Best Grants for Farmers in Montana

With a mission to strengthen agricultural leadership, CHS Foundation provides Montana agriculture and youth education programs with support for ag education, leadership, and career training projects. Eligible projects serve high school students through young professionals and may benefit farmers and farm-focused organizations developing future ag leaders and cooperative education initiatives.

Nonprofit organizations improving rural community facilities or infrastructure in Montana can apply for AgWest Farm Credit Rural Community Grants, with typical awards of US $500 - US $2,500. Grants from AgWest Farm Credit help fund capital projects like equipment purchases, community buildings, or park and safety improvements in eligible rural areas of the West.

Montana 501(c)(3) organizations supporting agriculture or the cooperative industry can seek funding to advance statewide or national-level farming initiatives. CHS Foundation supports farms and farming in Montana and other key states through its general inquiries program, offering grants for projects that strengthen the broader agricultural and cooperative sectors.

With a mission to strengthen communities, US Bancorp Foundation provides Montana 501(c)(3) nonprofits with funding for economic and workforce advancement, safe and affordable housing, and community arts and culture. Organizations serving designated U.S. Bank communities, especially those led by people of color and addressing multiple pillars of work, home, and play, may be eligible.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations with innovative human services or social problem-solving programs in Montana can seek support from the Creag Foundation. Focused on new approaches to existing or previously unaddressed social issues, this private foundation invites letters of inquiry from smaller or evolving organizations that have held 501(c)(3) status for at least one year.

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.

Early-stage, impact-first nonprofits and mission-driven for-profits in Montana working on scalable agricultural, food access, or rural economic solutions can apply for Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation’s support, with awards up to US $300,000. Funding combines capital, intensive capacity-building, and peer community to help social enterprises grow models that benefit underserved farming and rural communities.

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.

Montana educational institutions, government programs, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, and 501(c)(4) volunteer fire companies can seek funding for safety, education, and community development initiatives that benefit local communities. Grants from State Farm Companies Foundation help support auto and home safety, disaster preparedness and recovery, affordable housing, job training, financial literacy, and food insecurity work that may benefit farming communities.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits with audited expenses over $2 million that run proven social service programs can apply for William Randolph Hearst Foundation support, with awards of more than US $100,000. Montana organizations working on poverty alleviation, economic development, food access, or related services for large populations may be eligible for program, capital, or general support.

The Labcorp Charitable Foundation, a private 501(c)(3) entity, aims to enhance healthcare access and education for all. With grant opportunities focusing on food programs, healthcare services for underserved populations, and STEM initiatives, it seeks to support community health and well-being. Organizations eligible for funding must be U.S.-based and hold tax-exempt status. Requests are reviewed biannually, in March and September, to foster impactful community projects.

With a mission to expand education, health, and family economic stability, the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation provides Montana-serving organizations with grants over More than US $50,000 for projects or scaling efforts that benefit urban children and youth in poverty. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, social enterprises, schools, governments, and other entities working within its defined focus areas in the U.S., India, or South Africa.

Montana organizations serving marginalized communities through health, education, or humanitarian programs can access funding via the Semnani Family Foundation, which works in the U.S. and globally. Projects may include healthcare access, disaster relief, food and housing support, child welfare, or services for women, girls, and people with disabilities in vulnerable populations.

The Dudley T. Dougherty Foundation Grant supports nonprofit charitable organizations recognized under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Revenue Code. Established in 2002, the foundation aims to empower groups committed to positive change, fostering respect for life and the environment. Their vision emphasizes collaboration for a better future, encouraging applicants to embody these values in their initiatives. With a focus on impactful projects, this grant is an opportunity for organizations striving to make a critical difference in our world.

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.

Lawrence Foundation provides Montana nonprofits, public schools, and libraries with unrestricted grants for environmental and human services programs. U.S.-headquartered 501(c)(3) public charities and similar organizations may be eligible for US $5,000 - US $10,000 in general operating or project support, which could help farming-related groups addressing environmental conservation or community services needs.

The Spark Good: Strengthening Community Local Grants program by the Wal-Mart Foundation empowers local organizations through grants ranging from $250 to $5000. This initiative aims to enhance community welfare by supporting diverse projects, including animal shelters and educational programs. Eligible organizations must have a verified Spark Good account, ensuring funds are allocated effectively to meet local needs and foster community development. Together, we can create lasting impacts through small yet significant actions.

Montana farmers, ranchers, and non-industrial forest landowners can access funding for conservation practices that improve soil, water, air, wildlife habitat, and overall agricultural operations. Montana agricultural producers and related landowners may be eligible for Environmental Quality Incentives Program support through USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service of Montana, including targeted local and initiative-based assistance.

The Nordstrom Community Grant focuses on supporting youth and families by providing over $1 million in grants annually. It aims to assist grassroots organizations that address essential community needs such as food, shelter, and clothing, as well as creating opportunities for economic mobility through mentorship and workforce development. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits located in areas where Nordstrom operates. Applications are encouraged for those meeting these criteria.

The Dr. Scholl Foundation offers grants annually to IRS 501(c)(3) organizations, primarily focusing on U.S. applicants. The foundation supports projects in education, social services, healthcare, civic and cultural initiatives, and environmental efforts. While the grant cycle runs from October 1 to March 1, it encourages innovative solutions to global challenges. Only one application per organization is accepted each year, and funding is limited to one year. Unqualified organizations, including political entities, are ineligible.

Montana farmers, producer groups, and agricultural organizations working with specialty crops can seek funding to enhance crop competitiveness, food safety, research, and distribution systems in Montana. The Montana Department of Agriculture’s Specialty Crop Block Grant offers more than US $25,000 for projects involving fruits, vegetables, peas and lentils, dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery crops.

Montana farms, producer groups, and other specialty crop stakeholders in Montana can access funding through the Montana Department of Agriculture to enhance the marketability and competitiveness of fruits, vegetables, peas, lentils, horticulture, and nursery crops. Eligible projects may address food safety, research, new varieties, pest and disease control, distribution efficiency, nutrition, or sustainability.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and aligned for-profits can seek more than US $50,000 to tell impactful stories about their preservation, education, or wellness work, including wildlife conservation, through the Storytelling Grant. With a mission to support community-focused initiatives, Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation provides Montana farming and conservation groups a way to highlight their on-the-ground impact.

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 Mutual of America Foundation Community Partnership Award honors exemplary nonprofit organizations in the U.S. that foster collaborative partnerships across sectors. Annually, a national competition showcases numerous organizations demonstrating impactful community partnerships. Six organizations receive recognition, including the Thomas J. Moran Award, which offers $100,000, and the Frances R. Hesselbein Award, granting $75,000. Since 1996, the award has acknowledged 262 partnerships, emphasizing Mutual of America's commitment to societal improvement through collaboration.

Grants from Montana Beef Council help Montana farms and ranching organizations fund beef promotion, education, research, and producer communication projects. Eligible groups can propose initiatives that increase demand for beef and beef products through consumer marketing and outreach. This cost-recovery program reimburses approved project expenses after they are submitted and evaluated annually.

Faculty and researchers planning sustainable agriculture research and education projects with farmers and ranchers in Montana and the wider Western U.S. can apply for Western SARE’s Sabbatical Research and Education Grant, with awards up to US $75,000. Projects must involve agricultural producers and may emphasize underserved communities or understudied locations.