Best Capacity Building Grants for Nonprofits in Montana

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 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 Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) intends to issue a Broad Pragmatic Studies (BPS) PCORI Funding Announcement (PFA) on Aug. 4, 2026, seeking to fund high-impact, patient-centered comparative clinical effectiveness research (CER) projects. This preannouncement provides potential applicants additional time to identify collaborators; obtain patient and stakeholder input on potential studies; and develop responsive, high-quality applications. 

Patient-centered 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. 

The Distinction in Architecture Scholarship at Montana State University supports second- to fifth-year architecture students aiming for a Master's degree. Applicants must maintain a minimum 3.5 GPA and demonstrate financial need. This scholarship reflects MSU's commitment to accessible education and fostering innovative leaders in architecture. With its strong emphasis on hands-on learning and community engagement, MSU prepares students to contribute meaningfully to society and the economy.

The Diane B. Towers Nursing Scholarship at Montana State University supports undergraduate nursing students completing clinical coursework at the Bozeman campus. It is designed for those demonstrating financial need and requires applicants to fill out the Activities and Involvement sections of the General Application. The award amount varies, reflecting the university's commitment to fostering educational opportunities in nursing and enhancing community health through skilled professionals.

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 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 Donald J. Baker Gallatin College Scholarship, offered by Montana State University, is designed to assist Valley County high school graduates pursuing degrees or certificates at Gallatin College while demonstrating financial need. This scholarship aims to support students in their educational journeys and promote workforce development in Montana. Award amounts vary, reflecting the commitment of MSU to enhance educational opportunities and contribute to the local community's economic growth.

The Donald J. Baker Scholarship at Montana State University supports Valley County high school graduates pursuing a degree, excluding Gallatin College, who demonstrate financial need. This prestigious scholarship reflects MSU's commitment to accessibility and student success, helping individuals from local communities achieve their educational goals. Established to empower students, it plays a significant role in enhancing opportunities and fostering economic development in Montana, aligning with the university's mission to serve its students and the broader community.

Opportunities in Rural Economies: Economic Development Organization Capacity Building Grant

Program Overview

The ORE Program suite has two components: participation loans, including low-interest loans and forgivable loans, and grants.

The Opportunities in Rural Economies Economic Development Organization Capacity Building Grant supports EDOs in strengthening their ability to provide outreach to their communities for economic development.

ORE Program loans and grants may not be used for a project that would result in the transfer or relocation of jobs from one part of the state to another part of the state. See § 90-1-203(1), MCA.

The Montana Department of Commerce has created the ORE LPP, the ORE EDO CBG and the ORE GP. The ORE Program suite exists within the Big Sky Economic Development Program authorized by §§ 90-1-201, MCA, et seq.

The purpose of the ORE EDO CBG is to assist EDOs in increasing their internal capacity to:

• Provide outreach to underserved rural businesses.
• Deliver technical assistance to advance economic development in their regions.
• Invest in technological improvements and innovations to improve operations.
• Provide training and professional development opportunities for staff and local business partners.

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 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 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 René M. Vandervelde Research Grant, offered by the Association of Applied Paleontological Sciences, provides $1000 annually to support students and researchers in marine paleontology, geology, or stratigraphy of the Late Cretaceous Pierre and Bearpaw Shales in North America. Established in 2007 with the support of Korite® International, the grant aims to promote scientific research and publications about the unique fauna and flora found in these geological deposits.

The Don D. and Charlotte G. Kress Scholarship at Montana State University supports students in the College of Agriculture, prioritizing outstanding freshmen from the Alpha Zeta Society and those pursuing Animal Science with strong academic records. This scholarship reflects MSU's commitment to educational excellence and community engagement, aiding students in their journey to contribute positively to society. Award amounts vary, fostering opportunities for those dedicated to agricultural studies.

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 Don Gimbel CAA Scholarship at Montana State University supports undergraduate students in the College of Arts and Architecture who demonstrate financial need. This scholarship, which varies in award amounts, reflects MSU's commitment to education, research, and community engagement, fostering innovation and opportunity within Montana's economy. MSU, the state's largest public research university, prioritizes academic excellence and hands-on learning, preparing graduates to contribute meaningfully to society.

The Allen and Georgann Reel Business Scholarship at Montana State University provides financial assistance to undergraduate students in the Jake Jabs College of Business & Entrepreneurship. Applicants must maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA, with preference given to Montana high school graduates and children of MSU alumni. This scholarship supports students in building solid foundations for future careers in business, demonstrating the donors' commitment to enhancing educational opportunities and fostering community engagement in Montana.

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.

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 BMCF Agriculture Scholarship, offered by Montana State University, supports undergraduate Montana residents pursuing degrees in agriculture. This scholarship aims to promote educational accessibility and recognizes the importance of agriculture in local communities. Award amounts vary, reflecting the university's commitment to fostering student success and innovation. Established by MSU, the scholarship aligns with its land-grant mission to enhance the quality of life in Montana through education and research.

The Ellis Memorial Nursing Scholarship at Montana State University offers financial assistance to students enrolled in the Mark and Robyn Jones College of Nursing. This scholarship supports the university's commitment to education and community engagement. Applicants must complete the Activities and Involvement sections of the General Application to qualify. Award amounts vary to accommodate different student needs, ensuring access to nursing education for those dedicated to serving society.

The Classified Staff Scholarship at Montana State University supports students employed in classified staff positions for at least nine months. Eligible candidates must maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA for their first undergraduate degree, or 3.0 for subsequent degrees. This scholarship prioritizes those pursuing their first undergraduate degree and is designed to assist with financial needs, helping to foster academic success and community engagement within Montana.

The Cindy Fitschen Wilson Endowed Scholarship at Montana State University supports undergraduate students from Montana high schools pursuing degrees in the Jake Jabs College of Business and Entrepreneurship. This scholarship emphasizes financial need and aims to empower future leaders in business. Montana State University, a prominent public research institution, is committed to enhancing educational opportunities and fostering community engagement, thus contributing to the economic vitality of Montana.

The CHS University Scholarship at Montana State University supports undergraduate students pursuing agriculture-focused or related STEM degrees. It is designed for those who demonstrate strong academic performance and leadership in university, community, or agricultural activities. Eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, with preference given to those interested in agricultural-based cooperatives. This scholarship reflects MSU's commitment to fostering education and innovation in the agriculture sector.

The Christine Chauvin Excellence in Nursing Scholarship, offered by Montana State University, supports students pursuing a degree in nursing. This scholarship emphasizes the importance of community engagement and is designed for those who have completed the necessary application sections. With varying award amounts, it aims to assist future nursing professionals in their educational journey, ensuring they are well-prepared to meet the healthcare needs of Montana and beyond.

The Chestnutt Family Scholarship at Montana State University supports students pursuing a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree. MSU, founded in 1893, is Montana's leading public research university, dedicated to education and community engagement. This scholarship requires applicants to complete specific sections of the General Application to be considered. Award amounts vary, reflecting MSU's commitment to enhancing educational opportunities and fostering student success in nursing.