Best Grants for Charities 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 Robanna Fund, established in 1992 by Robert and Deanna Levy, supports students pursuing careers in healthcare. Administered by the Hawai‘i Community Foundation, the fund awards scholarships averaging $6,000, depending on various factors such as the number of qualified applicants and donor preferences. Eligible applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0, reside in Hawai‘i, intend to major in a health-related field, and demonstrate financial need. This initiative aims to cultivate future healthcare professionals in the community.

Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation

The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation's mission is to help ensure that Montana's land and water resources provide benefits for present and future generations.

Under the leadership of the Director, the Department is managed by four Divisions which offer a variety of programs and services and carry out mandated regulatory and land management responsibilities. Additionally, six commission are administratively attached to the Department.

Conservation District Administrative Grant

The Montana Legislature provides Montana conservation districts with coal severance tax monies for any purpose they are authorized to perform pursuant to MCA, Title 76, Chapter 15, Part.

The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) Conservation Resource Development Division (CARDD) administers this funding through Conservation District (CD) Administrative Grants. 

Under state law, conservation districts must first fully utilize their regular mill levy authority for operational costs before becoming eligible for state financial assistance. This requirement applies only to regular mill levies and does not limit the use of permissive mill authority, which remains available for its specific statutory purposes.

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 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 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.

About the Montana Arts Council

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. The Montana Arts Council is governed by 15 individuals appointed by the Governor. It is funded by the state and federal government.

Strategic Investment Grants

Strategic Investment Grants (SIG) provide up to $1000 for expenses related to opportunities for professional development, market expansion, and art events. SIG enables artists and teachers to advance their professional careers and supports nonprofit organizations in the advancement of arts-related programs.

SIG supports a wide variety of arts-related activities and opportunities:

• Attendance at workshops, trainings, residencies, or conferences
• Exhibiting at trade shows, gallery showings conferences, festivals, or other art events
• Public outreach and marketing for events or publications
• Expansion of online presence or entry into new online marketplaces
• Performances, public art installations, demonstrations, or exhibitions
• Investments in technology or tools that represent a clear step forward professionally

Application Type: Artist or Organization

Both individual artists--or groups of artists--and Montana 501(c)(3) organizations are eligible to apply for Strategic Investment Grants. Artists and organizations will be directed to separate applications and will be evaluated according to different criteria.

Artists

The SIG program supports artists by enabling them to take advantage of opportunities to enhance their artistic careers. Example expenses the grant will reimburse include:

• Travel or entry fees associated with the opportunity
• Preparation, freight, and shipping costs for materials or works
• Materials or supplies for workshops, trainings, or residencies
• Expenses associated with an exceptional learning environment, such as residency or intensive study with a recognized master or mentor
• Professional fees and services for marketing, outreach, event production, or documenting an event
• Fees for equipment, instruments or facility that are integral to the opportunity 

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 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.

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 Montana Specialty Crop Block Grant (SCBG) Program aims to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops in Montana, including fruits, vegetables, and horticulture. This initiative supports food safety, research, and development of new seed varieties while promoting sustainability and efficiency in distribution. By addressing key industry challenges, the SCBG empowers local farmers and processors to improve their practices and increase the consumption of specialty crops among the community, thus fostering agricultural growth in the state.

This funding opportunity invites innovative pilot studies focused on biological, behavioral, and social mechanisms related to HIV pathogenesis, aligning with NIDDK's mission and NIH HIV/AIDS research priorities. Topics may include exploring pathophysiological mechanisms of HIV comorbidities and coinfections, understanding HIV reservoirs in relevant tissues, and examining social determinants affecting health outcomes. Applications are due by 5:00 PM local time of the applicant organization.

The Rural Business Development Grants in Montana provide essential technical assistance and training for small rural businesses with fewer than 50 workers and under $1 million in revenue. Grants support various projects aimed at enhancing rural economies, including training, infrastructure development, and business planning. While there is no maximum grant amount, smaller requests receive priority, and funds can be allocated for community and technology-based economic development, ensuring sustainable growth in rural areas.

The NIDCD is offering funding to advance HIV/AIDS research, particularly focusing on areas related to communication disorders. This initiative supports low-risk clinical trials and encourages researchers to align their proposals with high priority topics identified by the NIH Office of AIDS Research. Applications must be submitted by the local deadline, with optional Letters of Intent due 30 days prior to the proposal deadline. This opportunity aims to enhance understanding and treatment in this crucial health area.

The Montana Beef Council Project Funding supports innovative ideas for beef promotion, research, and education. Established in 1954, the Council aims to enhance demand for beef products through various marketing programs. Annual funding requests are reviewed by a board of directors, with applicants encouraged to engage with staff for optimal presentation preparation. While funding is not guaranteed for subsequent years, applicants can present their projects to relevant committees, ensuring a thorough evaluation process.

The Dick and Carol Irvin Family Scholarship at Montana State University supports students pursuing a degree in Civil Engineering. Applicants must be Montana high school graduates, demonstrate financial need, and be at junior or senior status. Preference is given to graduates from Shelby, Montana. This scholarship is part of the university's commitment to providing access to transformative education, fostering academic excellence and community development.

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 SEARCH Grant provides essential support for very small, financially distressed rural communities by funding predevelopment feasibility studies and technical assistance for water and waste disposal projects. Eligible applicants include state and local governments, nonprofits, and federally recognized tribes. Funds can be used for feasibility studies, design analysis, and technical help in securing financial assistance, ensuring improvements in rural infrastructure and community health.

The USDA Rural Development program provides essential loans and grants to improve water and waste disposal services in low-income communities, specifically targeting Colonias recognized before 1989. This initiative aims to alleviate health risks associated with inadequate access to safe drinking water and waste management. Eligible applicants include federally-recognized tribes and local governments, with funds supporting the construction of vital infrastructure to ensure community health and sustainability.

The Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, managed by the Montana Department of Agriculture, aims to enhance the marketability and competitiveness of specialty crops in Montana. This program invites applications from various entities, including local organizations and academia, to develop projects focusing on food safety, research, and sustainability. By supporting the specialty crop industry, the program fosters growth and innovation, benefiting producers and consumers alike.

The Water and Waste Facility Loans and Grants program aims to provide safe drinking water and waste disposal services to low-income communities on Tribal lands, addressing significant health risks. Eligible applicants include federally-recognized Tribes, state and local governments, and nonprofit organizations. Funding can be used for constructing essential water and waste systems, and while matching funds are typically required, a full grant is possible under certain conditions. Applications are accepted year-round.

The External Collaborative Research Grants by Boehringer Ingelheim support academic and clinical scientists in proposing research studies. These grants facilitate collaboration with Boehringer Ingelheim, which may provide intellectual and financial support. Applicants must assume full responsibility for their research while complying with regulatory standards. The funding should cover research costs, excluding salary support for the collaborative partner. Interested investigators must apply online for consideration.

The Disaster Resilience Program, supported by Equal Justice Works, aims to provide free civil legal aid to communities affected by disasters in the Midwest. With funding for attorney and summer law student fellows, the program addresses the unique legal needs of low-income families, helping them recover from the impacts of disasters. This initiative not only stabilizes lives but also promotes resilience in communities by ensuring access to essential legal services.

The Battlefield Preservation Fund Grant aims to support initiatives that preserve battlefields and related historic sites. This funding encourages planning and educational efforts, particularly those that engage new audiences in preservation activities. Eligible applicants include public agencies and nonprofits in specified states. Grants can be used for staff support, consultant fees, and educational materials. Applicants must provide a one-to-one match for funding, ensuring strong community involvement in preservation efforts.

Catholic Extension provides essential funding to support the construction, expansion, or renovation of churches and community facilities. This initiative aims to meet the facility needs of under-resourced Catholic dioceses across the U.S. By focusing on active projects, Catholic Extension ensures that communities can enhance their worship spaces and support local ministries, ultimately fostering a stronger church community. Funding is available for both minor and major requests, with an emphasis on urgent needs and robust funding strategies.

The Building Foundation Grants by Catholic Extension aim to support essential pastoral and administrative functions in under-resourced communities. These grants provide salary subsidies and operational funding to ordained, religious, and lay ministers, ensuring access to Catholic services. Prioritizing areas with significant financial need, this initiative seeks to sustain the church's presence where it is most critical, enabling continued ministry and outreach for those who may otherwise be underserved.

The Building Leaders Grants by Catholic Extension aim to enhance the recruitment, education, and ongoing formation of church leaders. This initiative provides critical funding for the professional development of both ordained and lay leaders in mission dioceses. By fostering partnerships with various organizations, it addresses the need for trained ministers and supports various funding areas, including seminarian sponsorship and diaconate formation, ensuring a robust future for church leadership.