Best Grants for Charities in Montana

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 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.

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

Family Healthy Weight Program Implementation

Identify specific sites who are interested in implementing a Family Health Weight Program within their system using a family centered approach to reduce health related risk for type 2 diabetes.

The MAGIP K-12 Education Grants support the integration of geographic information technologies in Montana's K-12 classrooms. Grants are available for curriculum development, teacher training, and equipment purchases to enhance geographic instruction. Up to two competitive grants will be awarded annually, promoting the use of GIS, GPS, and remote sensing. Recipients will also have opportunities to showcase their projects at the Big Sky GeoCon, fostering collaboration and innovation among educators and students in the geospatial field.

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 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 Great Apes and Gibbons Program Grant, administered by the Arcus Foundation, supports conservation efforts for great apes and gibbons across 24 priority landscapes in Africa and Asia. The program emphasizes sustainable coexistence between humans and wildlife, having awarded over 2,000 grants to more than 500 organizations globally. Funding is not available for individuals or specific lobbying activities, ensuring resources are directed towards impactful conservation initiatives.

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 National Forest Foundation's Matching Awards Program connects communities to forests by funding stewardship activities that promote engagement with National Forests and nearby public lands. This program aims to create lasting impacts, ensuring that all communities can benefit from the rich resources of these natural areas. By supporting various projects, the program fosters a deeper relationship between people and the environment, ultimately enhancing conservation efforts and community well-being.

The Crawford Wildlife Habitat Nursing Undergraduate Scholarship at Montana State University supports aspiring nurses with a background or interest in wildlife habitat. This scholarship, which varies in amount, is aimed at students enrolled in the Mark & Robyn Jones College of Nursing. MSU, known for its commitment to education and research, provides an enriching environment for students to develop skills that benefit both their careers and the community.

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 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 Great American Cleanup Grants, offered by Keep America Beautiful, aim to enhance community beautification and environmental efforts across the U.S. This initiative encourages KAB affiliates to remove litter, plant greenery, and restore public spaces, contributing to the larger goal of cleaning up 25 billion pieces of litter by 2026. With cash grants available, this program fosters collaboration among communities, promoting sustainable practices and a cleaner, greener future for all.

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. 

Cardiovascular Funding Opportunities include: Access to Care; Community Health Worker (CHW) Social Need Project; and others.

Community Health Worker (CHW) Social Need Project 

Conducting a health-related social needs screener with community members, referring to community programs to address social needs, and tracking usage of services.

The Dr. Rosemary Newman Memorial Scholarship at Montana State University supports students pursuing degrees in Food and Nutrition, Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, or Dietetic Systems Leadership. This scholarship aims to enhance educational opportunities in health and human development, encouraging students to contribute to community health and well-being. Award amounts vary, reflecting the university's commitment to fostering innovation and supporting student success in vital fields that address pressing societal needs.

The Region 4 Professional Development Awards for 2025-2026 foster the growth of health information access and data science skills among network members. This funding supports diverse projects such as workshops, conferences, and educational activities aimed at enhancing the professional capacity of individuals affiliated with NNLM Region 4. By encouraging proposals that address the needs of underrepresented communities, the awards aim to improve health information services and access across the region.

The Dr. and Mrs. Chi-Tang Li Scholarship, offered by Montana State University, supports students pursuing degrees in Chemistry and Biochemistry. This scholarship aims to promote academic excellence and foster continued study in chemistry-related fields. Award amounts vary, reflecting MSU's commitment to enhancing educational opportunities and encouraging innovation in the sciences. With its strong focus on student success and community engagement, MSU plays a vital role in shaping future leaders in the field.

The First Interstate BancSystem Foundation focuses on strengthening communities by providing grants primarily to nonprofits assisting low- and moderate-income individuals. In 2023, they awarded $9.2 million across their footprint, emphasizing projects with significant community impact. Grants are recommended by local First Interstate Bank branches and are evaluated based on the nonprofit's leadership, financial stability, and community benefit. Areas of ineligibility include individual projects and those that do not demonstrate a substantial community impact.

The Dr. B. L. Johnson Memorial Scholarship at Montana State University offers financial assistance to full-time students in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry who have reached junior status. This scholarship aims to support advanced scholars in their academic and professional journeys within chemistry-related disciplines. Montana State University, recognized as the state’s premier land-grant institution, is committed to fostering educational excellence and community engagement, making this scholarship a vital resource for future leaders in science.

The Chi Epsilon Scholarship, offered by Montana State University, supports junior students majoring in Civil or Environmental Engineering. This scholarship recognizes individuals who embody the honor society's values of scholarship, character, practicality, and sociability. With diverse award amounts, it aims to foster academic excellence and community engagement while preparing students to tackle real-world challenges in engineering.

The Energy Laboratories Chemistry Scholarship at Montana State University supports junior and senior students in Chemistry and Biochemistry with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Preference is given to Montana high school graduates. This scholarship aims to foster academic excellence while enhancing community engagement and research that benefits Montana's economy and quality of life. Award amounts vary, reflecting MSU's commitment to accessible education and student success.

Montana Department of Commerce

Mission

The Department of Commerce effectively and efficiently delivers programs and resources through technical assistance, funding/investments, training/consulting, promotion, research, reporting and outreach to provide affordable housing and create sustainable business and economic growth to enhance community vitality to benefit the citizens of Montana.

Community Development Block Grant Housing

Montana's CDBG Housing grants help local governments fund primarily the rehabilitation of single-family or multi-family housing projects that benefit low- to moderate-income Montanans, i.e., households earning less than 80% of the area median income. CDBG offers two distinct types of housing grants:

• The competitive CDBG Affordable Housing Development and Rehabilitation Grant, for which applications are accepted every fall, and
• The CDBG Housing Stabilization Program, for which applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

CDBG Housing Stabilization Program

Successful applicants will qualify to access the CDBG HSP pool of funds for a period of five years. During that time, local governments are eligible to receive funds for the rehabilitation of single-family owner-occupied or rental units that benefit low- to moderate-income households. There is no maximum grant amount, and funds will be allocated based on the individual level of need and the scope of the project. Applications are accepted at any time.

The cities of Billings, Bozeman, Great Falls, and Missoula are entitlement communities and are not eligible for state CDBG funds, as they receive a CDBG allocation directly from HUD.

Montana Department of Commerce

Mission

The Department of Commerce effectively and efficiently delivers programs and resources through technical assistance, funding/investments, training/consulting, promotion, research, reporting and outreach to provide affordable housing and create sustainable business and economic growth to enhance community vitality to benefit the citizens of Montana.

Community Development Block Grant Housing

Montana's CDBG Housing grants help local governments fund primarily the rehabilitation of single-family or multi-family housing projects that benefit low- to moderate-income Montanans, i.e., households earning less than 80% of the area median income. CDBG offers two distinct types of housing grants:

• The competitive CDBG Affordable Housing Development and Rehabilitation Grant, for which applications are accepted every fall, and
• The CDBG Housing Stabilization Program, for which applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

CDBG Affordable Housing Development and Rehabilitation Grant

This grant is intended primarily for the rehabilitation of affordable housing projects. Typically, these housing projects are multi-family rental projects in which CDBG fills a funding gap.

The cities of Billings, Bozeman, Great Falls, and Missoula are entitlement communities and are not eligible for state CDBG funds, as they receive a CDBG allocation directly from HUD.

The Marvin R. and Pearl E. Patterson Family Fund Scholarship, offered by the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, supports students aspiring to study graphic or fine arts, as well as those interested in environmental sciences. Open to high school graduates from the Tri-Cities area, this scholarship considers leadership, community involvement, and academic achievements, although financial need is not a requirement. Applicants must provide transcripts and relevant documents to qualify for this opportunity.

The Montana Healthcare Foundation invites proposals for innovative health solutions from Montana-based organizations. Grants range from $10,000 to $100,000 depending on project duration. Eligible applicants include tax-exempt organizations and local government agencies. The foundation prioritizes projects demonstrating effective partnerships and sustainable impact. Organizations may submit multiple applications, but funding does not support individuals or capital campaigns. For further details, review the eligibility criteria and FAQs on the foundation's website.

The Doug Alexander Sunrise Rotary Memorial Scholarship at Montana State University supports Montana residents who are junior or senior students in the Jake Jabs College of Business and Entrepreneurship or the Norm Asbjornson College of Engineering. Applicants must demonstrate financial need, maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA, and show involvement in campus or community activities. This scholarship aims to foster educational advancement and community engagement, thereby strengthening Montana's workforce.