Best Capacity Building Grants for Nonprofits in Montana

The Chi Epsilon Scholarship, offered by Montana State University, supports junior students majoring in Civil or Environmental Engineering. This scholarship recognizes individuals who embody the honor society's values of scholarship, character, practicality, and sociability. With diverse award amounts, it aims to foster academic excellence and community engagement while preparing students to tackle real-world challenges in engineering.

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.

The First Interstate BancSystem Foundation focuses on strengthening communities by providing grants primarily to nonprofits assisting low- and moderate-income individuals. In 2023, they awarded $9.2 million across their footprint, emphasizing projects with significant community impact. Grants are recommended by local First Interstate Bank branches and are evaluated based on the nonprofit's leadership, financial stability, and community benefit. Areas of ineligibility include individual projects and those that do not demonstrate a substantial community impact.

The Electrical and Computer Engineering Recruitment Scholarship at Montana State University supports students majoring in Computer, Electrical, or General Engineering. Applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.25 to qualify. This scholarship aims to encourage academic excellence and innovation in engineering fields while addressing the needs of Montana and beyond. MSU, the state's largest public research university, is committed to fostering student success and community engagement.

The Doug Alexander Sunrise Rotary Memorial Scholarship at Montana State University supports Montana residents who are junior or senior students in the Jake Jabs College of Business and Entrepreneurship or the Norm Asbjornson College of Engineering. Applicants must demonstrate financial need, maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA, and show involvement in campus or community activities. This scholarship aims to foster educational advancement and community engagement, thereby strengthening Montana's workforce.

The Enbridge Community Grant aims to enhance the quality of life in North American communities through strategic donations and sponsorships. With funding ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, the grant supports organizations focused on safety, education, environmental stewardship, and Indigenous culture. Enbridge encourages early applications, with decisions typically made within eight weeks. The grant seeks to empower local initiatives that foster community strength, vibrancy, and sustainability.

The Kroger Foundation is dedicated to uplifting communities through significant charitable contributions, having donated over $1.9 billion in the past six years. Their focus on combating hunger through the Zero Hunger | Zero Waste initiative exemplifies their commitment to social impact. Annually, they provide over $300 million to nonprofit organizations aligned with their mission, promoting health, education, and disaster relief while fostering diversity and inclusion. This initiative reflects Kroger's belief that strong communities are a shared responsibility.

The Asian Cultural Council's Individual Fellowship provides artists, scholars, and arts professionals from Asia and the United States with opportunities for self-directed cultural exchange and research in unfamiliar regions. This program supports activities such as interviews, workshops, and archival research, fostering cultural immersion and collaboration. With a funding limit of $35,000, the fellowship encourages innovative proposals that enhance creative perspectives and relationships among peers, while also ensuring strong eligibility criteria for applicants.

The Catholic School Leadership Development Grant Program aims to cultivate and retain promising leaders within the Catholic school system. In partnership with Loyola Marymount University, this initiative offers a graduate-level online Certificate in Catholic School Administration, covering 80% of tuition costs and providing funding for essential travel. The one-year program focuses on mission effectiveness, operational management, and instructional leadership, requiring participants to serve two years in their diocese post-completion, thereby enhancing local educational leadership.

The Albert G. and Olive H. Schlink Foundation, established in 1966, has significantly impacted Ohio's nonprofit sector by increasing its annual grant distribution from an initial $500 to over $1.4 million in 2023. The Foundation prioritizes organizations with ties to Erie and Huron Counties and emphasizes thoughtful evaluation of all grant applications. With a focus on community needs, it continues to honor the founders' legacy while adapting to the evolving demands of local nonprofits.

The Town Pump Charitable Foundation, established in 1999, supports Montana charitable and governmental organizations focusing on basic needs, education, and community assistance. Grants are available for 501(c)(3) nonprofits and governmental entities, aiming to enhance the quality of life for Montana citizens. The Foundation prioritizes initiatives addressing food insecurity, educational programs, and community projects, fostering stronger and sustainable communities across the state.

The Montana Mental Health Access Fund aims to enhance access to mental health services for Indigenous communities in Montana. By focusing on tribal populations and urban Indian communities, the fund seeks to eliminate barriers to culturally appropriate care. Given Montana's high suicide rates and historical lack of services, this initiative is critical for improving mental health outcomes. It supports innovative approaches and technology to reach those in underserved areas, ensuring that essential mental health services are available for all.

The Community Pond Program Grants aim to enhance fishing opportunities in Montana communities by funding the construction or improvement of public fishing ponds. With annual funding between $100,000 and $150,000, grants typically range from $1,000 to $40,000. Projects are encouraged to enhance youth angling opportunities and improve amenities for anglers with disabilities. Eligible applicants include state agencies and community organizations, with support from Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks.

The Western Society of Malacologists offers Student Research Grants in Malacology to support research in the study of mollusks. Grants of up to $1000 are available for full-time students engaged in relevant projects. Applicants from all countries are welcome, with no citizenship restrictions. This initiative encourages students to present their findings at WSM meetings, promoting academic growth and collaboration within the malacological community.

The CHS Foundation's Ag Leadership Grant aims to enhance agricultural leadership and cooperative education. This program supports projects that cultivate a diverse pipeline for future agricultural leaders, focusing on education and career training for high school students to young professionals. Priority is given to initiatives that impact multiple states within the CHS trade area, thereby fostering a deeper understanding of the cooperative business model in agriculture.

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.

The Gridiron Veterans Scholarship, provided by the Bob Woodruff Foundation, offers essential financial support for military veterans and first responders. This initiative focuses on wellness, rehabilitation, and recovery programs, ensuring participants can access mental health services, physical therapy, and holistic resources. The foundation prioritizes those facing emotional and physical challenges, empowering them to overcome barriers and improve their quality of life through customized, evidence-based support.

The Conservation District Pollinator Grants aim to enhance pollinator habitats in Montana, offering funding between $5,000 and $15,000 for eligible projects. These grants prioritize initiatives that include monitoring plans and community engagement strategies. Eligible applicants must demonstrate conservation benefits and have a solid public outreach plan. The program encourages innovative approaches to educate the public about pollinators' vital role in ecosystems and supports projects that actively involve local communities.

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.

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 Waste Management Charitable Contributions Program supports initiatives that enhance environmental stewardship, sustainability education, and community vitality. With a commitment to civic pride and economic development, the program prioritizes organizations that address local needs and promote sustainable practices. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations that focus on public purposes, while ineligible requests include funding for operating costs and individual fundraising events. This initiative fosters a collaborative approach to community betterment.

The Pacific Branch John Henry Comstock Award honors an exemplary graduate student in entomology within the Pacific Branch. This award aims to foster enthusiasm for entomology at the graduate level and encourage participation in the Pacific Branch and ESA Annual Meetings. The winner will present at the Pacific Branch Meeting and receive an all-expenses-paid trip to the ESA Annual Meeting, a $100 cash prize, and a certificate, covering airfare, hotel, registration, and per diem.

The ASP Conservation Small Grants program is dedicated to supporting primate conservation efforts. It invites proposals for conservation research or related projects, including education, with awards up to $3500. This initiative encourages ASP members, especially those in habitat countries, to submit impactful projects that contribute to broader conservation goals. The program emphasizes funding for local salaries, research supplies, and educational materials, ensuring the sustainability of primate conservation efforts.

The Montana Civil Monetary Penalty Reinvestment Funds support initiatives aimed at enhancing the quality of care for nursing home residents. Funds are allocated to assist facilities facing closure, support resident relocation, and improve care quality through technical assistance and training programs. This program, managed by the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, aims to utilize civil monetary penalties imposed on non-compliant nursing homes to directly benefit vulnerable populations and improve their overall quality of life.

The Crowley Family Biochemistry Scholarship at Montana State University supports junior and senior students pursuing degrees in Biochemistry, with preference for those in the Honors College. This scholarship aims to foster academic excellence and community engagement, reflecting MSU's commitment to student success and research that enhances Montana's quality of life. Award amounts vary, and the scholarship falls under the Chemistry and Biochemistry scopes, promoting innovation and opportunity for future leaders.

The Crossman-Whitney-Griffin Scholarship, offered by Montana State University, supports third- and fourth-year students pursuing a degree in Environmental Design. This scholarship rewards students who demonstrate exceptional academic performance, as indicated by their cumulative GPA. Award amounts may vary, reflecting the commitment of MSU to foster innovation and excellence in education. As a leading public research university, MSU emphasizes hands-on learning and community engagement, preparing graduates to contribute meaningfully to society.

The NRP Research Grant Program offers up to $50,000 for healthcare professionals to explore optimal neonatal resuscitation methods. It encourages innovative research addressing gaps in transitional physiology and effective teaching of resuscitation skills. Applications must focus on evidence-based practices and demonstrate potential for meaningful impact in delivery room care. Researchers from Canadian and US institutions are eligible, though applications primarily focused on quality improvement without a research emphasis will not be considered.