Best Grants for Emergency Services in Montana

The Community Possible Grant Program by U.S. Bank aims to foster economic and workforce advancement, as well as safe and affordable housing. By partnering with 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, the program seeks to drive lasting change within communities through collaborative grantmaking. Priority is given to organizations that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, and that address multiple pillars of work, home, and play. This initiative reflects U.S. Bank's commitment to creating a more equitable society.

The DanPaul Foundation aims to enhance early childhood development by training teachers and parents, protecting children from abuse, and promoting social responsibility. They provide grants to non-profits for programs that focus on education, health, and welfare of youth. Key initiatives include scholarships, environmental education, and support for underprivileged children. Grant amounts range from a few hundred dollars to $15,000 annually, with a focus on impactful, community-driven projects.

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.

Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) Program

To provide safe, decent, and sanitary housing for homeless individuals, as well as connect eligible individuals with the supportive services they need to improve their situation and maintain permanent housing.

The ESG program objective is to assist individuals and families experiencing homelessness, or who are at risk of homelessness, to regain stability through services provided under the eligible activities outlined in the Emergency Solutions Grant Policy Manual.

Agencies must comply with applicable laws and guidance including the requirements of:

• Housing and Urban Development (HUD) [Docket Number FR-5474-I-01]
• Section 103 of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 11302)
• 24 CFR Part 91
• PART 91 --- Consolidated Submissions for Community Planning and Development Programs
• The HEARTH Act
• OMB Uniform Guidance
• HUD Eligibility Determination and Documentation Guidance

The Global Impact Cash Grants by Cisco Systems Foundation support innovative early-stage solutions aimed at addressing significant social problems. Targeting nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations, these grants focus on four key sectors: crisis response, education, economic empowerment, and climate regeneration. Eligible organizations must demonstrate alignment with these areas, particularly serving underserved communities. The foundation seeks to leverage technology for impactful solutions, ensuring sustainability and community resilience through strategic investments.

State Farm's Good Neighbor Citizenship Company Grants aim to enhance community safety, development, and education. Focused on long-term impact, they support initiatives in auto and home safety, disaster preparedness, affordable housing, and educational programs. Eligible recipients include nonprofits, educational institutions, and government entities. However, funding is not available for individuals, religious programs, or organizations outside the U.S. By addressing critical community needs, these grants foster safer and more resilient neighborhoods.

The Hearst Foundation's Social Service Grant focuses on tackling chronic poverty by funding direct-service organizations that implement effective solutions for economic independence and family strengthening. With a mission to support diverse nonprofits in the U.S., the Foundation allocates approximately 15% of its total funding to social services, prioritizing scalable programs that serve significant populations. The minimum grant size is $100,000, and special consideration is given to organizations addressing affordable housing, domestic violence, and youth development.

Roche Corporate Donations and Philanthropy (CDP) focuses on impactful projects that foster sustainable development, engage employees, and leverage Roche's expertise. Their philanthropic efforts prioritize humanitarian, educational, environmental, and cultural initiatives, aiming to build stronger communities and support innovative projects. Eligibility is limited to local organizations, while ineligible projects include those with political or religious ties. The foundation strives to create a positive societal impact through collaboration and strategic partnerships.

The RRGL Emergency Grant provides crucial funding for urgent projects in Montana that threaten the management of renewable resources. With a budget of $300,000, grants up to $30,000 are available for projects that cannot wait for legislative approval. Eligible entities include state and local governments, while funds can cover various water-related emergencies. This program supports conservation efforts and ensures the sustainable use of water resources, promoting the economic and social well-being of Montana's citizens.

The M J Murdock Charitable Trust offers the Strategic Projects: Program & Staff Grants to support nonprofits in the Pacific Northwest. These grants focus on capacity-building for mission-driven projects and infrastructure investments. Eligible organizations must demonstrate a commitment to community flourishing, with funding available for new programs or expansion of existing ones. The Trust prioritizes initiatives that align with its strategic goals, fostering sustainable nonprofit growth and impact in the region.

The Strategic Projects: Capital Grants by the M J Murdock Charitable Trust offer vital funding opportunities for nonprofit organizations in the Pacific Northwest. These grants support transformative projects that enhance community well-being through construction, renovation, and infrastructure investments. Eligible entities include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and government entities. The Trust emphasizes projects that demonstrate strong community impact and funding diversification, ensuring sustainable growth and lasting benefits for the communities served.

The Foster Foundation Grant supports organizations in the Pacific Northwest that align with priority funding issues such as social services, education, medical research, and community engagement. The foundation seeks to cultivate long-term partnerships and is committed to improving community life through various initiatives. Eligible organizations must hold a 501(c)(3) status and address one of the foundation's priority issues while ensuring that funds are used within the designated geographic reach.

The J.W. Couch Foundation Grant focuses on supporting Wildlife Conservation nonprofit organizations that align with their mission of community betterment and environmental protection. The foundation seeks partnerships with organizations that promote animal wellbeing, early childhood education, teacher support, and outdoor activities. Eligible applicants must be registered 501(c)3 nonprofits or for-profit entities aligned with their charitable programs. This grant emphasizes collaboration and community engagement to create lasting impacts.

Montana Disaster & Emergency Services 

Montana Disaster & Emergency Services (MT DES) is the lead agency coordinating comprehensive emergency management in Montana. In collaboration with local and tribal governments we build, sustain, and improve our ability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate hazards. 

Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP)

WHAT IS NSGP?

The Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) improves and increases the physical/cybersecurity and facility/target hardening of nonprofit organizations’ facilities at risk of a terrorist of other extremist attack, ultimately safeguarding the lives and property of the American people. NSGP integrates the preparedness activities of nonprofit organizations that are at high risk of a terrorist or other extremist attack with broader state and local preparedness efforts.

The NSGP provides funds to meet the following three objectives:

• Enhance equipment and conduct security-related activities to improve the security posture of nonprofit organizations that are at high risk of a terrorist or other extremist attack.

• Address and close capability gaps that are identified in individual nonprofit organization Vulnerability Assessments via funding spent on Planning, Equipment, and Training and Exercises that aim to enhance the protection of soft targets and crowded places.

• Strengthen relationships across non-profit organization, state, local, and territorial homeland security agencies for a whole community approach to preparedness.

There are two funding sources appropriated for nonprofit organizations: NSGP - Urban Area (NSGP-UA); and NSGP - State (NSGP-S)

NSGP - State (NSGP-S)

NSGP-S funds nonprofit organizations located outside of a Designated highrisk urban area. Under NSGP-S, each state will receive an allocation for nonprofit organizations in the state located outside of Designated high-risk urban areas.

Montana Disaster & Emergency Services 

Montana Disaster & Emergency Services (MT DES) is the lead agency coordinating comprehensive emergency management in Montana. In collaboration with local and tribal governments we build, sustain, and improve our ability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate hazards. 

Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP)

WHAT IS NSGP?

The Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) improves and increases the physical/cybersecurity and facility/target hardening of nonprofit organizations’ facilities at risk of a terrorist of other extremist attack, ultimately safeguarding the lives and property of the American people. NSGP integrates the preparedness activities of nonprofit organizations that are at high risk of a terrorist or other extremist attack with broader state and local preparedness efforts.

The NSGP provides funds to meet the following three objectives:

• Enhance equipment and conduct security-related activities to improve the security posture of nonprofit organizations that are at high risk of a terrorist or other extremist attack.

• Address and close capability gaps that are identified in individual nonprofit organization Vulnerability Assessments via funding spent on Planning, Equipment, and Training and Exercises that aim to enhance the protection of soft targets and crowded places.

• Strengthen relationships across non-profit organization, state, local, and territorial homeland security agencies for a whole community approach to preparedness.

There are two funding sources appropriated for nonprofit organizations: NSGP - Urban Area (NSGP-UA); and NSGP - State (NSGP-S)

NSGP - Urban Area (NSGP-UA)

NSGP-UA funds nonprofit organizations located within designated high-risk urban areas. Under NSGP-UA, each urban area will receive an allocation for nonprofit organizations within the designated high-risk urban areas.

The TJX Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations located within 15 miles of a TJX store that align with their community mission. Eligible areas include basic needs, education for at-risk youth, workforce training, and safety from domestic violence. Organizations must be a registered 501(c)(3) for at least 12 months and have a nondiscrimination policy. Applications are invited through a Letter of Inquiry, with funding decisions based on community impact.

The Dennis Washington Leadership Graduate Scholarship, funded by the Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation, aims to support exceptional Montana high school graduates pursuing graduate education. This scholarship targets emerging leaders who show strong academic performance and community commitment. Eligible candidates must be enrolled in accredited U.S. institutions with a focus on impactful fields such as business and public policy. The initiative empowers students to develop essential skills for leadership roles, contributing to their communities' economic and civic vitality.

The WCF Community Emergency Response Fund Grant provides vital support for nonprofits in Flathead County facing unexpected emergencies. This flexible funding enables organizations to address immediate repairs essential for continued program delivery. Eligible applicants include 501(C)(3) nonprofits and government entities, with no maximum request amount specified. The foundation prioritizes urgent needs, ensuring that essential services remain operational during crises, while ineligible projects include recurring expenses and completed initiatives.

The Montana State and Local Cyber Security Grant Program (SLCGP) aims to enhance cybersecurity across local jurisdictions by allocating $2,427,866 in FY 2022. Funded through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the grant supports various project areas, including end-user training and network monitoring. Eligible applicants like counties and school districts can request funding for projects identified by the Cybersecurity Planning Committee, ensuring robust cybersecurity measures are implemented statewide.

The Seeley Lake Community Foundation (SLCF) offers the SLCF Community Grant Programs to support local initiatives that enhance the quality of life in Seeley Lake, MT. The foundation prioritizes projects in education, arts, community development, natural resources, and basic human needs. Eligible organizations must be tax-exempt and serve the community directly. The SLCF values proposals with broad community impact and strong partnerships, making it an ideal opportunity for collaborative projects.

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 Forestry Division's Volunteer Fire Assistance Grant, administered by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, provides essential funding to rural fire departments. This program supports training, equipping, and organizing efforts to enhance fire response capabilities in rural communities. By offering cost-share grants, the initiative aims to strengthen local fire departments, ensuring they are well-prepared to protect lives and property from wildfires and other emergencies. Participation is encouraged, benefiting all counties in Montana.

The Community Foundation of Northern Rosebud County Grant supports nonprofit projects enhancing community welfare in Forsyth, Angela, Ingomar, and Rosebud. It prioritizes areas like youth education, healthcare, and emergency services. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations or government entities. Projects must demonstrate local support and sustainability, while the foundation does not fund conferences, planning, or routine operational costs. This competitive grant aims to improve quality of life and foster community development.

The Community Foundation of Northern Rosebud County offers the Signature Community Impact Grant, supporting projects that enhance the quality of life for residents in Forsyth, Angela, Ingomar, and Rosebud. Grants, up to $10,000, require significant community support and partnerships, with a focus on sustainability and addressing local needs. The granting process is competitive, emphasizing collaborations and in-kind contributions, and applicants must be a qualified non-profit or government entity.

The True Inspiration Awards, established by Chick-fil-A in 2015, recognizes nonprofit organizations that significantly impact their communities. In 2025, the program will distribute $6 million in grants, ranging from $30,000 to $350,000, to sixteen selected organizations. Categories include Caring for People, Caring through Food, Community, and Caring for our Planet, with a focus on educational initiatives, food security, housing services, and environmental stewardship, honoring the legacy of founder S. Truett Cathy.

The Volunteer Fire Capacity (VFC) Program, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, provides essential funding for rural fire departments. Administered by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, this program supports training, equipment, and organization efforts to enhance firefighting capabilities. Authorized by the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1990, the VFC grant plays a vital role in ensuring the safety of communities facing wildfires and other emergencies across Montana.

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 Emergency Medical Services Grant Program, established in Montana in 2009, aims to enhance prehospital emergency medical services by providing competitive grants to certified emergency medical service providers. Funding can be used for acquiring ambulances, purchasing essential equipment, and supporting training and communication needs. This program addresses the challenges faced by rural providers and ensures that they can continue to deliver critical medical care, ultimately improving public safety and health outcomes in emergency situations.