Best Grants for Preschools in Montana

The Graphic Design Scholarship at Montana State University supports students pursuing a degree in Graphic Design. This scholarship emphasizes academic excellence and financial need, providing crucial assistance to incoming students. As part of MSU's commitment to education and community transformation, this award fosters creativity and skill development in the arts, ensuring that talented individuals have access to valuable educational resources.

The Great Falls Society of Architects Scholarship at Montana State University supports second to fourth year students pursuing a degree in Environmental Design. Eligible candidates must be graduates from specific counties in Montana. This scholarship reflects MSU's commitment to providing educational opportunities that transform lives and communities through architecture and design. With limited availability, it aims to foster talent in the field of architecture for future generations.

The Great West Engineering Scholarship at Montana State University supports students pursuing degrees in Civil or Environmental Engineering. To qualify, applicants must be juniors or seniors with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and demonstrate leadership in extracurricular activities. This scholarship aims to foster future engineers by providing financial assistance to those committed to making a positive impact in their fields and communities.

The Gregg R. Carlson Memorial Scholarship, offered by Montana State University, supports students pursuing degrees in Animal Science or Crop Science. Applicants must be Montana residents with sophomore, junior, or senior status and a minimum GPA of 3.0. Preference is given to students from Hill or Cascade County. This scholarship reflects MSU's commitment to providing transformative educational opportunities to local communities.

The Growing and Sustaining Pathways Scholarship at Montana State University aims to support American Indian students pursuing degrees in the College of Agriculture. This scholarship promotes access to quality education while fostering the development of future leaders in agriculture. By focusing on students from federally recognized tribes, the program not only helps individuals but also strengthens communities and cultural ties. Eligible applicants can benefit from this vital financial support to achieve their academic goals.

Who We Are

For Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana, health care is deeply personal. It's also inherently local — like us.

Our Local Focus

We’ve been serving the people of Montana for 85 years, and we’re committed to expanding access to quality, affordable health care to people in all phases of life. We offer health plan options for individuals and families, group customers and Medicare, and we deliver differentiated value to the people we serve through our focus on access, affordability, outcomes and innovation.

Community Giving

Each year, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana supports communities throughout our state with grants and sponsorships with the overarching goal of improving access to and affordability of health care. We are proud of these community investments and value the very important work that organizations are doing to keep Montanans healthy.

Community giving is divided into three areas: grants, sponsorships and Blue Impact℠ major grants. Areas of focus and exclusions for all funding requests, and specific requirements for each type of funding are detailed below, along with links to apply.

Areas of Focus

All community giving at BCBSMT is designed to build healthier communities as part of an ongoing commitment to invest in and partner with nonprofit organizations to reach Montanans in these focus areas:

• Economic opportunity and stability: Addressing issues such as poverty, removing barriers to employment, providing good jobs and upskilling;
• Nutrition: Supporting efforts to decrease hunger and increase access to nutritional food;
• Neighborhood and local assets: Focusing on affordable healthy housing, access to transportation and to physical activity;
• Locally defined health solutions: Addressing hyperlocal health and human service needs; and 
• Optimal health

BCBSMT Grants

A charitable grant supports either program-focused initiatives or general operating support. Grants provide support to programs and organizations that align with our mission to promote health, wellness and human services in the communities we serve.

The 2026 Carceral Systems Organizing Grant seeks to support organizations working to eradicate carceral systems, create alternative justice solutions, or pursue system reform by addressing systemic criminalization that disproportionately targets Black, Indigenous and people of color (BIPOC) and low-income/poor communities across our five-state region.

This grant will fund organizations that meet SJF’s community organizing framework and prioritize communities underrepresented in traditional grantmaking.

We define carceral systems organizing broadly to include all systems that criminalize people’s lives based on race, poverty, gender, immigration status and/or disability. Examples include but are not limited to: 

• Abolition, transformative justice, and alternatives to incarceration
• Ending racial profiling and police brutality
• Addressing racial inequities in drug laws
• Child welfare, foster care, child protective services
• Youth incarceration and the school-to-prison pipeline
• Detention and deportation of immigrant communities
• Homeless encampment sweeps and criminalization of survival needs
• Re-entry organizing by and for folks who were recently incarcerated

The Red Ants Pants Foundation Community Grant Program supports projects that enrich rural communities in Montana. Grants are awarded to organizations and individuals aligned with the Foundation's mission, focusing on leadership for women, preservation of family farms, and community development. Eligible applicants must demonstrate community support and the potential for significant local impact. With over $190,000 granted in the past cycles, this initiative fosters collaboration and growth in small towns, ensuring that rural voices are heard and valued.

The Montana Beef Council Project Funding supports innovative ideas for beef promotion, research, and education. Established in 1954, the Council aims to enhance demand for beef products through various marketing programs. Annual funding requests are reviewed by a board of directors, with applicants encouraged to engage with staff for optimal presentation preparation. While funding is not guaranteed for subsequent years, applicants can present their projects to relevant committees, ensuring a thorough evaluation process.

The NIOSH Miner Safety and Health Training Program aims to enhance health and safety training for miners in the Western United States. With mining fatalities significantly higher than the national average, this initiative seeks to address critical training needs by developing effective programs, increasing qualified instructors, and ensuring compliance with existing safety guidelines. By focusing on culturally appropriate training methods and collaborative efforts with other agencies, the program aims to reduce injuries and fatalities in the mining sector.

The 2026 Carceral Systems Organizing Grant seeks to support organizations working to eradicate carceral systems, create alternative justice solutions, or pursue system reform by addressing systemic criminalization that disproportionately targets Black, Indigenous and people of color (BIPOC) and low-income/poor communities across our five-state region.

We define carceral systems organizing broadly to include all systems that criminalize people’s lives based on race, poverty, gender, immigration status and/or disability. Examples include but are not limited to: 

• Abolition, transformative justice, and alternatives to incarceration
• Ending racial profiling and police brutality
• 'Addressing racial inequities in drug laws
• Child welfare, foster care, child protective services
• Youth incarceration and the school-to-prison pipeline
• Detention and deportation of immigrant communities
• Homeless encampment sweeps and criminalization of survival needs
• Re-entry organizing by and for folks who were recently incarcerated

The Emergency Community Water Assistance Grants program in Montana provides crucial support for communities facing emergencies that threaten safe drinking water. It assists in the construction and repair of water infrastructure, with grants available for water transmission lines and sources, helping to restore access to clean water in rural areas. Eligible applicants include local governments, nonprofits, and tribes, ensuring that assistance reaches those in need and aids recovery from various natural disasters.

The TRGS Field Scholarships, funded by the Tobacco Root Geological Society, support students engaged in geoscience research in the Northern Rocky Mountains. Scholarships of up to $1200 are awarded annually based on clarity, relevance, and potential impact of projects. Since 1995, over $156,500 has been granted to more than 222 students. Preference is given to mapping projects in Montana, Idaho, and northern Wyoming, with opportunities for presentation at the annual TRGS Field Conference.

The Summer Motorized Trail Pass Grants program provides funding for OHV Clubs in Montana to maintain and improve federally designated motorized trails. Grants typically range from $10,000 to $50,000, with larger requests evaluated individually. Eligible projects include trail maintenance, signage, and resource impact mitigation. Montana State Parks administers the program, ensuring equitable funding distribution through community involvement. This initiative supports sustainable recreation while safeguarding natural resources.

The Mazama Conservation Grant Program offers essential funding to safeguard the Pacific Northwest's mountain ecosystems and landscapes. Grants between $500 and $2,500 support initiatives like trail maintenance, wilderness protection, and environmental education. Focusing on the Mt. Hood area, the program collaborates with environmental organizations and community groups to promote conservation efforts. By funding research, trail upkeep, and educational activities, the program ensures the health of the region's ecosystems, fostering a lasting commitment to environmental stewardship.

The Robanna Fund, established in 1992 by Robert and Deanna Levy, supports students pursuing careers in healthcare. Administered by the Hawai‘i Community Foundation, the fund awards scholarships averaging $6,000, depending on various factors such as the number of qualified applicants and donor preferences. Eligible applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0, reside in Hawai‘i, intend to major in a health-related field, and demonstrate financial need. This initiative aims to cultivate future healthcare professionals in the community.

The Conservation Partners Grant Program, funded by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, supports private landowners in implementing regenerative agriculture and conservation practices. By awarding competitive grants, the program facilitates technical assistance for developing management plans and best practices, enabling landowners to maximize the ecological benefits of their lands. This initiative is crucial for enhancing fish and wildlife habitats, addressing pressing conservation issues, and promoting sustainable land stewardship across the United States.

The Charles M. Bair Family Trust Grant supports nonprofit organizations and government entities in Montana, particularly in Meagher, Wheatland, and Yellowstone counties. Established in memory of Alberta M. Bair, the trust continues the family's philanthropic legacy by awarding grants based on a thorough review process by a Board of Advisors. Applications are accepted annually, with a deadline of March 1, ensuring that the trust's impact on the community remains significant and aligned with its founding values.

The Charlotte Martin Foundation prioritizes funding for rural BIPOC organizations focused on youth programs, emphasizing education, athletics, and cultural expression for ages 6-18. Grants support initiatives that enhance access to diverse experiences, educational opportunities, and sports programs. The foundation is committed to addressing inequities in funding distribution, ensuring resources reach non-dominant communities. Organizations must be based in the Western states and demonstrate a commitment to racial equity and diversity in their leadership and programming.

The RMS-SEPM Scholarships: The Donald L. Smith Research Grant offers $2,000 for Ph.D. candidates conducting sedimentary geology research in the Rocky Mountain region. This grant honors Professor Donald Smith and is open to students at U.S. universities, with preference for those in states like Montana and Colorado. The funding aims to enhance understanding of the geology in these areas through dedicated research efforts.

The Region 4 Professional Development Awards for 2025-2026 foster the growth of health information access and data science skills among network members. This funding supports diverse projects such as workshops, conferences, and educational activities aimed at enhancing the professional capacity of individuals affiliated with NNLM Region 4. By encouraging proposals that address the needs of underrepresented communities, the awards aim to improve health information services and access across the region.

The Water & Waste Disposal Loan & Grant Program in Montana provides essential funding for the development of reliable drinking water, sewage disposal, solid waste management, and storm water systems in eligible rural areas. It supports applicants unable to secure conventional financing, including local governments, private nonprofits, and tribes. Eligible areas include rural towns with populations under 10,000 and tribal lands. Funds can cover construction costs, legal fees, and necessary project expenses to enhance community health and environmental sustainability.

The Carolyn Thompson Memorial Scholarship at Montana State University supports senior students in Mechanical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering Technology with a minimum GPA of 3.45. Preference is given to double majors, those working while studying, and students engaged in hands-on engineering activities. The scholarship aims to foster innovation and community engagement by preparing graduates to contribute meaningfully to society. Award amounts vary, aligning with the Engineering, Mechanical, and Industrial Engineering scope.

The Carol S. Nelson Memorial scholarship at Montana State University supports Montana high school graduates pursuing a degree in Elementary Education. Eligible applicants must be juniors or seniors with a clear goal of teaching at the fifth or sixth grade level. This scholarship exemplifies MSU's commitment to fostering educational opportunities that enhance community engagement and support student success. Award amounts vary, reflecting the university's dedication to invest in future educators who will impact Montana's educational landscape.

The Carol Clarke Smith Scholarship for Veteran Spouses at Montana State University supports spouses of U.S. Armed Forces veterans, including unmarried widows and widowers. This scholarship aims to provide accessible education opportunities while honoring those who have served in recent conflicts like Iraq or Afghanistan. With award amounts varying, MSU emphasizes community engagement and student success, ensuring that recipients are well-prepared to contribute meaningfully to society.

The Carol Boughton STEM Scholarship at Montana State University supports undergraduates pursuing degrees in STEM fields. MSU, founded in 1893, is Montana's leading public research university, dedicated to education and community engagement. This scholarship aims to foster innovation and prepare graduates to contribute meaningfully to society, particularly in areas such as engineering, nursing, and the sciences. By investing in students, MSU enhances opportunities for local communities and strengthens the economy.

The Carol and Dan Banghart Scholarship at Montana State University supports undergraduate nursing students demonstrating financial need, with preference for juniors and seniors. This scholarship aims to empower students pursuing a degree from the Mark and Robyn Jones College of Nursing. Applicants must complete the Activities and Involvement sections of the General Application to be considered. Award amounts vary, and the scholarship reflects MSU's commitment to fostering educational opportunities in the healthcare field.