Best Grants for Preschools in Montana

The Greater Montana Foundation offers grants to promote communication on vital issues for Montanans, focusing on electronic media. Funding is available for diverse projects such as documentaries, films, and webinars, with applications due April 1. Eligible programs must be accessible to Montana media outlets, schools, and libraries. Priority is given to projects addressing key concerns like jobs, education, and healthcare. The foundation does not fund equipment purchases or staff positions, emphasizing impactful media initiatives.

The Hearst Endowment for Native American Studies Scholarship at Montana State University supports students pursuing degrees in Native American Studies. This scholarship is specifically for American Indian or Alaska Native students, reflecting the university's commitment to inclusivity and educational access. With a rich history dating back to 1893, MSU continues to provide transformative higher education opportunities. The scholarship aims to empower and uplift Native American communities through education.

The Hedwig Arlen Memorial Scholarship at Montana State University supports American Indian and Alaska Native students pursuing degrees in Arts and Architecture. This scholarship aims to alleviate financial burdens and promote educational opportunities for underrepresented communities, aligning with MSU's commitment to transformative education. Eligible applicants must demonstrate financial need and be enrolled in relevant programs. With a limited number of scholarships available for incoming students, this opportunity is invaluable for fostering diversity and inclusion in higher education.

The Helen C. Christensen Scholarship at Montana State University supports students pursuing degrees in nursing, education, cell biology, or pre-medicine. To qualify, applicants must be Montana high school graduates, demonstrate financial need, and be in sophomore, junior, or senior status. This scholarship aims to enhance access to education and foster community transformation through higher learning opportunities.

The Helen E. Fechter Scholarship at Montana State University supports students pursuing a degree in business from the Jake Jabs College of Business and Entrepreneurship. Established as part of MSU's commitment to providing life-changing higher education, this scholarship offers financial assistance to incoming students, promoting access to quality education and fostering their academic and professional growth.

The Helene Fuld Health Scholarship for Nursing Students at Montana State University supports aspiring nurses by providing financial assistance. This scholarship is specifically for students enrolled in the Mark and Robyn Jones College of Nursing, reinforcing the university's commitment to education and healthcare. With limited availability for incoming students, it aims to alleviate financial burdens and empower future healthcare professionals to achieve their academic goals.

The Hellier-Raymond Scholarship at Montana State University is designed for students pursuing degrees or certificates from Gallatin College who demonstrate financial need. This scholarship aims to support foster youth or enrolled members of federally recognized tribes, providing crucial financial assistance to help students achieve their educational goals. With a commitment to workforce development, the scholarship underscores MSU's dedication to transforming lives and communities through higher education.

The Engaging Young Catholics Grants aim to support ministries that provide faith formation to children, teens, young adults, and families. By focusing on the pastoral needs of young Catholics, the program enhances community vibrancy and fosters new leadership within the church. Catholic Extension prioritizes operational support and seed funding for initiatives that develop youth and young adult ministries, ensuring that dioceses can effectively reach and engage younger generations in their faith.

The Building Leaders Grants by Catholic Extension aim to enhance the recruitment, education, and ongoing formation of church leaders. This initiative provides critical funding for the professional development of both ordained and lay leaders in mission dioceses. By fostering partnerships with various organizations, it addresses the need for trained ministers and supports various funding areas, including seminarian sponsorship and diaconate formation, ensuring a robust future for church leadership.

The Building Foundation Grants by Catholic Extension aim to support essential pastoral and administrative functions in under-resourced communities. These grants provide salary subsidies and operational funding to ordained, religious, and lay ministers, ensuring access to Catholic services. Prioritizing areas with significant financial need, this initiative seeks to sustain the church's presence where it is most critical, enabling continued ministry and outreach for those who may otherwise be underserved.

Catholic Extension provides essential funding to support the construction, expansion, or renovation of churches and community facilities. This initiative aims to meet the facility needs of under-resourced Catholic dioceses across the U.S. By focusing on active projects, Catholic Extension ensures that communities can enhance their worship spaces and support local ministries, ultimately fostering a stronger church community. Funding is available for both minor and major requests, with an emphasis on urgent needs and robust funding strategies.

Montana’s CDBG Economic Development Program is designed to stimulate economic development activity by assisting Montana’s private sector to create or retain jobs for low and moderate-income LMI Montanans. The goal is to help communities provide decent housing, suitable living environments, and expanded economic opportunities. 

In 1975, the Montana Legislature set aside a percentage of the Coal Tax to restore murals in the Capitol and support other cultural and aesthetic projects. Applications must be for cultural and aesthetic projects including, but not limited to: Visual Arts, Performing Arts, Literary Arts, Media Arts, History, Archaeology, Folklore, Archives, Collections, Research, Historic Preservation and Construction and Renovation of Cultural Facilities. 

This grant assists eligible adults seeking to enter or re-enter the workforce, improve occupational skills, or advance in their careers.

Columbia Basin Trust

The Trust was created in 1995 to support efforts by the people of the Basin to create a legacy of social, economic and environmental well-being in the Canadian portion of the Columbia River Basin—the region most affected by the Columbia River Treaty.

Mission: The Trust supports efforts by the people of the Basin to create a legacy of social, economic and environmental well-being and to achieve greater self-sufficiency for present and future generations.

Non-profit SMART Grants

Non-Profit SMART Grants support Basin non-profits and First Nations to increase their energy efficiency, generate renewable energy, adapt to the impacts of climate change, and/or reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.

There are two streams for this grant: Stream One – Electric Vehicles and Charging Stations; and Stream Two – Renewable Energy and Improvements to Buildings

Stream One – Electric Vehicles and Charging Stations

This stream supports the purchase of one new electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle for use in Basin communities, and/or up to two charging stations.

Governor’s Office of Community Service aka ServeMontana

Established in 1993, Montana’s Commission on Community Service administers grants under the National and Community Service Trust Act of 1993, amended by the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act of 2009 and the Montana Community Service Act of 1994 (MCA 90-14-103). In partnership with the Montana Commission on Community Service, a primary function of the Governor’s Office of Community Service (GOCS) is administering funds to AmeriCorps State programs. 

AmeriCorps Montana

AmeriCorps State grants aid programs in addressing critical community needs, including Education, Disaster Services, Health, Environmental Stewardship, Economic Opportunity, and service to Veterans and Military Families. Grants must align with priorities in the Montana State Service Plan.

Eligible organizations may apply for the following AmeriCorps grants to address pressing needs in Montana: Competitive Program Grants; and Formula Program Grants.

Competitive Program Grants

Implement or continue a Competitive AmeriCorps State program.

This Notice is the first in a multistep process an applicant must complete to apply for and receive AmeriCorps State Competitive funding. ServeMontana’s role is to solicit, screen, and rank applications. This process is only for ranking; no funding will be awarded from this solicitation. All applications cleared through screening will be ranked and submitted to compete nationally for funding. 

Organizations continuing a competitively funded program or proposing an AmeriCorps State program that operates only in Montana must apply to this competition.

Expectations of All Applicants

• Address rural, Tribal, underserved, or areas of poverty not currently served by AmeriCorps programs;
• Clearly connect proposed activities to the needs and priorities in the Montana State Service Plan;
• Take a collaborative approach to program planning, design, and delivery;
• Recruit Montanans to serve in their local community; and
• Design and deliver an inclusive program that is accessible to individuals with disabilities.

Governor’s Office of Community Service aka ServeMontana

Established in 1993, Montana’s Commission on Community Service administers grants under the National and Community Service Trust Act of 1993, amended by the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act of 2009 and the Montana Community Service Act of 1994 (MCA 90-14-103). In partnership with the Montana Commission on Community Service, a primary function of the Governor’s Office of Community Service (GOCS) is administering funds to AmeriCorps State programs. 

AmeriCorps Montana

AmeriCorps State grants aid programs in addressing critical community needs, including Education, Disaster Services, Health, Environmental Stewardship, Economic Opportunity, and service to Veterans and Military Families. Grants must align with priorities in the Montana State Service Plan.

Eligible organizations may apply for the following AmeriCorps grants to address pressing needs in Montana: Competitive Program Grants; and Formula Program Grants.

Formula Program Grants

Implement or continue a Formula AmeriCorps State program.

This Notice is the first step an applicant must complete to apply for and receive AmeriCorps State Formula funding. ServeMontana’s role is to solicit, screen, and rank applications. All applications cleared through screening will be ranked and submitted to AmeriCorps for funding determination.

Organizations proposing a new AmeriCorps State program or continuing a currently formula funded program that places AmeriCorps members and operates only in Montana must apply to this competition.

Expectations of All Applicants

• Address rural, Tribal, underserved, or areas of poverty not currently served by AmeriCorps programs;
• Clearly connect proposed activities to the needs and priorities in the Montana State Service Plan;
• Take a collaborative approach to program planning, design, and delivery;
• Recruit Montanans to serve in their local community; and
• Design and deliver an inclusive program that is accessible to individuals with disabilities

Columbia Basin Trust

The Trust was created in 1995 to support efforts by the people of the Basin to create a legacy of social, economic and environmental well-being in the Canadian portion of the Columbia River Basin—the region most affected by the Columbia River Treaty.

Mission: The Trust supports efforts by the people of the Basin to create a legacy of social, economic and environmental well-being and to achieve greater self-sufficiency for present and future generations.

Non-profit SMART Grants

Non-Profit SMART Grants support Basin non-profits and First Nations to increase their energy efficiency, generate renewable energy, adapt to the impacts of climate change, and/or reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.

There are two streams for this grant: Stream One – Electric Vehicles and Charging Stations; and Stream Two – Renewable Energy and Improvements to Buildings

Stream Two – Renewable Energy and Improvements to Buildings

This stream supports solar photovoltaic arrays, energy efficiency retrofits or other building improvements to structures or property.

Project Lead The Way is offering a rolling grant opportunity for schools across the US to implement the PLTW Gateway program for the first time. With total funding of $9,100, the grant covers participation fees and training registration costs. Schools, including public, private, and charter, are encouraged to apply, particularly those serving low-income and minority majority populations. This initiative aims to enhance educational pathways in STEM for diverse student groups.

Project Lead The Way is offering a rolling grant opportunity for schools to implement the PLTW Engineering program for the 2025-2026 academic year and beyond. Eligible institutions include public, private, and charter schools located in the US. Grant recipients will receive funding to cover participation fees and training costs. Total funding amounts to $16,000, distributed over three years. Schools are encouraged to create pathways for students in engineering through this initiative.

The Gilbert Giebink Memorial Scholarship at Montana State University supports students pursuing degrees in Agricultural Business or Applied Economics with a focus on commercial agriculture. This scholarship is available to undergraduate seniors and entering graduate students who are enrolled at least half-time. With a commitment to educational access and community transformation, MSU offers this opportunity to empower future leaders in agriculture.

The Gil Crain Memorial Scholarship at Montana State University supports students pursuing degrees in Accounting or Business. To qualify, applicants must be juniors or above and enrolled in the Jake Jabs College of Business and Entrepreneurship or pursuing a Master of Professional Accountancy degree. This scholarship aims to assist those dedicated to advancing their education in these fields, fostering their potential to transform lives and communities through higher education.

The Conservation District Pollinator Grants aim to enhance pollinator habitats in Montana, offering funding between $5,000 and $15,000 for eligible projects. These grants prioritize initiatives that include monitoring plans and community engagement strategies. Eligible applicants must demonstrate conservation benefits and have a solid public outreach plan. The program encourages innovative approaches to educate the public about pollinators' vital role in ecosystems and supports projects that actively involve local communities.

The Gilhousen Chair in Telecommunications Scholarship at Montana State University supports students pursuing degrees in Electrical and Computer Engineering. Established to promote academic excellence, this scholarship is part of MSU's commitment to providing transformative education. Eligible applicants must be participants in the Undergraduate Scholars Program. This initiative aligns with MSU's mission to enhance educational opportunities and foster innovation in telecommunications, ultimately benefiting both students and the community.

The Glacier Restaurant Group Culinary Arts Scholarship at Montana State University supports students pursuing an Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts. MSU, established in 1893, offers a transformative educational experience through various departmental scholarships aimed at enhancing workforce development in culinary arts. This scholarship not only provides financial assistance but also fosters the growth of future culinary professionals, contributing to the culinary landscape in Montana and beyond.

The Gladys Elting Elementary Education Scholarship at Montana State University supports aspiring educators pursuing a degree in Elementary Education. Eligible candidates must be graduates of Laurel or Shelby, Montana high schools, awarded in alternating years. This scholarship aims to empower future teachers, enhancing educational opportunities and community impact. Freshman students are preferred, aligning with MSU's commitment to transformative higher education since its founding in 1893.

The Montana Trail Stewardship Grant Program, managed by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, allocates funds to enhance the state's outdoor recreation infrastructure. Established in 2019, it utilizes vehicle registration fees and marijuana tax revenue to support projects such as trail construction, rehabilitation, and maintenance. With approximately $3.6 million awarded to 104 projects, this initiative aims to improve access and preserve Montana's natural resources for future generations.