Best Grants for Community Service Projects in Montana

Donation Request

Bank of Montana aligns our giving with our team members philanthropic passions, i.e. giving to an organization will have greater impact if one of our team members is on the Board of the organization, volunteers their time with the organization, etc. 

Bank of Montana funding priorities are focused on programs that provide a direct impact to our community.

Bank of Montana provides donations in two main areas: Community Development and Leadership Opportunities.

Leadership Opportunities

Leadership Opportunities give Bank of Montana employees the opportunity to be community stewards. Bank of Montana relies on staff leadership to recommend funding based on the needs of their communities. From there, Bank of Montana donates to community projects and activities. Leadership Funding Opportunities are evaluated based on the nonprofits’ organizational background, community benefit and support, and the strength of the nonprofits’ leadership and financial stability.

Donation Request

Bank of Montana aligns our giving with our team members philanthropic passions, i.e. giving to an organization will have greater impact if one of our team members is on the Board of the organization, volunteers their time with the organization, etc. 

Bank of Montana funding priorities are focused on programs that provide a direct impact to our community.

Bank of Montana provides donations in two main areas: Community Development and Leadership Opportunities.

Community Development 

Community Development Funds are awarded to nonprofit organizations that provide services to low-and moderate- income (LMI) individuals and communities across our territory. Bank of Montana’s CRA committee works together with those nonprofits toward the salient goal of community development. We provide expertise and resources to affordable housing projects, services targeted to LMI individuals, activities that revitalize or stabilize LMI geographies, and activities that promote economic development.

Individuals and organizations in Montana enhancing the natural environment or diverse communities can apply for Jerry Metcalf Foundation grants of US $1,000 - US $5,000 to support community service projects. Funding may cover specific projects, buildings, endowments, operations, or matching funds in arts, education, health, environment, history, and community development.

Grants support Montana 501(c)(3) and governmental organizations providing basic needs, education, and community assistance projects for Montana citizens. Grants from Town Pump Charitable Foundation help Montana community development and revitalization efforts, including food insecurity, homelessness, veterans’ needs, classroom activities, reading programs, first responders, and other local community projects and services.

Eligible Montana counties, cities, and towns can obtain planning funds for community development and revitalization projects, including work benefiting local nonprofits and service organizations. With a mission to strengthen Montana communities, Montana Department of Commerce provides local governments with up to US $50,000 per planning grant, including projects that support community service initiatives.

Local governments in Montana can access funding to rehabilitate single- and multi-family housing that serves low- to moderate-income households through the CDBG Housing Stabilization Program. Focused on community development and revitalization, Montana Department of Commerce invites eligible communities to apply anytime for multi-year access to a flexible pool of housing funds.

Local governments in Montana seeking support to develop or rehabilitate affordable housing projects for low- to moderate-income residents can apply for the CDBG Affordable Housing Development and Rehabilitation Grant. Administered by the Montana Department of Commerce, this competitive program typically fills funding gaps in multi-family rental projects that strengthen community development efforts.

Montana 501(c)(3) organizations and qualified institutions seeking support for community service projects, new programs, or unmet needs can apply for grants covering health and human services, education, civic activities, culture and arts, and environment. Grants from MDU Resources Foundation help strengthen communities in areas where its member companies conduct business.

Rural Montana communities that took part in all three 2025 Reimagining Rural sessions can seek funding for community development and revitalization projects inspired by those gatherings. Focused on collaborative, locally driven ideas, Montana Community Foundation supports projects that engage residents in planning and implementation to strengthen their hometowns.

Montana 501(c)(3) public charities with $100,000+ budgets can seek funding for workforce preparation, youth development, arts access, and community-focused programs that improve quality of life. RBC Foundation USA provides support to organizations in Montana communities where it has a business presence and active community involvement, including projects that build job skills, inclusive prosperity, and environmental sustainability.

The St. Mary's Bank Charitable Foundation 1908 Funds Grants provide financial support to nonprofit organizations in New Hampshire, focusing on community development and services. Established to uphold St. Mary’s Bank's commitment to social responsibility, these grants, ranging from $500 to $5,000, aim to foster financial independence and address issues like homelessness, youth support, and civic engagement. The Foundation prioritizes projects that benefit local communities and promote long-term sustainability.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on community development, education, arts, housing, or social services in Montana can seek project or one-year program support through Horizon Bank’s Horizon Cares Community Grant Program, with awards of more than US $5,000. Horizon Bank provides flexible funding, including for building projects and initiatives leveraging matching funds, across its U.S. service communities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on community development, education access, humanitarian aid, or LDS initiatives, including those serving Montana communities, can apply for Strategic Impact Grants to support impactful programs. Bertin Family Foundation prioritizes mission-aligned projects with clear plans, measurable outcomes, strong governance, and transparent finances, with applications submitted annually through its Foundant portal.

Montana 501(c)(3) and tax-exempt organizations seeking matching funds for community-focused projects can apply for the Sweet Grass Community Match Grant. Sweet Grass Community Foundation supports efforts in areas like community development, education, and human services when applicants show confirmed outside funding and a clear positive impact on Sweet Grass County.

Nonprofit and tax-exempt organizations planning major community projects in Montana can seek more than US $10,000 to advance their missions and deliver significant local impact. With a mission to strengthen community development, Sweet Grass Community Foundation provides funding for initiatives in Sweet Grass County that may address education, arts and culture, youth, economic development, or broader community improvement.

Eligible 501(c)(3), 501(c)(6), and public tax-exempt organizations collaborating on joint projects can seek funding from Sweet Grass Community Foundation to advance community initiatives. Focused on community collaboration, the program supports work in Sweet Grass County that may benefit Montana community service efforts in areas like education, arts and culture, human services, youth, economic development, and community improvement.

Montana community development and service nonprofits can access funding through the H Hovnanian Family Foundation for projects in education, public health and emergency response, arts and culture, entrepreneurship, and youth and community development. U.S. 501(c)(3) organizations with at least one year of outcomes may be eligible for up to US $10,000, with a preference for New Jersey-based work.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and eligible state or local government entities in Montana can seek funding for agriculture, food security, education, and community enhancement efforts. Greenpoint Foundation supports general operating expenses or specific projects, with priority for initiatives advancing food security, community development, and agriculture-focused community service programs.

Community and economic development organizations in Montana working on disaster recovery and resilience can access funding through the Economic Development Administration to plan or implement recovery projects. This U.S. program offers up to US $50,000,000 for readiness, implementation, or industry transformation efforts that rebuild local economies and strengthen long-term community development after 2023–2024 natural disasters.

Community development and service organizations in Montana can access funding through the Crawford Taylor Foundation for projects in areas like community development, child welfare, and supportive housing. Eligible applicants are 501(c)(3) charities in good IRS standing; while the foundation prefers Greater St. Louis, it also funds U.S. programs, including community service efforts.

Montana community development and revitalization organizations can receive Harbor Freight store gift cards to support skilled trades education, veteran groups, and first responder projects. Smidt Foundation’s Harbor Freight Tools program aids U.S. 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(19) nonprofits working locally on tool-based training, facility improvements, and related community service initiatives, with one donation allowed per fiscal year.

St. Mary's Bank Charitable Foundation Community Support Grants aim to enhance community welfare by providing financial support to nonprofit organizations. With a commitment to 'people helping people' since 1908, the foundation focuses on areas like youth programming, homelessness, and civic support. In 2023 alone, they donated over $200,000 to 190 organizations, reflecting their dedication to improving lives in New Hampshire. They prioritize funding for nonprofits within their service areas, ensuring impactful contributions to local communities.

Enhearten Micro Grant supports unseen leaders by providing funding for community-driven projects that embody values of humility, integrity, and love. Grants range from $500 to $1,000 and are awarded after a thorough review process. Enhearten aims to empower these leaders, who often lack access to traditional funding sources, by fostering reparative networks that prioritize equality and justice. This initiative seeks to create opportunities for transformative community engagement and support.

The Share the Bounty Grant, offered by The Andersons Inc Charitable Foundation, aims to enhance the quality of life in communities through support for agriculture, social services, civic engagement, education, arts, and health initiatives. By investing in these key areas, The Andersons seeks to foster environments where individuals and families can thrive, ensuring a sustainable and vibrant future for all residents in the regions they serve.

The Ferguson Cares Grant is an essential aspect of Ferguson's Sustainability strategy, focusing on social challenges and community wellbeing. This grant supports nonprofit organizations in the U.S. dedicated to affordable housing, skilled trades workforce development, clean water access, and enhancing local economic quality of life. Ferguson aims to create lasting partnerships that drive positive impact within their operational regions, reflecting their commitment to social responsibility and community support.

OneRural provides essential technical assistance to rural organizations, fostering the development of affordable housing and community initiatives. This program offers tailored support, helping organizations enhance their operational capabilities and drive impactful change. By accessing expert resources and training, participants can effectively navigate challenges, improve program outcomes, and strengthen community resilience. This initiative targets nonprofits and tribal entities, ensuring that rural communities receive the guidance needed for sustainable growth and development.

BMO Gives is committed to fostering positive societal impact through community support and charitable initiatives. It focuses on enhancing community and economic resilience, as well as environmental sustainability. Eligible applicants must be registered charities or non-profits operating in Canada or the U.S. and align with BMO's corporate values, which promote inclusivity and non-discrimination. The program aims to support projects that address significant societal needs and empower local communities.