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 in Montana that run programs for children, education, or health and human services can apply for monetary support from Costco Foundation. With a mission to strengthen community well-being, this funding may benefit farm- and agriculture-related nonprofits whose work advances child, family, or community health in farming areas.

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.

The Hearst Foundation: Culture Grant aims to support outstanding nonprofits that enhance cultural engagement and artistic talent in the U.S. With a focus on programs that reach young people, the grant prioritizes organizations that create lasting impacts in the arts and sciences. The Foundation allocates 25% of its funding to cultural initiatives, favoring established organizations with a history of significant results. Eligible nonprofits must encourage inclusivity and sustainability in their programs.

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.

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.

Montana 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on community development, basic needs, workforce education, arts, environment, or diversity programs can apply for sponsorship support that advances economic mobility and social progress. Grants from Bank of America Charitable Foundation help organizations, including those serving farmers and rural communities, preserve neighborhoods, address hunger and housing, and strengthen local economies.

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.

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.

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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on community hardship relief can seek funding for programs such as poverty relief, education, medical assistance, disaster relief, and family or youth services. Focused on alleviating tangible needs, Robinson Foundation invites Montana and other Southern-region nonprofits to apply for single-year, program-focused support rather than capital projects.

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.

U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofits addressing basic needs, community vitality, or volunteer-driven causes can access grants from Ameriprise Financial to support hunger relief, shelter, self-sufficiency, and community development programs. Organizations in Montana may be eligible, with priority for sites engaging Ameriprise volunteers and those located near key employee centers or operating nationally.

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.

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 organizations improving community well-being in Montana can access funding through the O'Reilly Automotive Foundation for project, general operating, or capital support. U.S.-based 501(c)(3)s near O’Reilly Auto Parts locations working on hunger, homelessness, workforce development, health and social services, or disaster relief may be eligible, which can indirectly benefit local farm communities.

The Community Ties Giving Program by Union Pacific Foundation offers local grants aimed at enhancing community well-being through diverse funding priorities. These include safety initiatives, workforce development, community vitality, and environmental sustainability. The program emphasizes supporting organizations that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, aiming to create impactful projects that resonate with Union Pacific's heritage and mission. Eligible applicants must be nonprofit organizations serving Union Pacific communities and demonstrate a clear need and capacity to deliver effective programming.

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.