Best Capacity Building Grants for Nonprofits in Montana

The Tribal Solar Accelerator Fund (TSAF) empowers tribal communities across the U.S. by promoting renewable energy projects and workforce development. Launched by GRID Alternatives, TSAF provides critical funding for solar initiatives, enhancing energy sovereignty and resilience. Since its inception, TSAF has integrated community participation into its projects, ensuring that tribes can access sustainable energy solutions. By prioritizing education and equity, TSAF supports a transition to a clean energy economy, aiming for a sustainable future for generations to come.

The Albertsons Foundation - Intermountain is dedicated to enhancing community welfare through strategic funding. It supports nonprofit organizations in areas such as health services, diversity inclusion, and education, particularly in the Intermountain region (ID, MT, WY, UT, NV, ND). By partnering with local entities, the foundation ensures that its contributions address essential community needs while promoting access to vital services, fostering inclusivity, and encouraging educational success for all children.

SC Johnson Grants aim to enhance community welfare through charitable contributions, focusing on health, sustainability, and opportunity. Since 1937, the company has committed five percent of its pretax profits to support registered charities and nonprofit organizations, especially in areas where it operates. The grant program prioritizes initiatives addressing healthcare access, environmental conservation, and educational equity, ensuring that efforts align with the values of community service and corporate responsibility.

The Conservation Connect Fellowship Program, offered by the National Forest Foundation, invites graduate students to engage in hands-on conservation projects. This fellowship provides practical experience, mentorship from conservation professionals, and training in collaborative leadership. Fellows will gain a deep understanding of forest management and expand their professional networks. With a focus on developing future conservation leaders, the program seeks students passionate about public lands and community engagement.

The Clifford and Carol Rufenach Scholarship at Montana State University supports incoming Montana freshmen pursuing degrees in STEM fields. Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 high school GPA. Founded in 1893, MSU is the state's largest public research university, dedicated to education and research, and aims to foster student success and community engagement. The scholarship provides varying award amounts to help students achieve their academic goals.

The Western Big Game Seasonal Habitat and Migration Corridors Fund, managed by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), aims to enhance big game habitats and migration routes on federal, private, and Tribal lands. With an anticipated funding of $3 million, projects will focus on improving habitats for species like elk and mule deer, fostering biodiversity and climate resilience. This initiative supports sustainable wildlife populations and prioritizes collaborations with key partners such as the U.S. Department of Interior.

The Montana Trout Foundation aims to preserve and enhance Montana's wild trout resources through funding scientific research, education, and habitat enhancement. By promoting awareness of water quality and environmental preservation, the foundation supports projects that contribute to healthier fisheries and improved fishing experiences. Their grant program encourages initiatives that align with these goals, ensuring that the natural environment and trout habitats are maintained for future generations.

Bristol Myers Squibb is dedicated to enhancing healthcare and advancing scientific knowledge through its Corporate Giving program. By supporting various organizations, BMS aims to improve health equity and access to essential medicines for underserved populations. Their focus includes charitable donations, medical education, and community support initiatives. This commitment reflects BMS's goal to make a positive impact on patients' lives and foster strong communities where their employees work and live.

The Andrew and Loretta Schwan Scholarship, offered by Montana State University, supports Montana high school graduates pursuing education in veterinary medicine or animal sciences. Preference is given to students from Hill or Liberty County enrolled in the Pre-Veterinary Program. This scholarship exemplifies MSU's commitment to fostering educational opportunities in agriculture and veterinary medicine, ensuring that graduates are prepared to contribute positively to their communities and the state of Montana.

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.

Diabetes Support Program Implementation

To identify sites who are interested in implementing a complementary diabetes support program to increase access to diabetes education services for their patients.

The MDU Resources Foundation seeks to enhance community well-being through grants to qualified organizations. Established in 1983, the foundation primarily funds health, education, civic, cultural, and environmental projects. It prioritizes local initiatives and encourages applications for new programming that addresses unmet needs. Organizations must be IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) entities to be eligible. The foundation does not support requests from individuals or for endowment funds, focusing instead on charitable contributions that directly benefit the community.

The Howard Kelsey Memorial Scholarship, offered by Montana State University, supports students pursuing degrees in Health and Human Performance or Kinesiology. As Montana's largest public research university, MSU emphasizes education, research, and community service. This scholarship varies in award amounts and aligns with MSU's mission to enhance student success and foster innovation, ultimately contributing to the region's economic and social development.

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.

Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) Program

To provide safe, decent, and sanitary housing for homeless individuals, as well as connect eligible individuals with the supportive services they need to improve their situation and maintain permanent housing.

The ESG program objective is to assist individuals and families experiencing homelessness, or who are at risk of homelessness, to regain stability through services provided under the eligible activities outlined in the Emergency Solutions Grant Policy Manual.

Agencies must comply with applicable laws and guidance including the requirements of:

• Housing and Urban Development (HUD) [Docket Number FR-5474-I-01]
• Section 103 of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 11302)
• 24 CFR Part 91
• PART 91 --- Consolidated Submissions for Community Planning and Development Programs
• The HEARTH Act
• OMB Uniform Guidance
• HUD Eligibility Determination and Documentation Guidance

The Montana Native Plant Society's Small Grants Program offers funding up to $1500 for projects that conserve native plants in Montana. This initiative aims to enhance research, conservation, and education regarding native flora. Eligible projects may cover direct costs such as travel and supplies, while preference is given to those that generate research data, demonstrate collaboration, and include educational components. This program seeks to foster a deeper appreciation for Montana's unique plant communities.

The Maki Foundation Grant Program, established in 1981, focuses on environmental protection in the western United States. Grants range from $1,000 to $5,000, aimed at organizations where modest support can create significant impact. Priorities include wilderness protection, river conservation, biological diversity, and public lands management. Eligible applicants must have 501(c)(3) status and operate within specific states. The foundation avoids funding large groups or projects involving community recreation facilities and wildlife rehabilitation.

The NHLBI Career Transition Award (K22) supports postdoctoral fellows and research trainees in the NHLBI Division of Intramural Research, facilitating their transition to independent research roles at extramural institutions. Key deadlines for applications include October 12, 2024, and February 12, 2025, among others, providing ample opportunity for qualified investigators to advance their careers.

Bell's Brewery Small Grassroots Grants support projects focusing on water stewardship across the Great Lakes watershed. With grant amounts ranging from $500 to $5,000, eligible organizations can apply for funding to improve ecosystem health, enhance public health through better water resource management, and promote resilience against climate-related water risks. This initiative highlights Bell's commitment to environmental stewardship and community support in all 50 states and DC.

The Martin Family Foundation, established in 2001, focuses on supporting 501(c)(3) organizations that promote faith-based education, assist the poor and at-risk, and uphold the sanctity of human life. With a mission rooted in Christian values, the Foundation prioritizes programs in Colorado, Montana, and Wyoming that break the cycle of poverty and encourage community involvement. While it occasionally supports operating expenses, the Foundation prefers funding projects that align with its core values.

The NAACP X Society Awards Scholarship

The NAACP x Society Awards Scholarship is one of many funding opportunities available to students through NAACP's Inspire Initiatives. We offer scholarships to outstanding and qualified students pursuing undergraduate degrees. Through the generosity of our donors, we advance efforts to ensure equity in educational opportunity that prepares students for success in school, work, and life.

Scholarship amount: $1,000 to $5,000

This is a non-renewable scholarship opportunity.

The Carol S. Nelson Memorial scholarship at Montana State University supports Montana high school graduates pursuing a degree in Elementary Education. Eligible applicants must be juniors or seniors with a clear goal of teaching at the fifth or sixth grade level. This scholarship exemplifies MSU's commitment to fostering educational opportunities that enhance community engagement and support student success. Award amounts vary, reflecting the university's dedication to invest in future educators who will impact Montana's educational landscape.

The American Electric Power Foundation provides grants to 501(c)(3) organizations focused on educational improvement, particularly in STEM fields, and basic human services such as hunger and housing. Organizations must operate within AEP's service territory or have a broader beneficial purpose. The Foundation also supports social justice initiatives and environmental protection efforts. Eligible applicants must affirm compliance with anti-discrimination policies and demonstrate commitment to diversity and inclusion.

STOP Violence Against Women Act (VAWA)

MBCC is soliciting proposals for STOP (Services-Training-Officers-Prosecutors) Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) to be funded by the Office on Violence Against Women. The Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) is a component of the United States Department of Justice (DOJ). Created in 1995, OVW implements the Violence Against Women Act and subsequent legislation and provides national leadership on issues of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking. Since its inception, OVW has supported a multifaceted approach to responding to these crimes through implementation of grant programs authorized by VAWA. By forging state, local and tribal partnerships among police, prosecutors, judges, victim advocates, health care providers, faith leaders, organizations that serve culturally specific and underserved communities, and others, OVW grants help provide victims, across their life span, with the protection and services they need to pursue safe and healthy lives, while improving communities’ capacity to provide justice for victims and hold offenders accountable.

The application process is competitive. Previous funding does not guarantee an award during this funding cycle. Approximately $800,000 will be available during the project period, depending upon availability of federal funds. Because federal funds are not always available immediately following the award date, applicants should prepare for this contingency.

Matching contributions of 25% (cash or in-kind) of the total cost of the STOP VAWA project (federal funds plus local match) are required and must be derived from non-federal sources. All funds designated as match are restricted to the same uses as the federal funds and must be expended within the grant period. Federally Recognized Tribes and victim services providers are not required to provide match.

ATTENTION: This funding opportunity is for grant funding that the Montana Board of Crime Control (MBCC) administers that originates from the United States Department of Justice (USDOJ). To continue program activities designed to maintain public safety services, MBCC has determined that it will proceed with this funding opportunity. MBCC anticipates that new grant guidance may be issued in 2026 to reflect USDOJ’s revised policies and priorities. New USDOJ guidance could change the terms and conditions and the availability of funding for any grants that are executed from this funding opportunity. MBCC will share new grant conditions, guidance, and requirements with all grantees as they become available. In some instances, executed grant awards may be revised or cancelled.

The A. K. Erhardt Education Scholarship, offered by Montana State University, aims to support students in the Department of Education who demonstrate financial need and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0. Preference is given to upperclassmen and Montana high school graduates. This scholarship fosters the growth of future educators by providing essential financial assistance, enabling students to pursue impactful careers in teaching and educational leadership.

The AJ Brahmstadt Memorial Scholarship at Montana State University supports students in the College of Letters and Science with a minimum GPA of 3.25. It favors Economics majors and Oregon residents, honoring AJ Brahmstadt’s heritage. This scholarship aims to empower strong academic achievers to further their education and prepare for impactful careers, reflecting MSU's commitment to student success and community engagement while enhancing opportunities for graduates to contribute meaningfully to society.

The Bryan Coleridge McDougall Scholarship at Montana State University supports undergraduate students, with a preference for Troy, Montana high school graduates. This scholarship prioritizes students in Mechanical and Industrial Engineering and those from the Norm Asbjornson College of Engineering. Award amounts vary, reflecting MSU's commitment to providing accessible education and fostering innovation in its diverse student body.

The Dick Anderson Construction Scholarship at Montana State University supports Montana high school graduates pursuing degrees in Civil Engineering or Construction Engineering Technology. This scholarship emphasizes student success and community engagement, aligning with MSU's mission to foster innovation and prepare graduates for meaningful contributions. Award amounts vary, and the scholarship may be renewable for past recipients who meet all qualifications and reapply annually.

The Carol and Dan Banghart Scholarship at Montana State University supports undergraduate nursing students demonstrating financial need, with preference for juniors and seniors. This scholarship aims to empower students pursuing a degree from the Mark and Robyn Jones College of Nursing. Applicants must complete the Activities and Involvement sections of the General Application to be considered. Award amounts vary, and the scholarship reflects MSU's commitment to fostering educational opportunities in the healthcare field.