Best Grants for Historic Preservation in Montana

With a mission to strengthen communities, US Bancorp Foundation provides Montana nonprofits with funding for economic and workforce advancement, safe and affordable housing, and community arts and culture. 501(c)(3) organizations, especially those led by people of color and serving designated U.S. Bank communities, may be eligible to support projects that intersect with local preservation and community development goals.

The Costco Wholesale Charitable Contributions program prioritizes support for children, education, and health services within local communities. Nonprofit organizations seeking assistance must be 501(c)(3) certified and focus on monetary requests. Applications are reviewed within 4-6 weeks, factoring in community needs and collaboration. However, Costco limits grants to 10% of the program budget and typically restricts organizations to one request per fiscal year. They do not fund individuals or direct aid for various specific purposes.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations with innovative human services or social problem-solving programs in Montana can seek support for new or expanded initiatives. Focused on innovation, Creag Foundation invites smaller or evolving organizations to submit letters of inquiry, which may include projects that integrate historic preservation with broader community development or social services goals.

The Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation provides grants to early-stage social entrepreneurs working on scalable solutions to pressing social and environmental issues. By supporting organizations with innovative approaches and proven impact, they aim to uplift underserved communities globally. The foundation offers operational support, funding of up to $300,000 over three years, and fosters a collaborative community among its portfolio organizations. They focus on candidates demonstrating measurable impact and sustainable growth potential.

Nonprofits and NGOs using technology for crisis response, education access, or economic empowerment in Montana can access funding through Cisco Systems Foundation’s Global Impact Cash Grants, with awards up to US $100,000. Programs must primarily serve economically underserved communities and focus on innovative, tech-enabled solutions, which may include projects that intersect with community heritage or historic areas.

Educational institutions, government programs, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, and volunteer fire companies in Montana can seek funding for safety, education, and community development initiatives. Grants from State Farm Companies Foundation help support projects like disaster preparedness, community revitalization, affordable housing, and financial literacy, which may benefit organizations that also steward historic neighborhoods or heritage districts.

Montana cultural nonprofits offering arts, science, or arts education programs can access funding through the William Randolph Hearst Foundation, which supports impactful cultural institutions across the U.S. Grants may support program, capital, limited general operating, or endowment needs for museums, performing arts organizations, arts schools, and related institutions with strong, sustainable results.

U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofits with audited expenses over $2 million that run proven social service programs may be eligible for William Randolph Hearst Foundation support, including organizations serving Montana. Grants of more than US $100,000 can fund program, capital, or general support for efforts addressing poverty, housing, food access, jobs, legal aid, reentry, or youth development.

Labcorp Charitable Foundation provides Montana nonprofits and other charitable organizations with funding for health and welfare, education, and community initiatives. Support may include food pantries, healthcare for underserved populations, STEM programming, and healthy lifestyle efforts. Organizations working on historic preservation alongside these priorities may be eligible if they meet 501(c)(3) or equivalent status.

Organizations serving children and youth in education, health, or family economic stability can seek more than US $50,000 in project or scaling support in Montana and other eligible regions. With a mission to expand opportunity, Michael & Susan Dell Foundation provides funding to nonprofits, social enterprises, schools, governments, and other qualified entities; historic preservation groups with qualifying youth-focused programs may be eligible.

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.

Montana public agencies and nonprofit organizations focused on historic preservation planning and education can access funding through the National Trust for Historic Preservation; awards US $2,500 - US $5,000 for eligible projects. Grants support planning, professional consultants, staff time, and innovative public education or outreach that advance local preservation efforts, with a one-to-one match required.

The Robinson Foundation Grant, established in 2016, aims to alleviate hardships faced by individuals and communities, demonstrating God's love through charitable contributions. As a family-operated foundation, it focuses on creating meaningful, long-term impacts in various areas including animal welfare, education, and disaster relief. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501(c)(3) public charities. The foundation prioritizes fiscally responsible projects with the potential for tangible results, while not supporting capital projects.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and libraries in Montana can seek unrestricted support for environmental and human services programs through the Lawrence Foundation, with typical awards of US $5,000 - US $10,000. Groups whose historic preservation work overlaps community services or environmental conservation may be eligible for program or operating support.

Nonprofit, governmental, or religious organizations in eastern Roosevelt County, Montana can seek Nyquist Foundation grants of US $500 - US $2,000 for specific local projects and events. Historic preservation groups in Bainville, Culbertson, or Froid may be eligible if their projects clearly serve these communities and funds are used as proposed within one year.

The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation offers grants to support diverse initiatives, including museums, educational programs, and environmental activities. Aiming to make a significant impact with modest funding, the Foundation targets IRS-qualified non-profits in the U.S. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $20,000, fostering community development and enhancement. Organizations focused on youth, seniors, and individuals with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply, as the Foundation seeks to empower those in need.

U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofits addressing basic needs, community vitality, or volunteer-driven causes can apply for Ameriprise Financial’s community grants to support hunger relief, shelter, adult self-sufficiency, and related services. Organizations in Montana may be eligible if they serve local residents and meet focus area, documentation, stability, and volunteer engagement priorities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) and governmental entities doing rural conservation and preservation work in Montana can seek US $5,000 - US $50,000 for locally focused land, water, wildlife, or historic restoration projects. With a mission to strengthen rural communities, Steele-Reese Foundation provides funding for essential, measurable programs in rural areas and Native nations sharing this geography.

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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, government entities, or fiscally sponsored groups in Montana’s northern Rosebud County can apply for Montana Community Foundation’s Community Foundation of Northern Rosebud County Grant; awards up to US $3,500 for capital and asset-building projects. Historic preservation, youth, recreation, environment, healthcare, emergency services, and community development initiatives may be eligible.

Montana nonprofits, government entities, and fiscally sponsored projects working on historic preservation and other community priorities in northern Rosebud County may be eligible for this opportunity. Local historic preservation efforts in Forsyth, Angela, Ingomar, or Rosebud can access up to US $10,000 through the Community Foundation of Northern Rosebud County’s Signature Community Impact Grants for projects with strong partnerships and visible community benefit.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Montana providing community services like economic stability, workforce development, health and social services, or disaster relief may be eligible for project, operating, or capital support. Grants from O'Reilly Automotive Foundation help local nonprofits serving underserved residents, which can include organizations that integrate historic preservation into broader community development work.

Montana organizations and individuals enhancing the state’s natural environment and diverse communities can seek Jerry Metcalf Foundation grants of US $1,000 - US $5,000 for projects, buildings, endowments, operations, or matching funds. Historic preservation efforts, including research, conservation, and related community projects, are among the eligible focus areas.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Montana can seek US $5,000 - US $30,000 for safety, workforce development, community vitality, or environmental sustainability projects that primarily benefit a Union Pacific–served community. Grants from Union Pacific Foundation help groups whose work may include historic preservation as part of broader community improvement efforts.

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.

Public agencies and 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Montana can seek funding to plan and promote battlefield, viewshed, and related historic structure preservation efforts, with awards of US $2,500 - US $10,000. The National Trust for Historic Preservation supports planning, capacity building, and public education or outreach projects tied to historic battlefield preservation.

Montana historic preservation and cultural organizations can access funding through the Montana Arts Council for cultural and aesthetic projects across the state. Eligible projects include visual, performing, literary and media arts, history, archaeology, folklore, archives, collections, research, historic preservation, and construction or renovation of cultural facilities, supporting Montana’s cultural heritage and historic sites.