Best Capacity Building Grants for Nonprofits in Montana

The Arden and Lois Lambert Scholarship at Montana State University supports full-time students pursuing a degree in Civil Engineering. As Montana's premier land-grant institution, MSU emphasizes experiential learning and community engagement. The scholarship aims to alleviate financial burdens, enabling students to focus on their studies and contribute to society. With a commitment to academic excellence and real-world problem-solving, this scholarship fosters the development of future leaders in engineering and related fields.

The Arthur J. Seiler Scholarship at Montana State University supports full-time undergraduate students pursuing Mechanical Engineering degrees and demonstrating financial need. This scholarship aims to reduce financial barriers for aspiring engineers, enhancing their educational opportunities. MSU, a leading research institution in Montana, emphasizes student success and community engagement, ensuring graduates are prepared for careers in high-demand engineering fields while contributing positively to society.

The Charles and Ruth Bowman Scholarship at Montana State University supports full-time students pursuing degrees in Civil Engineering, with a preference for Environmental Engineering. Established in 1893, MSU is Montana's largest public research university, dedicated to education, research, and community service. This scholarship aims to foster innovation and prepare graduates to contribute meaningfully to society, enhancing the quality of life in Montana while addressing global challenges.

The NRA Foundation: Montana Grants provides funding for charitable purposes aligned with its mission, primarily focusing on promoting firearms safety, education, and marksmanship. Eligible organizations must hold a Federal Employer Identification Number and can include IRS 501(c)(3) entities, government bodies, or state-recognized nonprofits. Ineligible applicants include labor organizations, private enterprises, and individuals. The Foundation emphasizes public benefit in funded projects, ensuring they contribute positively to the community.

The Cashman Family Scholarship at Montana State University supports full-time students pursuing a degree in Environmental Horticulture, requiring a minimum 2.7 GPA. Preference is given to Montana high school graduates and residents. This scholarship fosters student success, aligning with MSU's mission to enhance education and community engagement while promoting research that benefits Montana's economy.

The 2026 Carceral Systems Organizing Grant seeks to support organizations working to eradicate carceral systems, create alternative justice solutions, or pursue system reform by addressing systemic criminalization that disproportionately targets Black, Indigenous and people of color (BIPOC) and low-income/poor communities across our five-state region.

This grant will fund organizations that meet SJF’s community organizing framework and prioritize communities underrepresented in traditional grantmaking.

We define carceral systems organizing broadly to include all systems that criminalize people’s lives based on race, poverty, gender, immigration status and/or disability. Examples include but are not limited to: 

• Abolition, transformative justice, and alternatives to incarceration
• Ending racial profiling and police brutality
• Addressing racial inequities in drug laws
• Child welfare, foster care, child protective services
• Youth incarceration and the school-to-prison pipeline
• Detention and deportation of immigrant communities
• Homeless encampment sweeps and criminalization of survival needs
• Re-entry organizing by and for folks who were recently incarcerated

The FY26 Defense Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (DEPSCoR) Capacity Building opportunity aims to enhance the capabilities of university researchers in eligible states. Managed by the DoD, this initiative focuses on increasing the number of researchers capable of conducting relevant science and engineering research. The program also seeks to strengthen institutions of higher education and improve their competitiveness for federal research funding, ultimately fostering long-term growth in financial assistance for scientific research.

The Carolyn Thompson Memorial Scholarship at Montana State University supports senior students in Mechanical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering Technology with a minimum GPA of 3.45. Preference is given to double majors, those working while studying, and students engaged in hands-on engineering activities. The scholarship aims to foster innovation and community engagement by preparing graduates to contribute meaningfully to society. Award amounts vary, aligning with the Engineering, Mechanical, and Industrial Engineering scope.

The Dr. Claudia Clague Education Scholarship, offered by Montana State University, supports undergraduate Montana high school graduates pursuing degrees in education. This scholarship highlights MSU's commitment to fostering student success and community engagement. With award amounts varying, it aims to empower students to lead and contribute to society effectively. As Montana's premier land-grant institution, MSU emphasizes accessible education and innovative research that benefits both the local community and the broader world.

The History and Philosophy Scholarship at Montana State University supports students pursuing degrees in the Department of History and Philosophy. This scholarship reflects MSU's commitment to educational excellence and community engagement, aiming to prepare graduates equipped to contribute meaningfully to society. Award amounts vary, highlighting the university's focus on accessibility and opportunity for all students, while promoting the values of innovation and service within the fields of history and philosophy.

The Dohleman Civil Engineering Scholarship at Montana State University supports Montana residents pursuing degrees in civil engineering, particularly those interested in structural engineering or engineering mechanics. Established to enhance educational opportunities, the scholarship varies in amount and aims to foster student success and community engagement. MSU, as a premier land-grant institution, is committed to advancing research and providing high-quality education to over 16,000 students, preparing them for meaningful contributions to society.

The NorthWestern Energy Impact Analysis Grant Program offers funding for cities, counties, economic development organizations, and non-profits in Montana, South Dakota, and Nebraska. Grant applications are simple, requiring a one-page form, with decisions made within 48 hours. The program aims to assess the economic impacts of local businesses and development projects. Circle Analytics will provide detailed reports on the economic footprint, including job creation and community benefits, to support informed decision-making.

The CHS Foundation offers funding for innovative projects in precision agriculture and data analytics. This annual grant program supports colleges and universities focusing on enhancing agronomy and ag mechanics curriculum. Applications are accepted from April 15 to May 31, with priority given to initiatives that foster hands-on learning and technology development. Eligible projects should emphasize data analysis and improve students' understanding of agricultural technology, while adhering to funding guidelines.

The Holcim, Inc./Kenyon Noble Ready Mix Scholarship at Montana State University supports students pursuing a degree in Civil Engineering. As Montana's premier land-grant institution, MSU is dedicated to providing accessible education and fostering innovation. This scholarship aims to enhance student success and community engagement while addressing the needs of Montana's economy. Award amounts vary, reflecting the university's commitment to supporting future engineers in their quest for academic excellence.

Wegmans Family Foundation Inc focuses on cultivating healthy communities through support for hunger relief, health initiatives, education, and youth programs. They prioritize collaborations with local nonprofits to enhance community well-being, offering assistance in key areas like economic mobility and youth engagement. Despite their wide-ranging support, they have specific ineligibility criteria, such as not accommodating personal requests or solicitation on their property, aiming to direct resources effectively where they are needed most.

The Anne Marie Muhs Memorial Scholarship at Montana State University supports students in the Civil Engineering Department who are at least sophomores. Preference is given to those who have completed the Civil Engineering internship program or are members of the Society of Women Engineers. This scholarship aims to promote women in engineering and enhance educational opportunities for aspiring civil engineers.

The Kalliopeia Foundation Grant focuses on supporting projects that foster cultural and ecological renewal through a deep reverence for the Earth. By prioritizing US-based organizations that demonstrate strong community relationships and intergenerational leadership, the foundation seeks to empower marginalized voices and traditional practices. With an emphasis on land care and Indigenous leadership, Kalliopeia aims to cultivate a resilient future where diverse ways of knowing and being thrive harmoniously with nature.

The Dow Native American Engineering Scholarship, offered by Montana State University, supports American Indian and Alaska Native students pursuing degrees in Chemical or Mechanical Engineering. Eligible applicants include first-year freshmen with a 3.0 GPA and transfer students from tribal community colleges. The scholarship prioritizes academic excellence and creative distinction, with preference given to Montana residents. Award amounts vary, enabling students to achieve their educational goals and contribute to their communities.

The Crawford Wildlife Habitat Engineering Undergraduate Scholarship at Montana State University supports students pursuing degrees from the Norm Asbjornson College of Engineering with interests in wildlife habitat. This scholarship aims to foster innovation and prepare graduates for meaningful contributions to society. Award amounts vary, offering financial support for students dedicated to addressing environmental challenges through engineering solutions.

The Allan J. McDonald Scholarship at Montana State University supports junior-level and above students pursuing a degree in Chemical Engineering. It recognizes students demonstrating strong ethical principles and community involvement, embodying the legacy of Allan J. McDonald. With MSU's commitment to education, research, and hands-on learning, this scholarship aims to develop future engineers who are dedicated to professional excellence and making a positive impact in their communities.

The College of Engineering General Scholarship at Montana State University supports students pursuing degrees from the Norm Asbjornson College of Engineering. MSU, established in 1893, is Montana's largest public research university, dedicated to education and research. This scholarship varies in award amounts and aims to foster innovation and community engagement, preparing graduates to effectively contribute to society and strengthen Montana's economy.

The Colonel Bert and Deanna Rice Scholarship at Montana State University supports Montana residents who are U.S. Armed Forces Veterans or their spouses/unmarried widows/widowers. Applicants must maintain a minimum 2.7 GPA and preference is given to those pursuing degrees in the College of Engineering or Sociology with a Criminology Option. This scholarship aims to empower veterans and enhance their educational opportunities, contributing positively to their communities.

The Starseed Foundation Grant offers support to 501(c)(3) organizations focused on enhancing the arts, environmental protection, literacy, and social services. Grants are available to organizations throughout the United States, with a specific emphasis on programs based in Oregon. Interested parties must first submit a Letter of Inquiry to be considered for funding. This initiative aims to improve the quality of life for underserved communities through cultural and educational enrichment.

The Henrietta Moebus Bolitho Memorial Scholarship, offered by Montana State University, supports full-time students pursuing degrees in Home Economics-related fields. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0. This scholarship emphasizes the importance of education in areas like Community Health, Early Childhood Education, and Hospitality Management, aiming to empower students to lead and contribute positively to society while benefiting from MSU's commitment to experiential learning and community engagement.

The Helyn McGown Scholarship at Montana State University supports students pursuing degrees in Health and Human Performance or Kinesiology. Established to enhance educational opportunities, this scholarship varies in award amounts and is designed to foster academic excellence in health-related fields. MSU, as Montana's premier land-grant institution, emphasizes community engagement and research that improves quality of life. This scholarship reflects MSU's commitment to developing graduates who can lead and contribute positively to society.

The Howard J. McCrodden Memorial Scholarship, offered by Montana State University, supports junior and senior students majoring in Construction Engineering Technology. Eligible candidates must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.7 and show a strong interest in a construction career. This scholarship aims to promote academic excellence and career readiness in the construction field, helping students develop the necessary skills to thrive in their future professions.

The Houston Area Alumni Chapter Legacy Scholarship supports undergraduate students at Montana State University (MSU) who reside in the Houston metropolitan area. Preference is given to children or grandchildren of MSU alumni. This scholarship reflects MSU's commitment to fostering student success and community engagement, offering varying award amounts to help students achieve their educational goals while contributing to the local economy and society.