Best Capacity Building Grants for Nonprofits in Montana

The Donald J. Baker Scholarship at Montana State University supports Valley County high school graduates pursuing a degree, excluding Gallatin College, who demonstrate financial need. This prestigious scholarship reflects MSU's commitment to accessibility and student success, helping individuals from local communities achieve their educational goals. Established to empower students, it plays a significant role in enhancing opportunities and fostering economic development in Montana, aligning with the university's mission to serve its students and the broader community.

The Classified Staff Scholarship at Montana State University supports students employed in classified staff positions for at least nine months. Eligible candidates must maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA for their first undergraduate degree, or 3.0 for subsequent degrees. This scholarship prioritizes those pursuing their first undergraduate degree and is designed to assist with financial needs, helping to foster academic success and community engagement within Montana.

The College of Nursing Scholarship at Montana State University supports students pursuing a nursing degree. As Montana's largest public research university, MSU emphasizes student success and hands-on learning. Applicants must complete the Activities and Involvement sections of the General Application to qualify. This scholarship varies in award amounts and is designed to enhance opportunities in the nursing field, ensuring graduates are well-prepared to contribute to healthcare in their communities.

The Great Apes and Gibbons Program Grant, administered by the Arcus Foundation, supports conservation efforts for great apes and gibbons across 24 priority landscapes in Africa and Asia. The program emphasizes sustainable coexistence between humans and wildlife, having awarded over 2,000 grants to more than 500 organizations globally. Funding is not available for individuals or specific lobbying activities, ensuring resources are directed towards impactful conservation initiatives.

The Don D. and Charlotte G. Kress Scholarship at Montana State University supports students in the College of Agriculture, prioritizing outstanding freshmen from the Alpha Zeta Society and those pursuing Animal Science with strong academic records. This scholarship reflects MSU's commitment to educational excellence and community engagement, aiding students in their journey to contribute positively to society. Award amounts vary, fostering opportunities for those dedicated to agricultural studies.

The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) intends to issue a Broad Pragmatic Studies (BPS) PCORI Funding Announcement (PFA) on Aug. 4, 2026, seeking to fund high-impact, patient-centered comparative clinical effectiveness research (CER) projects. This preannouncement provides potential applicants additional time to identify collaborators; obtain patient and stakeholder input on potential studies; and develop responsive, high-quality applications. 

Patient-centered CER compares at least two available health treatments, services or care delivery strategies. PCORI seeks proposals that compare clinical interventions (e.g., pharmacological and nonpharmacological treatments, screening and diagnostic approaches) and healthcare delivery system interventions (e.g., workforce, technologies, healthcare service delivery designs) to evaluate potential benefits and harms of different treatment and care delivery options, thus generating evidence that empowers patients, caregivers and the broader healthcare community with information to make informed choices that reflect their needs and preferences. 

The Don Gimbel CAA Scholarship at Montana State University supports undergraduate students in the College of Arts and Architecture who demonstrate financial need. This scholarship, which varies in award amounts, reflects MSU's commitment to education, research, and community engagement, fostering innovation and opportunity within Montana's economy. MSU, the state's largest public research university, prioritizes academic excellence and hands-on learning, preparing graduates to contribute meaningfully to society.

The National Forest Foundation's Matching Awards Program connects communities to forests by funding stewardship activities that promote engagement with National Forests and nearby public lands. This program aims to create lasting impacts, ensuring that all communities can benefit from the rich resources of these natural areas. By supporting various projects, the program fosters a deeper relationship between people and the environment, ultimately enhancing conservation efforts and community well-being.

Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services

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.

Funding Opportunities for Healthcare Professionals

Join us in a funded project and improve patient care, clinical outcomes, and staff knowledge. DPHHS has a wide variety of available grant opportunities for health improvement that fit any clinic or hospital work schedule. Interested in more than one? We can work with health systems to create an outline of activities to align grants and receive additional funding. 

Cardiovascular Funding Opportunities include: Access to Care; Community Health Worker (CHW) Social Need Project; and others.

Community Health Worker (CHW) Social Need Project 

Conducting a health-related social needs screener with community members, referring to community programs to address social needs, and tracking usage of services.

The Dan and Colleen Roark Nursing Scholarship at Montana State University supports Montana high school graduates pursuing a degree in nursing. To be eligible, applicants must demonstrate financial need and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.25. This scholarship highlights MSU's commitment to nurturing future healthcare professionals while enhancing the quality of life in Montana through education and community service. Award amounts may vary based on funding availability.

The BMCF Agriculture Scholarship, offered by Montana State University, supports undergraduate Montana residents pursuing degrees in agriculture. This scholarship aims to promote educational accessibility and recognizes the importance of agriculture in local communities. Award amounts vary, reflecting the university's commitment to fostering student success and innovation. Established by MSU, the scholarship aligns with its land-grant mission to enhance the quality of life in Montana through education and research.

The Charlotte Rose Hughes Memorial scholarship at Montana State University supports junior and senior students in Sustainable Food and Bioenergy Systems. Eligible candidates must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA and focus on agroecology, sustainable crop production, or sustainable food systems. This scholarship embodies MSU's commitment to fostering innovation and enhancing quality of life in Montana through academic excellence and community engagement.

The Bruce Parker Family Scholarship, offered by Montana State University, supports high school graduates from Montana seeking a degree or certificate at Gallatin College. This scholarship aims to assist those demonstrating financial need, making higher education more accessible. Award amounts vary, reflecting MSU's commitment to enhancing workforce development and community engagement. As Montana’s premier land-grant institution, MSU prioritizes student success and fosters innovation to strengthen the state’s economy and quality of life.

The D. P. Fabrick Scholarship at Montana State University supports full-time students in the College of Agriculture who demonstrate financial need. Preference is given to Teton County residents and those from farm or ranch families pursuing agricultural careers. This scholarship aligns with MSU's mission to foster education and community engagement, aiming to empower students to make meaningful contributions to society while addressing the needs of Montana's economy.

The College of Nursing Memorial Program Scholarship at Montana State University supports nursing students through a consolidated fund that includes various memorial scholarships. This initiative aims to honor the legacy of past contributors while providing financial assistance to future nursing professionals. Applicants are required to complete the Activities and Involvement sections of the General Application. Award amounts vary, making this scholarship a vital resource for those pursuing a nursing degree.

Montana Disaster & Emergency Services 

Montana Disaster & Emergency Services (MT DES) is the lead agency coordinating comprehensive emergency management in Montana. In collaboration with local and tribal governments we build, sustain, and improve our ability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate hazards. 

Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP)

WHAT IS NSGP?

The Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) improves and increases the physical/cybersecurity and facility/target hardening of nonprofit organizations’ facilities at risk of a terrorist of other extremist attack, ultimately safeguarding the lives and property of the American people. NSGP integrates the preparedness activities of nonprofit organizations that are at high risk of a terrorist or other extremist attack with broader state and local preparedness efforts.

The NSGP provides funds to meet the following three objectives:

• Enhance equipment and conduct security-related activities to improve the security posture of nonprofit organizations that are at high risk of a terrorist or other extremist attack.

• Address and close capability gaps that are identified in individual nonprofit organization Vulnerability Assessments via funding spent on Planning, Equipment, and Training and Exercises that aim to enhance the protection of soft targets and crowded places.

• Strengthen relationships across non-profit organization, state, local, and territorial homeland security agencies for a whole community approach to preparedness.

There are two funding sources appropriated for nonprofit organizations: NSGP - Urban Area (NSGP-UA); and NSGP - State (NSGP-S)

NSGP - State (NSGP-S)

NSGP-S funds nonprofit organizations located outside of a Designated highrisk urban area. Under NSGP-S, each state will receive an allocation for nonprofit organizations in the state located outside of Designated high-risk urban areas.

The Ethnic Minorities and Women’s Internship Grant supports entry-level athletics administrative positions for one academic year, promoting diversity in NCAA Division II. It provides $30,000 for intern salaries and $3,000 for professional development, benefiting six schools annually from a total budget of $180,000. Eligible applicants must be active NCAA members, with a focus on enhancing ethnic minority and gender representation in athletics administration. This initiative encourages professional growth and compliance in diverse environments.

The Burkenpas Agricultural Education Scholarship at Montana State University supports Montana high school graduates pursuing degrees in Agricultural Education, prioritizing those with financial need. This scholarship aims to foster student success and community engagement while preparing graduates to contribute meaningfully to society. Award amounts vary, and preference is given to students enrolled in the Agricultural Education – Teaching Option, aligning with MSU's mission to enhance education and innovation in agriculture.

Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services

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.

Funding Opportunities for Healthcare Professionals

Join us in a funded project and improve patient care, clinical outcomes, and staff knowledge. DPHHS has a wide variety of available grant opportunities for health improvement that fit any clinic or hospital work schedule. Interested in more than one? We can work with health systems to create an outline of activities to align grants and receive additional funding. 

Diabetes Funding Opportunities: Family Healthy Weight Program Implementation; DSMES-Accreditation Recognition; Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) QI Project; Diabetes Retinopathy QI Project; Diabetes Support Program- Walk With Ease Project; Access to Care Project; Diabetes Support Program Implementation

DSMES-Accreditation Recognition

Provide funding opportunities to any current DSMES sites or new sites wanting to deliver DSMES, to be ADA-recognized/ADCES accredited, by providing technical assistance and support to achieve recognition/accreditation. This includes becoming an independent site or a site under the MT DEAP Umbrella.

Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services

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.

Funding Opportunities for Healthcare Professionals

Join us in a funded project and improve patient care, clinical outcomes, and staff knowledge. DPHHS has a wide variety of available grant opportunities for health improvement that fit any clinic or hospital work schedule. Interested in more than one? We can work with health systems to create an outline of activities to align grants and receive additional funding. 

Diabetes Funding Opportunities: Family Healthy Weight Program Implementation; DSMES-Accreditation Recognition; Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) QI Project; Diabetes Retinopathy QI Project; Diabetes Support Program- Walk With Ease Project; Access to Care Project; Diabetes Support Program Implementation

Family Healthy Weight Program Implementation

Identify specific sites who are interested in implementing a Family Health Weight Program within their system using a family centered approach to reduce health related risk for type 2 diabetes.

The Region 4 Professional Development Awards for 2025-2026 foster the growth of health information access and data science skills among network members. This funding supports diverse projects such as workshops, conferences, and educational activities aimed at enhancing the professional capacity of individuals affiliated with NNLM Region 4. By encouraging proposals that address the needs of underrepresented communities, the awards aim to improve health information services and access across the region.

The Energy Laboratories Chemistry Scholarship at Montana State University supports junior and senior students in Chemistry and Biochemistry with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Preference is given to Montana high school graduates. This scholarship aims to foster academic excellence while enhancing community engagement and research that benefits Montana's economy and quality of life. Award amounts vary, reflecting MSU's commitment to accessible education and student success.

The Montana Healthcare Foundation invites proposals for innovative health solutions from Montana-based organizations. Grants range from $10,000 to $100,000 depending on project duration. Eligible applicants include tax-exempt organizations and local government agencies. The foundation prioritizes projects demonstrating effective partnerships and sustainable impact. Organizations may submit multiple applications, but funding does not support individuals or capital campaigns. For further details, review the eligibility criteria and FAQs on the foundation's website.

The Dr. and Mrs. Chi-Tang Li Scholarship, offered by Montana State University, supports students pursuing degrees in Chemistry and Biochemistry. This scholarship aims to promote academic excellence and foster continued study in chemistry-related fields. Award amounts vary, reflecting MSU's commitment to enhancing educational opportunities and encouraging innovation in the sciences. With its strong focus on student success and community engagement, MSU plays a vital role in shaping future leaders in the field.

The Dr. B. L. Johnson Memorial Scholarship at Montana State University offers financial assistance to full-time students in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry who have reached junior status. This scholarship aims to support advanced scholars in their academic and professional journeys within chemistry-related disciplines. Montana State University, recognized as the state’s premier land-grant institution, is committed to fostering educational excellence and community engagement, making this scholarship a vital resource for future leaders in science.

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 Housing Stabilization Program

Successful applicants will qualify to access the CDBG HSP pool of funds for a period of five years. During that time, local governments are eligible to receive funds for the rehabilitation of single-family owner-occupied or rental units that benefit low- to moderate-income households. There is no maximum grant amount, and funds will be allocated based on the individual level of need and the scope of the project. Applications are accepted at any time.

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.

The Marvin R. and Pearl E. Patterson Family Fund Scholarship, offered by the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, supports students aspiring to study graphic or fine arts, as well as those interested in environmental sciences. Open to high school graduates from the Tri-Cities area, this scholarship considers leadership, community involvement, and academic achievements, although financial need is not a requirement. Applicants must provide transcripts and relevant documents to qualify for this opportunity.