Best Grants for New Nonprofits in Montana

2026 ASPCA Grants for Shelters and Spay/Neuter Clinics

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals® (ASPCA®) is offering up to $14 million in grants to support shelters and spay/neuter clinics in meeting the needs of vulnerable animals throughout the United States, including addressing the shortfall in available spay/neuter surgeries. We will fund qualified proposals that support:

• Critical shelter infrastructure
• Strengthening shelter essentials
• Increasing the number of spay/neuter surgeries year-over-year 
• Major capital projects that increase spay/neuter capacity
• Special projects that increase spay/neuter capacity

Shelter Grants

Critical Shelter Infrastructure

Only one application per agency/organization will be considered. 

Applicants may choose only one of the five funding categories. Our interest is in meeting your most pressing needs in one of the offered categories; we do not have our own preference for funding one category over another. We will fund the most compelling proposals, regardless of category chosen.

The Jane C. Waldbaum Archaeological Field School Scholarship, established by the Archaeological Institute of America, supports students participating in archaeological fieldwork for the first time. With a funding amount of $1000, this scholarship is aimed at junior and senior undergraduates and first-year graduate students who are studying archaeology or related disciplines. Eligible applicants must be at least 18 years old and demonstrate academic achievement and financial need.

Sailfish Point Foundation Trade and Vocation Scholarship

All public high school students in Martin County.

Will be based on weighted and unweighted GPA, class rank, number of hours working during the school year, family income, extracurricular activities, and community involvement. 

Award:

• $up to $3,500.00

The Arnold O. Beckman Postdoctoral Fellowship offers researchers the opportunity to advance their studies in Chemical Sciences or Chemical Instrumentation. This program supports innovative research within fundamental chemistry and the development of new instrumentation. Candidates must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, or DACA recipients, with a PhD in the chemical sciences anticipated by May 1, 2026. Mentorship from a qualified institution is required, fostering independent research capabilities in a collaborative environment.

About  USA Track & Field Foundation IncThe USA Track & Field Foundation was established in 2002. Our Foundation provides a means to attract and guide funds to new and innovative track & field programs, with an emphasis on providing opportunities for youth and elite athletes.Mission: To support the development of emerging elite athletes, while fostering integration within the broader track & field community. To facilitate the physical, educational, social and character development of youth track & field athletes and to help prepare them to mature and succeed in adult life.About Youth Club GrantThe USATF Foundation considers providing opportunities for youth athletes to compete in track & field a top priority. We encourage youth track clubs and programs from all areas of the United States to apply for financial assistance.Examples of allowable expenses are as follows: equipment, uniforms, meet fees, travel, facility rental, staff and volunteer training and outreach.  

The Anne S. Chatham Fellowship in Medicinal Botany, funded by the Garden Club of America, aims to protect and expand knowledge of medicinal plants. It offers a $4,500 grant to support Ph.D. students and recent graduates in pursuing essential research that may otherwise be inaccessible. This initiative not only fosters botanical research but also contributes to the development of therapies that enhance patient quality of life and potentially save lives.

The Zeller Summer Scholarship in Medicinal Botany, initiated by the Garden Club of America, supports US undergraduate students pursuing summer studies in medicinal botany. Established in 2003 in honor of Caroline Brown's family, the scholarship encourages students to engage in various educational projects and internships. Eligibility includes enrollment in an accredited US college, with restrictions on international applicants. This initiative fosters knowledge in the field, promoting environmental awareness and academic excellence.

The Joan K. Hunt and Rachel M. Hunt Summer Scholarship in Field Botany aims to promote the study of field botany among students in the U.S. by providing a $3500 annual grant for summer study opportunities. Eligible students include undergraduates and graduate students up to the master's degree level, who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents. The scholarship encourages hands-on experience in various botanical projects, enhancing the understanding and appreciation of botany in horticulture.

The Garden Club of America Fellowship in Tropical Botany aims to enhance the preservation of tropical forests by increasing the number of botanists with practical field experience. Established in 1983, the fellowship provides two grants of $5,500 annually for doctoral candidates pursuing research in tropical plant systematics and forest ecology. Eligible applicants include U.S. citizens or permanent residents enrolled in U.S. institutions, who are expected to complete their Ph.D. in Botany within two years.

The AABP Amstutz Scholarship aims to support outstanding veterinary students with a one-time cash award, promoting their education in bovine medicine. Funded by the AABP Foundation and member donations, the scholarship encourages recipients to attend the AABP Annual Conference to receive their awards. Eligible applicants must be student AABP members enrolled in accredited veterinary programs, graduating in 2025 or 2026, and intending to practice in the U.S. or Canada.

Established in 1948, the Association for Slavic, East European, and Eurasian Studies (ASEEES) – a nonprofit, non-political, scholarly society – is the leading international organization dedicated to the advancement of knowledge about Central Asia, the Caucasus, Russia, and Eastern Europe in regional and global contexts.  

As a private, non-political international professional organization, we support our members, who are scholars and students in diverse disciplines and specialists in various professions, to share their knowledge and expertise and to foster greater understanding of the region and its impact in the world.

ASEEES Internship Grant Program

The ASEEES Internship Grant Program promotes the entry of young scholars with Russian studies expertise into sectors outside traditional academia, including not-for-profit and non-governmental organizations, business/trade councils, government, media, the arts, museums, publishers, and other non-academic sectors.

Funded by an external grant, ASEEES’s Internship Grant Program provides incoming, current, and recent (i.e. those who have graduated no more than two years prior to the competition deadline) MA, PhD, and professional school students with grants that make it possible for them to accept unpaid or underpaid internships in areas broadly related to Russia, including Russia’s relations with other regions/countries.

The Creative Economy Fund offers vital support to digital creators and entertainment professionals affected by the LA Wildfires. Catering to individuals in film, music, and performing arts, this fund provides assistance for those who have experienced home loss or damage. Eligible applicants include direct creators, employees of talent agencies, and other creative professionals, ensuring a broad reach within the entertainment community. With a focus on personalized resources and guidance, the fund aims to foster resilience in a challenging industry.

The TYLENOL Future Care Scholarship supports students pursuing healthcare careers, continuing a 30-year tradition of helping those dedicated to caring for others. Eligible applicants must be U.S. residents, graduate students or seniors enrolling in graduate school for the 2024-25 academic year, and provide proof of enrollment in an accredited healthcare program. Scholarships cover tuition, fees, and necessary supplies, ensuring that future healthcare professionals receive the support they need.

The Browning Education Scholarship, offered by Montana State University, provides financial assistance to undergraduate students from Browning, Montana who demonstrate academic excellence. With a minimum 2.5 GPA requirement, this scholarship supports students pursuing their degrees and helps them achieve their educational goals. Montana State University is dedicated to making higher education accessible through various merit scholarships and waivers, ensuring a valuable educational experience for deserving students.

The Daughters of American Agriculture Scholarship honors pioneering women in agriculture, offering two $1,000 scholarships to women or their daughters pursuing education in agricultural fields. Eligibility includes being a farmer, rancher, or related to one, demonstrating financial need, and having experience in agriculture. The Jean Ibendahl Scholarship supports young women aged 18-23, while the Sister Thomas More Bertels Scholarship is for women 24 and older. This initiative empowers the next generation in agricultural leadership.

Eastern Colorado Scholarship

The Eastern Colorado Scholarship is designed to support post-secondary pursuits of students throughout the region and is funded through contributions from many community members and legacy gifts. 

The Eastern Colorado Scholarship is available to students attending school in Eastern Colorado (Logan County, Morgan County, Phillips County, Washington County, Sedgwick County, and Yuma County). The scholarship is open to students pursuing any kind of secondary education including four-year degrees, two-year degrees, trade schools, etc. 

Scholarship amount:

• $3,000

Number of awards:

• 4

Scholarship awards are one-time awards. The amount awarded to a selected recipient may be used for the cost of attendance. All scholarships will be paid directly to the recipient’s school and must be used for the upcoming academic year. Award disbursement is contingent upon the outside scholarship policies of a recipient’s college or university.

About Us

For over three decades, the Hamilton Education Foundation (HEF) has been sparking innovation and expanding horizons within our classrooms. Since 1991, this community-powered non-profit has channeled more than $2.5 million from passionate individuals, local businesses, and forward-thinking organizations directly into the hands of Hamilton’s students and teachers. 

By funding transformative workshops, creative projects, and classroom grants, HEF doesn't just support education—it inspires students to dream bigger, rewards academic excellence, and builds a stronger, more vibrant community.

Our Vision

The vision of the Hamilton Education Foundation is to assist in achieving creative and academic excellence for the 21st Century through funding activities and projects for students and educators in the Hamilton School District.

Our Mission

Our mission, in partnership with the community, is to fund, Enhanced, Extended, and Enriched learning opportunities for students and educators in the Hamilton School District.

Teacher Grants

Educator Enrichment Grant

The Educator Enrichment Grant funds teacher participation in off-campus professional development, including seminars, workshops, conferences, and externships. 

PetSmart Charities

We’re proud to celebrate over 30 years of being the leading funder of animal welfare in communities across North America. Since 1994, we’ve granted over $600 million to change-making organizations that help transform the lives of pets and those who love them.

Our Mission: We make the world a better place for pets by investing in community partners that advocate and care for the well-being of pets and all who love them.

Adoption Growth Grants 

Purpose

Adoption Growth grants drive lifesaving outcomes by supporting successful, sustainable in-store adoption programs, events, and results in partnership with PetSmart stores.

Funding Support

Funding may be used for costs associated with building or enhancing your organization’s adoption program in partnership with PetSmart stores, including:

• Staff positions supporting in-store adoption programs and events.
• Marketing and advertising for in-store adoption programs.
• Volunteer or foster support, incentives, and recruitment related to in-store adoption events.
• Event supplies, including containment and enrichment materials.
• Shelter software and technology needs.
• Vehicle repairs or transportation to adoption events.
• Innovative in-store adoption ideas and pilot programs.
• Other costs directly associated with facilitating PetSmart adoptions and in-store events.

There are two Cohorts under this funding: Cohort 1-  Accelerating in-store adoptions; and Cohort 2: Capacity Building.

Cohort 2: Capacity Building

Applicants must have completed at least one adoption in a PetSmart store within the last 12 months.

Preference will be given to organizations seeking to build a consistent, sustainable in-store adoption program. Applications should include a clear plan, with examples, for sustaining the program over time.

Four Required Steps

Applicants must complete all four required steps below before submitting a grant application:

• Step 1 - Watch the kick-off video and complete the Adoption Accessibility Questionnaire
• Step 2 - Confirm eligibility and connect with your Adoptions Grant Manager: After completing the questionnaire, you will receive an email confirming your eligibility. Eligible partners will be invited to a call with their Adoptions Grant Manager to discuss the grant opportunity, expectations, and potential fit.
• Step 3 - Engage your PetSmart store partners: Discuss your intent to apply, align on goals, and gain their commitment to support the success of your in-store adoption program.
• Step 4-  Submit your application.

The FEMS-Lwoff Award for Achievements in Microbiology is a prestigious accolade awarded by the Federation of European Microbiological Societies (FEMS) since 2000. It honors exceptional contributions in microbiology, recognizing individuals or groups who have made significant impacts in the field. Winners receive a prize lecture opportunity, a commemorative silver medal, and an honorarium of €1000. This award aims to reflect diversity and promote high-quality research with societal benefits, encouraging nominations from underrepresented groups.

PetSmart Charities

We’re proud to celebrate over 30 years of being the leading funder of animal welfare in communities across North America. Since 1994, we’ve granted over $600 million to change-making organizations that help transform the lives of pets and those who love them.

Our Mission: We make the world a better place for pets by investing in community partners that advocate and care for the well-being of pets and all who love them.

Adoption Growth Grants 

Purpose

Adoption Growth grants drive lifesaving outcomes by supporting successful, sustainable in-store adoption programs, events, and results in partnership with PetSmart stores.

Funding Support

Funding may be used for costs associated with building or enhancing your organization’s adoption program in partnership with PetSmart stores, including:

• Staff positions supporting in-store adoption programs and events.
• Marketing and advertising for in-store adoption programs.
• Volunteer or foster support, incentives, and recruitment related to in-store adoption events.
• Event supplies, including containment and enrichment materials.
• Shelter software and technology needs.
• Vehicle repairs or transportation to adoption events.
• Innovative in-store adoption ideas and pilot programs.
• Other costs directly associated with facilitating PetSmart adoptions and in-store events.

There are two Cohorts under this funding: Cohort 1-  Accelerating in-store adoptions; and Cohort 2: Capacity Building.

Cohort 1- Accelerating in-store Adoptions

Applicants must have completed 500 or more adoptions in a PetSmart store in the U.S. within the last 12 months.

Preference will be given to organizations that demonstrate a clear plan to expand an existing in-store adoption program or introduce new in-store adoption models that will increase adoptions.

Four Required Steps

Applicants must complete all four required steps below before submitting a grant application:

• Step 1 - Watch the kick-off video and complete the Adoption Accessibility Questionnaire
• Step 2 - Confirm eligibility and connect with your Adoptions Grant Manager: After completing the questionnaire, you will receive an email confirming your eligibility. Eligible partners will be invited to a call with their Adoptions Grant Manager to discuss the grant opportunity, expectations, and potential fit.
• Step 3 - Engage your PetSmart store partners: Discuss your intent to apply, align on goals, and gain their commitment to support the success of your in-store adoption program.
• Step 4-  Submit your application.

The NAPB Borlaug Undergraduate Scholars program, established by the National Association of Plant Breeders, aims to cultivate future leaders in plant breeding. Open to undergraduates in relevant disciplines, the program provides mentorship opportunities and financial support for travel to the NAPB Annual Meeting. Those eligible must be current undergraduates and may not have received similar scholarships previously. This initiative fosters professional development and engagement in the field of plant improvement.

The Gallery Collection invites students aged 14 and older to participate in the Annual Create-A-Greeting Card Scholarship contest. The winner will receive a $10,000 scholarship and have their artwork featured on a card sold by the company. This competition is open to high school, college, and university students, as well as home-schooled students, who are legal residents of the U.S. and its territories. Don't miss this opportunity to showcase your talent!

Roy and Linda Funk Scholarship

The Roy and Linda Funk Scholarship Fund was established to assist students in pursuing additional schooling. This scholarship is available to students from the I-70 corridor on the Eastern Plains of Colorado. Students may only receive this award once; past recipients may not reapply.

Scholarship amount:

• $2,500

Number of awards:

• 2

Scholarship awards are one-time awards. The amount awarded to a selected recipient may be used for the cost of attendance. All scholarships will be paid directly to the recipient’s school and must be used for the upcoming academic year. Award disbursement is contingent upon the outside scholarship policies of a recipient’s college or university.

The Ronald and Wendy Smith Clinical Research Grant supports innovative studies in orthopaedic foot and ankle surgery. Funded by the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society, it aims to enhance patient care through research that leads to practical applications. Grants up to $25,000 are available, with potential for renewal, encouraging multidisciplinary approaches and addressing critical clinical issues. Successful projects will be shared at AOFAS meetings and may lead to further funding opportunities.

The Sara Corrie Memorial Grants, administered by the National Speleological Society, support group cave exploration in the U.S. and its territories. Up to six grants of $1,000 each are awarded annually to NSS members. Applications must detail exploration plans, including costs for necessary equipment. Grants are not provided for activities outside of exploration. Successful recipients must report findings and may have their proposals published on the NSS website.

The Farmers Advocating for Organic Grant (FAFO) supports impactful projects that enhance the organic agricultural sector, focusing on initiatives that assist family farmers and promote organic soil health. Eligible applicants include non-profit organizations and research institutions. FAFO prioritizes projects that address the needs of organic dairy, meat, and produce farmers while fostering cooperative growth. This grant aims to strengthen the organic industry and ensure the livelihood of organic farmers across the nation.

The Community Foundation’s scholarships are for Arkansas students pursuing education at two- or four-year colleges or universities, vocational schools or technical training programs. Each scholarship has its own eligibility criteria. Some scholarships are designated for graduates of a particular high school or those who plan to attend a particular college. Others are based on extracurricular activities or intended college majors.  

The Foundation has a scholarship portal with a quiz to help applicants determine scholarship eligibility. 

“Since 1976, the Community Foundation has partnered with individuals and organizations who want to support our state’s students in their pursuit of higher education,” said Heather Larkin, Community Foundation president and CEO. “These generous people provide the funding and determine the size and eligibility criteria of each scholarship, while we oversee the application and awarding process on their behalf.” 

Arkansas Service Memorial Scholarship

For students who are children of Arkansans who lost their life in service in the state, nation or community.