Best Capacity Building Grants for Nonprofits in Montana

Montana Board of Crime Control 

Montana Board of Crime Control (MBCC) was created in 1968 as a planning and research agency under the authority of 2-15-2006, MCA whose goal was, and still is to promote public safety. The MBCC is a 18-member quasi-judicial board appointed by the Governor. MBCC provides financial support, technical assistance, and supportive services to state and local criminal justice agencies. The board provides funding to local, regional, and statewide projects with the central goal of making Montana a safer state.

Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Multi-Jurisdictional Drug Task Forces (MJDTF)

Description

The Montana Board of Crime Control (MBCC) is soliciting proposals for Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) – Multi-Jurisdictional Drug Task Force (MJDTF) programs to be funded by the U.S Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Bureau of Justice Assistance.

The application process is competitive. A 30% hard cash local match of the total cost of each MJDTF project (JAG grant funds plus local match) is required for each JAG-funded project. Applicants may not declare a match of more than 30%. Match must be derived from non-federal sources.

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.

The Montana Wheat and Barley Committee Research Grant supports innovative agricultural research aimed at enhancing wheat and barley quality and production. Funded projects may include varietal development, agronomic best practices, and pest management strategies. This grant offers multiple funding tiers to address critical ongoing research and innovative product development, with applications reviewed annually for the upcoming calendar year.

The Montana Pulse Crop Committee is inviting proposals for the Montana Pulse Research & Market Development Program. This initiative aims to support research, market development, and educational projects that enhance the pulse industry in Montana. Eligible applicants include public agencies, businesses, educational institutions, and individuals. The program emphasizes practical applications and aims to stimulate growth in pulse markets, making it a vital opportunity for stakeholders in the agricultural sector.

The Growing Tribal Economies Through Forest Market Innovations grant program, initiated by First Nations Development Institute, aims to empower Tribes and Alaska Native Villages to engage in emerging markets that enhance forest health and resilience. With funding of $200,000 to $500,000 per grant, this initiative supports projects focusing on sustainability, innovation, and traditional knowledge. Eligible applicants are encouraged to develop forest products, certifications, and practices that contribute positively to biodiversity and ecosystem management.

The Halt Cancer at X Grant Program, administered by Montana Equestrian Events, Inc., focuses on enhancing breast cancer awareness and support in the Flathead Valley. Since its inception in 2012, it has allocated over $475,000 to local organizations addressing breast cancer screening, treatment needs, and survivor support. This one-year grant encourages proposals that promote education and community wellness, with a preference for projects benefiting the local area.

About

The Costume Society of America (CSA) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded on March 23, 1973, and incorporated in the state of New York on September 12, 1973. CSA serves it members, and promotes its goals with national symposia and publications including the journal Dress and its monthly electronic newsletter CSA e-News.

The organization began forming regional groups in 1978. There are six regional groups in the United States and Canada, and one international group. Individual regions hold annual meetings, sponsor programs and publish newsletters.

Our Mission

The Costume Society of America fosters an understanding of appearance and dress practices of people across the globe through research, education, preservation, and design. Our network of members studies the past, examines the present, and anticipates the future of clothing and fashion.

Jack Handford Summer Internship

The Western Region actively supports student members who show promise as new professionals and encourages institutions and students to apply for the Jack Handford Summer Internship offered every other year, i.e. 2026 and 2028. The internship is appropriate for students with majors such as costume studies, material culture, museum studies, fashion history, or similar. The internship is intended to average duration of six weeks or a total of 120 hours. The grant may change depending on the budget; the 2024 winner received $3,000.

Student applicants must be current CSA Western Region members to apply. Check the forms: Institution Application and Student Application. All forms and other materials stated in the form should be submitted to Naomi Arnst, CSA-Western Region, Student Awards and Summer Internship Chair.

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.

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.

Housing Trust Fund Program

Established under Title I of the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008, the HTF Program is a federal block grant designed to create affordable housing for extremely low-income households. Montana’s HTF 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 entities for the development and preservation of affordable housing. The HTF complements existing federal, state and local efforts to increase the supply of decent, safe and sanitary affordable housing for extremely low income families, including households with special needs, households experiencing homelessness and those at risk of homelessness.

The Mazamas is committed to exploring and preserving mountain environments in the Pacific Northwest through research grants. These grants support nonprofit research that aligns with the Mazamas’ mission, encouraging proposals from graduate and undergraduate students. Successful applicants often conduct field studies that enhance understanding of the region's natural features. Notably, the Mazamas also welcome innovative research ideas that may fall outside traditional grant guidelines, promoting a diverse range of scientific inquiry.

The Elizabeth Seitz Moyer Memorial Scholarship at Montana State University supports students in the Jake Jabs College of Business and Entrepreneurship with a minimum 2.5 GPA, prioritizing those with financial need. This scholarship exemplifies MSU's commitment to educational access and community engagement, aiding students in their pursuit of business degrees. Award amounts vary, reflecting the university's dedication to fostering success and growth within the state's economy.

The D.A. Davidson Silver Fund Scholarship at Montana State University supports students pursuing degrees from the Jake Jabs College of Business and Entrepreneurship. This scholarship exemplifies MSU's commitment to enhancing student success through financial assistance, enabling graduates to thrive in their chosen fields. Established in 1893, MSU is dedicated to research and service, providing accessible education that addresses the needs of Montana and beyond. Award amounts vary, reflecting the diverse opportunities available for aspiring business leaders.

The Christie Johnson Accounting Scholarship at Montana State University supports students pursuing an Accounting Option degree within the Jake Jabs College of Business and Entrepreneurship. This scholarship aims to enhance educational opportunities in accounting, fostering academic excellence and real-world problem-solving skills. With varying award amounts, it reflects MSU's commitment to student success and community engagement, preparing graduates to contribute meaningfully to society and the economy.

The Asian Cultural Council's New York Fellowship offers a transformative six-month program for artists, scholars, and arts professionals from Asia. Participants engage deeply with New York City's vibrant cultural landscape, attending performances, exhibitions, and workshops while building networks with local communities. This unique opportunity fosters peer-learning and individual artistic development, encouraging fellows to incorporate their experiences into their practices and contribute to their home cultures. The fellowship emphasizes exploration, exchange, and support, culminating in a rich cultural immersion.

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 U.S. Wildland Fire Service Joint Fire Science Program (JFSP) invites proposals for regional fire science exchanges across nine designated regions in the U.S. This initiative aims to promote the sharing of fire science knowledge and practices over a two-year period. Eligible applicants can focus on regions including Alaska, Appalachians, Great Basin, North Atlantic, Northern Rockies, Northwest, Oak Woodlands, Pacific Islands, and Southwest. Proposals must be specific to one region.

The Ardy SixKiller Clarke Scholarship, offered by Montana State University, supports American Indian and Alaska Native students pursuing careers in education. Eligible applicants must be enrolled in the Teacher Education Program, maintain a minimum GPA of 2.75, and provide proof of American Indian heritage. This need-sensitive award aims to assist future educators dedicated to serving their communities, while also reinforcing MSU's commitment to student success and community engagement.

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.

The NLSOT Graduate Student Travel Award aims to assist graduate students from the Northland SOT region with travel costs to the national SOT Annual Meeting. This award encourages student involvement in local chapter activities and can be used for various travel-related expenses, including registration, airfare, lodging, and meals. By supporting student participation, the award fosters academic growth and networking opportunities within the toxicology community.

Montana State University

Montana State University (MSU), the state’s largest public research university, serves as Montana’s premier land-grant institution dedicated to education, research, and service. Founded in 1893 in Bozeman, MSU provides high-quality, accessible learning opportunities while advancing discoveries that address the needs of Montana, the nation, and the world. With more than 16,000 students and a strong commitment to hands-on, experiential learning, MSU integrates academic excellence with real-world problem-solving across fields such as agriculture, engineering, health, science, and the arts.

Guided by its land-grant mission, MSU prioritizes student success, community engagement, and research that strengthens Montana’s economy and quality of life. The university strives to foster innovation, expand opportunity, and support thriving communities by preparing graduates who are equipped to lead, serve, and contribute meaningfully to society.

Hugo Eck Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship supports second-, third-, and fourth-year students pursuing a degree in Environmental Design. Award amounts vary, and the scholarship falls under the Architecture and Arts and Architecture scopes.

The Technical Assistance Grants (MT) program by the Montana Department of Natural Resources & Conservation supports local governments in applying for Renewable Resource Planning Grants. This initiative aims to assist those without established engineering relationships or previous grant application success. Eligible entities can receive up to $3,000 or 20 hours of technical services. DNRC prioritizes requests based on specific criteria to enhance the success of grant applications.

The Stimulating Hematology Investigation: New Endeavors (SHINE) program aims to enhance nonmalignant hematology research aligned with the goals of the NIDDK, NIA, and NHLBI. It invites R01 grant applications focused on innovative and early translational hematology topics, fostering growth in this critical research area. Key deadlines for applications span from February 2025 to October 2027, allowing for both standard and renewal submissions.

The James and Florence Keith Alpha Zeta Scholarship at Montana State University supports College of Agriculture students who are active members of the Alpha Zeta Society. Preference is given to undergraduates with two years remaining in their program, and those pursuing Veterinary Medicine. This scholarship aims to promote student success and contribute to the agricultural sector, with award amounts varying based on funding availability.

The Grand Haven Offshore Challenge Scholarship, offered by the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, supports students pursuing studies in natural resources, including fisheries and wildlife. This scholarship is available for applicants attending any public or private college or university. The fund was established to honor community contributions towards environmental preservation and is awarded based on academic merit and financial need. Apply once for all scholarships you may qualify for to streamline your application process.

The JFLA Mini Grant for Japanese Arts & Culture Program supports projects aimed at enhancing the understanding of Japanese arts and culture. Grants of up to $5,000 are available for qualifying nonprofit organizations. Eligible projects must occur in the 13 states west of the Rocky Mountains and focus on fostering U.S.-Japan collaborations through various artistic mediums. Notably, applicants must be designated 501(c)(3) organizations and adhere to specific funding guidelines.

The Cory and Diane Pulfrey Family Scholarship at Montana State University supports junior and senior students in the Finance Option of the Jake Jabs College of Business and Entrepreneurship, requiring a minimum 3.0 GPA. This scholarship aims to enhance educational opportunities for students while fostering academic excellence in finance, contributing to the development of skilled professionals in Montana's economy.

The Doris Fogler Braughton Fine Arts Scholarship at Montana State University supports undergraduate students enrolled in the School of Art who attend at least half-time. This scholarship aims to enhance the educational experience of aspiring artists by providing financial assistance, thereby fostering creativity and innovation in the arts. MSU, a leading public research university, is committed to student success and community engagement, preparing graduates for impactful contributions to society.