Best Capacity Building Grants for Nonprofits in Montana

The Charlie and Wietkse Jarrett Scholarship at Montana State University supports full-time sophomore or junior students pursuing a degree in Agriculture. This scholarship aims to reward students who demonstrate leadership qualities within the College and the broader community. Award amounts vary, reflecting MSU's commitment to providing accessible education while fostering student success and community engagement, thereby enhancing Montana's economy and quality of life.

The Holly Nickels Memorial Dietetics Scholarship, offered by Montana State University, supports high school graduates in Montana pursuing degrees in Food and Nutrition (Dietetics Option), the Montana Dietetics Internship, or Dietetics Systems Leadership. This scholarship aims to promote education and leadership in the field of dietetics, with award amounts varying based on eligibility. Montana State University is dedicated to advancing educational opportunities and fostering student success within the state.

Asia-Pacific Network for Global Change Research

The Asia-Pacific region, home to over half the world's population, faces challenges due to its development goals, which strain natural resources, communities, and cultural heritage. These issues are exacerbated by adverse environmental changes. While research has shed light on these problems, it's clear that more challenges lie ahead. The Asia-Pacific Network for Global Change Research (APN) is well-positioned to generate new knowledge and solutions for these evolving global change and sustainability issues by supporting collaborative research and scientific capacity development activities, particularly those aimed at training the next generation of early career professionals.

APN 2025 Call for Proposals: CAPaBLE Programmes

CAPaBLE, our scientific capacity development programme, aims to enhance the capacity of scientists, policymakers and practitioners to assess global change issues, and explore options to resolve issues towards achieving sustainability. Through CAPaBLE, we support activities that enhance capacity at individual, organizational and systemic levels.

Activities of interest under the CAPaBLE Programme

APN supports CAPaBLE activities that enhance existing capacities of developing countries at three levels of individual-based capacity development; group, organisation, network-based capacity development; and societies, governance, and system level capacity development. APN accepts CAPaBLE proposals that engage 1 or more member/approved countries. Proposals must address one or more of the following activities:

SCIENTIFIC CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES that promote the following approaches related to one or more of the six thematic areas of APN:

• Utilising and strengthening existing capacity, 
• Creating opportunities to use/instil capacity, 
• Developing new capacity through innovative approaches.

AWARENESS-RAISING AND DISSEMINATION activities through policy- and decision-making communities, civil society, and/or the general public.

SCIENCE-POLICY interfacing in the context of the priority topics.

CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT PARTNERSHIP ACTIVITIES that contribute to the capacity development components of the evolving global change arena, including the UNFCCC Paris Agreement, IPCC, IPBES, post-2015 Sustainable Development Goals, Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, and the UN Decade of Ocean Science, and ongoing and new global change and sustainability research programmes.

Activities geared towards using SCIENCE COMMUNICATION to disseminate knowledge generated from projects, particularly to non-science audiences.

The Business Professionals of America Scholarship at Montana State University supports incoming freshmen from BPA chapters pursuing degrees at the Jake Jabs College of Business and Entrepreneurship. Awarded during the spring of their senior year, recipients must maintain a minimum 2.75 GPA to continue receiving the scholarship. The award, which varies in amount, cannot be transferred if the student does not return for spring or switches programs, promoting commitment to academic excellence and community contribution.

The Hoback Scholarship at Montana State University supports full-time junior and senior nursing students who demonstrate financial need and maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA. MSU, a leading public research institution, is dedicated to education, research, and community engagement. The scholarship aims to foster innovation and support students in their academic and professional pursuits, preparing them to contribute positively to society through healthcare.

The Montana Snowmobile Program Grant supports snowmobile clubs in maintaining safe trails and promoting winter recreation. This initiative funds trail grooming, equipment purchases, and safety education, benefiting over 4,000 miles of trails managed by Montana State Parks. Grants, typically under $20,000, aim to enhance trail safety and accessibility for motorized enthusiasts. Clubs must coordinate with land management agencies for proposals, ensuring sustainable trail use and community engagement in snowmobiling activities.

The Cathy Klingaman Memorial Nursing Scholarship at Montana State University supports upper-division BSN students with a minimum GPA of 2.75. Preference is given to Montana residents and those with military ties. This scholarship encourages students to engage in the General Application's Activities and Involvement sections to qualify. With varying award amounts, it aims to foster educational opportunities for future nursing professionals dedicated to serving communities.

The Helen B. Miller Horatio Alger Scholarship, supported by the Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation, provides financial assistance to high school seniors who have shown resilience and strong financial need. This scholarship aims to empower deserving students to pursue higher education at accredited nonprofit colleges or universities. Recipients are selected based on integrity and perseverance, helping them overcome personal challenges to achieve their educational goals and build successful futures.

The Horatio Alger Career and Technical Scholarship Program, funded by the Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation, offers financial support for students pursuing career and technical education. This program is aimed at individuals who have overcome adversity and are committed to achieving success through skills-based training. Eligible applicants must have a high school diploma, demonstrate financial need, and enroll in accredited programs in high-demand fields, fostering long-term economic stability.

The Ingrid and Steffen Doerstling Excellence Scholarship at Montana State University supports third- and fourth-year Environmental Design students with a minimum 3.5 Architecture Studio GPA. This scholarship aims to enhance educational opportunities for students while promoting excellence in architectural studies. Award amounts vary, reflecting MSU's commitment to fostering academic achievement and innovation in the field of design. As a leading research institution, MSU prioritizes student success and community engagement.

About PCORI

PCORI funds patient-centered comparative clinical effectiveness research (CER).

Our Mission

PCORI helps people make informed healthcare decisions, and improves healthcare delivery and outcomes, by producing and promoting high-integrity, evidence-based information that comes from research guided by patients, caregivers, and the broader healthcare community.

Broad Pragmatic Studies PCORI Funding

The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) intends to issue a Broad Pragmatic Studies (BPS) PCORI Funding Announcement (PFA), seeking to fund patient-centered comparative clinical effectiveness research (CER) projects. 

Research Initiative Highlights

CER compares at least two available health treatments, services or care delivery strategies. PCORI seeks proposals that compare clinical interventions (e.g., pharmacological and nonpharmacological treatments, screening and diagnostic approaches) and healthcare delivery system interventions (e.g., workforce, technologies, healthcare service delivery designs) to evaluate potential benefits and harms of different treatment and care delivery options, thus generating evidence that empowers patients, caregivers and the broader healthcare community with information to make informed choices that reflect their needs and preferences.

Special Areas of Emphasis

For Cycle 2 2026, PCORI is particularly interested in submissions that address the following Special Areas of Emphasis (SAE) within the BPS funding opportunity. The purpose of identifying these SAEs is to encourage submissions to these areas, rather than limiting submissions to these topics. Applicants addressing one of the below SAEs should identify the area that is best associated with their research approach:  

• Addressing Obesity
• Diabetes Prevention, Care and Treatment
• Management of Urogynecological and Pelvic Pain
• Pain Management for Individuals Living With Sickle Cell Disease

In PCORI-funded research, patients and other research partners are expected to meaningfully contribute their lived experience or professional expertise to ensure studies are patient-centered, relevant and useful for healthcare decision making. Applicants must address PCORI’s Foundational Expectations for Partnerships in Research — an evidence-based framework supported by tools and resources to guide effective engagement strategies. Applicants are also strongly encouraged to consider the inclusion of a broad range of patient-centered burdens and economic outcomes. 

Broad Pragmatic Studies PFA: Category 1, Category 2 and Category 3 Study Specifications

PCORI will commit up to $120 million in direct costs through this funding opportunity. This funding opportunity contains three categories for funding:

• Category 1: Category 1 will support research projects with direct costs up to and including $5 million.

• Category 2: Category 2 will support research projects with direct costs greater than $5 million and up to a maximum of $12 million. Applications for funding under Category 2 will be required to provide additional information in the Letter of Intent (LOI) and application to justify the size and scope of the proposed research projects and to explain how additional funds are necessary with respect to the scale, scope and complexity of personnel and material resources needed to address the research question.

• Category 3: Category 3 will support research projects with direct costs up to $12 million that utilize PCORnet® to conduct observational studies and/or pragmatic trials that are national in scale. Category 3 PCORnet Studies® must include two or more Clinical Research Networks and share study progress, performance metrics and best practices with the network to promote continuous learning and improvement. PCORnet Studies® will leverage the PCORnet Common Data Model® as appropriate. Additional details about Category 3 can be found on the PCORI website.  

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.

Hurlbert C. and Myrtle H. Cheever Scholarship

This scholarship supports full-time second- through fifth-year students pursuing a degree in Environmental Design or a Master of Architecture who demonstrate outstanding academic ability and leadership potential as evidenced by their overall GPA and professional promise. Preference is given to students pursuing a Master of Architecture degree. Award amounts vary, and the scholarship falls under the Architecture and Arts and Architecture scopes.

The Horatio Alger Montana Undergraduate Scholarship Program, backed by the Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation, offers vital financial support to Montana high school seniors facing adversity. This scholarship targets students with strong character, financial need, and a commitment to higher education. Eligible recipients can utilize the award at any accredited nonprofit college in the U.S., ensuring they have access to necessary resources and mentoring to succeed in their academic pursuits and build brighter futures.

The Crawford Wildlife Habitat Arts & Architecture Undergraduate Scholarship at Montana State University supports undergraduate students pursuing degrees in the College of Arts & Architecture. This scholarship is aimed at those with a background or interest in wildlife habitat, promoting education in a vital area. Montana State University, known for its commitment to research and community engagement, provides students with hands-on learning opportunities to prepare them for impactful careers.

The Arthur H. and Margaret C. Post Scholarship at Montana State University supports high school graduates pursuing degrees in Land Resources and Environmental Sciences or Plant Sciences and Plant Pathology. Eligible students must be enrolled at least half-time in relevant agriculture or environmental science programs. This scholarship aims to prepare graduates for impactful careers in environmental stewardship and agricultural research, fostering innovation and enhancing the quality of life in Montana.

The US Department of Health & Human Services, through the NIH, invites applications for innovative approaches to implement SBIRT/P for addressing alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use in adults facing health disparities. This funding opportunity encourages research that tests screening, brief interventions, and referrals for treatment or prevention services. Applications are due on specified deadlines from February 2024 through March 2027, fostering collaboration with healthcare and community partners to enhance public health outcomes.

The Arthur B. and Louise Eager Ward Scholarship, offered by Montana State University, supports Montana high school graduates pursuing undergraduate studies in agriculture or environmental sciences. This scholarship emphasizes the importance of education in advancing knowledge and careers in environmental stewardship and agricultural sciences. By encouraging eligible students enrolled at least half-time, the scholarship aims to foster a new generation of leaders dedicated to improving Montana's economy and quality of life through research and community engagement.

The Franz Bakery Foundation Grant supports local charitable organizations focused on family support, youth development, and hunger reduction in areas served by Franz Bakery. With an average grant amount of $3,000, the Foundation aims to foster respect, equity, and inclusion within communities. Eligible applicants must be 501c3 tax-exempt nonprofits located in specific states and align with the Foundation's mission. Organizations can reapply annually, although applications do not roll over to the next year.

The Express Health Information Outreach Awards aim to enhance public health by increasing access to biomedical information for U.S. health professionals and the general public. These awards support projects that improve health information literacy among consumers and caregivers, ensuring they can effectively find and utilize health information. Focused on partnerships and outreach to underrepresented communities, the initiative seeks to promote healthy behaviors, prevent illness, and improve health outcomes through informed decision-making.

The James R. Gnose Scholarship, offered by Montana State University, provides financial support to graduates of Beaverhead County, Montana high schools pursuing a degree at MSU. This scholarship is part of MSU's commitment to enhancing educational opportunities and community engagement, aligning with its mission as a leading land-grant institution. With award amounts varying, it aims to empower local students to achieve their academic goals and contribute positively to society.

The MCF Snowbird Fund, managed by the Montana Community Foundation, provides vital support to Native families in Montana searching for missing loved ones. Eligible individuals can receive up to $1,000 for necessary expenses such as travel, meals, and tools. Since its inception, the fund has aimed to empower community-led searches across urban, rural, and reservation areas, reinforcing the foundation's commitment to philanthropy and community development in Montana.

The Ernest Morgan Memorial Scholarship, managed by CommunityGiving, supports central Minnesota student athletes and leaders to pursue higher education outside their home states. This scholarship aims to expand students' horizons and experiences, with a total award of $5,000 available. Open to high school seniors from specific schools, applicants are encouraged to apply online and demonstrate their leadership or athletic skills. This initiative enhances educational opportunities and fosters personal growth among local youth.

The RMEF Grant Program lies at the core of advancing our mission.

RMEF established the program in 1986 to provide financial and logistical support to projects that align with our priorities and goals. Grant funds raised by RMEF members, volunteers and generous donors from across the country translate into significantly more conservation accomplishment when matched with partner funds. The RMEF Grant Program also aims to build recognition for RMEF’s work, grow engagement, and boost local fundraising efforts.

Governed by clear guidelines and criteria, the RMEF Grant Program seeks to foster meaningful collaborations and long-term impacts in the conservation of natural resources and outdoor traditions. Grant project partners include federal, state, local, and tribal wildlife and land management agencies, private landowners and local stakeholders, sportsmen and women, and conservation organizations, universities, foundations and the outdoor industry. Eligible projects primarily focus on habitat stewardship, land conservation and access, wildlife management, and hunting heritage.

We support organizations recognized by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) as a 501(c)3 entity, federal, state, local, or tribal government entities, sportsmen’s organizations, or educational institutions. All applicants must have a Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) issued by the IRS. RMEF does not offer grants to individuals.

Wildlife Management and Research

RMEF funds wildlife management and research to keep big game healthy and thriving, including disease surveillance, big game-friendly fencing, road management, and scientific studies that expand our understanding of big game habitat, movement, interactions, and overall herd health.

RMEF’s 2026 priorities include:

• Research on migration + connectivity, critical habitat + nutrition, big game population trajectories, challenges to big game populations, and big game management solutions
• Big Game-Friendly Fencing

The AIA Montana Endowed Scholarship, offered by Montana State University, supports third- and fourth-year Environmental Design students who maintain a minimum 2.75 GPA and are active members of the American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS). This scholarship aims to cultivate future architects and designers committed to academic excellence and community engagement, thereby enhancing their education and preparing them for impactful careers in the built environment.

The James and Betty Drummond Scholarship at Montana State University supports students pursuing a degree in Animal Science. MSU, the state's largest public research university, emphasizes academic excellence and hands-on learning. Founded in 1893, it is dedicated to fostering student success and community engagement while addressing the needs of Montana and beyond. The scholarship varies in award amounts and is aligned with MSU's commitment to enhancing the quality of life through education and research.

The Dorothy D. Green General Music Scholarship at Montana State University supports students pursuing a degree or minor in music or participating in music ensembles. Applicants must complete a scholarship audition, with preference for those enrolled in Applied Lessons. This scholarship aims to enhance educational opportunities in the arts, contributing to the development of skilled musicians who can positively impact their communities.

The Anna Pearl Sherrick Nursing Scholarship, offered by Montana State University, supports students pursuing a degree from the Mark and Robyn Jones College of Nursing. This scholarship emphasizes student involvement and provides varying award amounts. MSU, a leading research institution in Montana, is dedicated to fostering innovation and community engagement while preparing graduates to contribute meaningfully to society. Eligible applicants must complete specific sections of the General Application to be considered for this scholarship.