, but large equipment, construction, and capital costs are not eligible. Consideration will be given if computer equipment is necessary and vital to the success of the project.

The Rieschel Foundation Annual Grant supports public charities in Gallatin and Park Counties, Montana, offering up to $20,000 for general operating expenses. The grant cycle opens in February, allowing eligible organizations to submit applications. The foundation prioritizes funding for mental health services, human services, environmental initiatives, and education. With an average of 15 awards each year, the foundation aims to align with impactful organizations to foster significant community contributions.

The Community Ties Giving Program by Union Pacific Foundation offers local grants aimed at enhancing community well-being through diverse funding priorities. These include safety initiatives, workforce development, community vitality, and environmental sustainability. The program emphasizes supporting organizations that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, aiming to create impactful projects that resonate with Union Pacific's heritage and mission. Eligible applicants must be nonprofit organizations serving Union Pacific communities and demonstrate a clear need and capacity to deliver effective programming.

The True Inspiration Awards, established by Chick-fil-A in 2015, recognizes nonprofit organizations that significantly impact their communities. In 2025, the program will distribute $6 million in grants, ranging from $30,000 to $350,000, to sixteen selected organizations. Categories include Caring for People, Caring through Food, Community, and Caring for our Planet, with a focus on educational initiatives, food security, housing services, and environmental stewardship, honoring the legacy of founder S. Truett Cathy.

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 TourWest Grants, funded by the National Endowment for the Arts, aim to support presenters and organizations in the Western region by providing flexible funding for touring artists. This competitive grant encourages community engagement and outreach, fostering collaboration between artists and local communities. It prioritizes accessibility to the performing arts, especially in underserved areas. Applicants must be tax-exempt organizations or local government units and demonstrate a commitment to community needs through their projects.