Best Capacity Building Grants for Nonprofits in Montana

About

Mission

The Montana Arts Council is the agency of state government established to develop the creative potential of all Montanans, advance education, spur economic vibrancy and revitalize communities through involvement in the arts.

Vision

Montana will be known far and wide as "The Land of Creativity," where the arts are essential to the creativity, imagination and entrepreneurship that make Big Sky Country the very best place on earth to live, learn, work and play.

Statewide Service Organization (SSO) Grants

Statewide Arts Service Organizations (SSO) provide operating support.

A Statewide Arts Service Organization (SSO) is defined as an organization with a statewide membership and statewide board of directors. Its primary function is to provide member organizations and artists with programs and services more efficiently and cost-effectively than if those members had to acquire them individually.

The program recognizes strong operations, stable management, ongoing engagement, and high-quality services.

Successful applicants will expand opportunities for all Montanans to create, participate in, and appreciate Montana’s wide range of cultural resources. Applicants may be prioritized to equalize awards across geographic area and disciplines.

The Kids Fund, managed by the Whitefish Community Foundation, offers one-time grants of up to $50,000 to support programs that address health, safety, and educational challenges for at-risk youth in Flathead County. This initiative aims to prevent youth homelessness through various services, including housing support, food access, and mental wellness programs. Eligible organizations must be tax-exempt and based in the county, ensuring meaningful impact within the community.

The Von Voigtlander Family Foundation Grant, though currently closed, aims to support 501(c)(3) charitable organizations, primarily in Michigan. The foundation emphasizes animal welfare, parks preservation, veteran support, and youth empowerment. Their mission is to enhance lives through community-focused initiatives that foster resilience, education, and well-being. They prioritize charities that promote responsible pet ownership, outdoor recreation, and provide resources for veterans and youth, ensuring a positive impact across multiple sectors.

The Jay L. Smith Family Foundation provides grants to tax-exempt non-profit organizations in the United States, primarily focusing on healthcare, family values, and supporting the disadvantaged. With a strong commitment to Alzheimer's research, the foundation has funded various initiatives including elderly care, domestic violence prevention, and cancer research. Their mission is to enhance the quality of life for individuals and communities through meaningful contributions, aiming to address critical social issues and promote well-being.

The Bonnie Plants 3rd Grade Cabbage Grant Program inspires young students to cultivate a love for gardening by providing free oversized cabbage plants to 3rd grade classrooms across the continental U.S. Initiated in 1996, the program encourages hands-on learning about where food comes from. Each year, students compete for a $1,000 prize awarded to the best cabbage grown, fostering excitement and education about agriculture. This initiative not only promotes environmental awareness but also engages students in practical science.

The Bill and Rosemary Gallagher Foundation Grant supports charitable organizations in Western Montana, focusing on education, arts, community enrichment, healthcare, and assistance to youth and the aging. Established in 2001, it honors the legacy of Bill and Rosemary Gallagher by providing financial assistance to those in need, fostering community improvement, and enhancing quality of life for residents. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) compliant and demonstrate effective fund usage.

The Kids Fund offers multi-year grants of up to $50,000 to support programs addressing critical needs for youth in the Flathead Valley. Administered by the Whitefish Community Foundation, these grants focus on education, health, safety, food access, and housing. Organizations eligible for funding must be based in Flathead County and hold a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status. The Kids Fund aims to empower local youth and prevent homelessness by enhancing existing initiatives and launching new programs.

AgWest Farm Credit offers the Rural Community Grants program aimed at enhancing the economic and social well-being of rural communities in the western United States. Non-profit organizations can apply for grants up to $5,000 for various community projects, such as facility improvements and equipment purchases. Applications are reviewed monthly, and a letter of support from an AgWest employee or customer is required. The program is committed to fostering innovative solutions for rural challenges.

The Alleghany Foundation, a private 501(c)(3) organization in Virginia, focuses on enhancing the quality of life in the Alleghany Highlands through strategic funding initiatives. It seeks grant applications that address key areas such as economic transformation, educational excellence, health and wellness, community capacity, and civic leadership. By prioritizing innovative projects and supporting local organizations, the Foundation aims to foster sustainable growth and community engagement, ensuring a vibrant future for the region.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation offers a variety of scholarships for students in the Dietetic Technician Program, with over 250 scholarships available. Ranging from $500 to $25,000, these scholarships help support aspiring dietetic professionals. Applicants need to complete a single application to be considered for multiple scholarships based on eligibility. Membership in the Academy is encouraged but not mandatory for applying.

The Community Foundation of Northern Rosebud County Grant supports nonprofit projects enhancing community welfare in Forsyth, Angela, Ingomar, and Rosebud. It prioritizes areas like youth education, healthcare, and emergency services. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations or government entities. Projects must demonstrate local support and sustainability, while the foundation does not fund conferences, planning, or routine operational costs. This competitive grant aims to improve quality of life and foster community development.

The Asian Cultural Council's Graduate Fellowship provides financial support for travel and living expenses to graduate students from Asia studying in the U.S. It offers $15,000 for one academic year, potentially renewable for another year, covering essential costs while pursuing full-time coursework. This initiative fosters international cultural exchange and enhances academic training in the arts. Eligible applicants must be enrolled full-time in accredited graduate programs and commit to at least two consecutive semesters of study.

The Sabbatical Research and Education Grant, offered by Western SARE, enables faculty worldwide to collaborate with farmers and researchers in the Western U.S. This program focuses on conducting innovative research and educational outreach in underserved regions, with an emphasis on unexplored topics. Grants up to $75,000 are available for projects spanning one year, promoting agricultural sustainability and community involvement.

The Recreational Trails Program (RTP) administered by the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP) aims to enhance outdoor recreation by providing funds for the development and maintenance of recreational trails. This program supports various trail uses, including hiking, biking, and motorized activities. Eligible applicants include government agencies and private organizations. RTP grants cover up to 80% of project costs, ensuring that Montana's trails remain accessible and well-maintained for future generations.

The Montana Shooting Range Grant Program, administered by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks since 1989, provides funding for the establishment and enhancement of shooting ranges across Montana. Grants are available to private clubs, organizations, local governments, and schools, supporting projects that improve shooting facilities or cover reasonable application expenses. This initiative aims to promote safe and accessible shooting sports in the state, funded through state hunting license sales.

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 Wilburforce Foundation Conservation Grants aim to enhance the conservation of vital lands, waters, and wildlife in Western North America. By 2025, their vision is to ensure native wildlife thrives across connected landscapes. The foundation supports organizations dedicated to strategic conservation efforts, focusing on habitat security and wildlife linkages. Grants are available to eligible 501(c)(3) organizations and similar entities, fostering initiatives that protect critical wildlife habitats and promote ecological integrity.

Montana State University was founded February 16, 1893, as one of the nation's original land-grant colleges authorized by the landmark Morrill Act of 1862. Since then, MSU has been dedicated to the mission of education, research and outreach, providing access to life-changing higher education that has the potential to transform lives and communities.

Student Teaching FALL Semester Scholarship

Required Qualifications:

• Pursuing a degree in the Teacher Education Program K-12
• Have secured a student teaching position and will be doing their student teaching for the Fall semester

Scopes: Education

FWP's Mission

Steward the fish, wildlife, parks, and recreational resources for the public, now and into the future.

Fish, Wildlife & Parks Shooting Range Grant

About the Program

FWP has administered a grant program to develop and enhance shooting ranges since 1989 with funds generated from the sale of state hunting licenses. The Montana Shooting Range Grant Program provides partial funding to shooting clubs, private organizations, local governments, and school districts to establish or improve shooting ranges throughout Montana.

The funds are appropriated by the Legislature authorizing FWP to award to successful Applicants for development of publicly available shooting range facilities. These funds come from hunter license dollars and are one way in which Montana’s hunter license dollars are reinvested in Montana’s sportsmen and communities.

The Food and Agricultural Sciences National Needs Graduate and Postgraduate Fellowships program, managed by the USDA's NIFA, aims to enhance the training of new graduate students in food and agricultural sciences. It provides essential funding for master's, DVM, and doctoral students, focusing on developing the next generation of experts to address critical needs in agricultural sciences. This initiative supports U.S. citizens and residents in achieving their educational goals and contributing to the USDA's mission.

The Town Pump Charitable Foundation, established in 1999, is dedicated to supporting Montana communities. It invites local organizations to apply for grants to fund fireworks shows during the USA 250 celebrations on July 3 and 4, 2026. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations or governmental entities that can demonstrate their commitment to benefiting Montana citizens. This initiative highlights the foundation's mission to enhance community engagement and celebrate important milestones.

The Western SARE Graduate Student Research and Education Grant Program supports innovative research and educational outreach in sustainable agriculture. Funded by the USDA, it aims to enhance environmental quality, improve profitability for producers, and uplift rural communities. Projects must involve both research and education components, with proposals authored by graduate students collaborating with their advisors. This initiative fosters communication of results to agricultural professionals, ensuring practical applications for sustainable practices in the Western U.S.

The Western SARE Professional + Producer Grant Program fosters collaboration between Agricultural Technical Advisors and Producers to promote sustainable agriculture through research and outreach. This initiative aims to improve environmental quality, enhance profitability for farmers, and ensure community well-being. By supporting demonstrations, educational activities, and practical applications, the program seeks to communicate effective sustainable practices to agricultural professionals, ultimately benefiting rural economies and ecosystems.

The Western SARE Professional Development Program Grant supports education and outreach for agricultural professionals. Aimed at enhancing knowledge in sustainable agriculture, it provides funding for projects that train educators and farmers through workshops, conferences, and digital media. With a focus on the environmental, economic, and social aspects of agriculture, projects can last up to three years and receive up to $100,000 in funding. This initiative fosters a 'train the trainer' approach to improve agricultural practices.

The Patterson Foundation offers Assistance Dog Program Grants to support organizations providing service animals to veterans and individuals with disabilities. Funding is available for projects that expand capacity, personnel costs related to puppy training, and program support aimed at improving client experiences. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) non-profits and can request grants up to $35,000 for capital projects or $10,000 for program support. Applications are accepted through a two-step process.

The Montana Trail Stewardship Grant Program, managed by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, allocates funds to enhance the state's outdoor recreation infrastructure. Established in 2019, it utilizes vehicle registration fees and marijuana tax revenue to support projects such as trail construction, rehabilitation, and maintenance. With approximately $3.6 million awarded to 104 projects, this initiative aims to improve access and preserve Montana's natural resources for future generations.

The Partners in Science Grant Program, funded by the M J Murdock Charitable Trust, connects secondary school science teachers with research mentors to enhance their teaching and research skills. This innovative initiative offers renewable three-year grants to universities, supporting partnerships that foster professional growth through hands-on research experiences. Teachers engage in two annual conferences, allowing them to share findings and best practices, ultimately enriching the educational landscape and improving student engagement in scientific inquiry.