Best Grants for Preschools in Montana

The Norm Winn Memorial Conservation Grant, managed by the Keta Legacy Foundation, supports conservation, preservation, and restoration projects in Alaska, Montana, Oregon, Idaho, and Eastern Washington. This competitive grant encourages non-profit organizations to apply for up to $25,000 to implement innovative environmental initiatives. Applicants must demonstrate project feasibility and significant community impact, while ensuring their proposals align with the Foundation's commitment to supporting diverse conservation efforts.

The Preschool Development Grant Birth Through Five (PDG B-5) SMART Grant aims to enhance early care and education systems in the U.S. by supporting targeted investments in technology and data analytics. This initiative, led by the Administration for Children and Families, encourages states to improve program quality, family choice, and data-driven decision-making for children from birth to five years old. The funding is designed to create measurable outcomes and strengthen coordination within the mixed-delivery system.

Background

The Business Acceleration and Marketing program (BAM) is funded through the Montana Growth Through Agriculture program (GTA). GTA was created by the 1987 Legislature and is administered by the seven member Montana Agriculture Development Council, which is attached to the Montana Department of Agriculture (MDA). The legislative purpose of the program is to strengthen and diversify Montana's agricultural industry through loans and grants to assist the development of innovative agricultural business organizational improvements and the commercialization and marketing of new agricultural products in order to keep pace with a transforming agricultural industry and to create new jobs and expand small business opportunities. Funds are available now and are awarded on a quarterly basis, in the order the application is received, until funds are expended.

These funds are to:

• Help businesses access and develop new and existing markets.
• Support businesses in overcoming market barriers
• Expand businesses' digital/web offerings
• Fund projects still in early expansionary phase of development
• Support startup businesses in minimizing time to profitability.
• Offer expanding businesses the ability to establish groundwork for capital expenditure.
• Accelerate new, innovative products up to commercialization.

The Montana Mental Health Access Fund aims to enhance access to mental health services for Indigenous communities in Montana. By focusing on tribal populations and urban Indian communities, the fund seeks to eliminate barriers to culturally appropriate care. Given Montana's high suicide rates and historical lack of services, this initiative is critical for improving mental health outcomes. It supports innovative approaches and technology to reach those in underserved areas, ensuring that essential mental health services are available for all.

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

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

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.

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

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. 

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. 

Montana local governments and eligible nonprofits seeking to support business growth and job creation can access funding that benefits low- and moderate-income residents. Montana preschools partnering with local governments on workforce or economic development initiatives may be eligible. Grants from Montana Department of Commerce can provide up to US $525,000 through the CDBG Economic Development Program.

Eligible Montana counties, cities, and towns can seek Community Development Block Grant Planning support to plan local community development and revitalization projects. With a mission to strengthen communities, Montana Department of Commerce provides local governments with up to US $50,000, which they may use on behalf of school districts or nonprofit preschool-related partners as part of broader planning efforts.

Montana community-based organizations working with local healthcare providers to address food, housing, transportation insecurity, and other social determinants of health can access funding through the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services. Grants of US $5,000 per site support 12‑month projects in high-priority census areas that improve cardiovascular health and related outcomes.

Health care clinics, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities in Montana working with asthma, diabetes, or hypertension patients can receive US $750 for workforce training on health-related social needs affecting chronic disease outcomes. With a mission to strengthen chronic disease care, Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services supports training that may benefit preschool-serving health providers.

Montana community pharmacies, Tribal Health programs, and community health centers can apply for the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services Blood Pressure Cuff Loaner Program, with awards up to US $5,000 to implement hypertension cuff loaner programs. Preschools connected to eligible health providers in Montana may benefit through improved family cardiovascular health support.

The Flora Martin Student Success Scholarship at Montana State University supports students pursuing degrees in Education, Health, and Human Development. This scholarship is designed for juniors and above, providing essential financial assistance to help students achieve their academic goals. MSU, established in 1893, remains committed to transforming lives through accessible education, fostering a supportive environment for student success in various fields of study.

The College of Nursing Memorial Program Scholarship at Montana State University supports nursing students through a consolidated fund that includes various memorial scholarships. This initiative aims to honor the legacy of past contributors while providing financial assistance to future nursing professionals. Applicants are required to complete the Activities and Involvement sections of the General Application. Award amounts vary, making this scholarship a vital resource for those pursuing a nursing degree.

The College of Nursing Memorial Scholarship at Montana State University supports students pursuing a nursing degree from the Mark and Robyn Jones College of Nursing. Applicants must complete the General Application's Activities and Involvement sections. Award amounts vary, highlighting MSU's commitment to fostering education and community engagement while preparing graduates for impactful careers in healthcare.

The College of Nursing Scholarship at Montana State University supports students pursuing a nursing degree. As Montana's largest public research university, MSU emphasizes student success and hands-on learning. Applicants must complete the Activities and Involvement sections of the General Application to qualify. This scholarship varies in award amounts and is designed to enhance opportunities in the nursing field, ensuring graduates are well-prepared to contribute to healthcare in their communities.

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 Colonel Bert and Deanna Rice Scholarship at Montana State University supports Montana residents who are U.S. Armed Forces Veterans or their spouses/unmarried widows/widowers. Applicants must maintain a minimum 2.7 GPA and preference is given to those pursuing degrees in the College of Engineering or Sociology with a Criminology Option. This scholarship aims to empower veterans and enhance their educational opportunities, contributing positively to their communities.

The Charles and Annie Boyer Graduate Support program at Montana State University provides funding for graduate students in the College of Agriculture. This initiative aims to enhance educational opportunities and foster research that contributes to the agricultural sector. Award amounts may vary, reflecting the university's commitment to supporting students in their academic pursuits and preparing them for impactful careers in agriculture and related fields.

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 Colonel Frances Thomas Nursing Memorial Scholarship, offered by Montana State University, supports junior and senior nursing students demonstrating financial need. Preference is given to those who may not receive federal grants or significant scholarships. This initiative aims to empower future healthcare professionals by easing financial burdens, ultimately enhancing the quality of education and fostering community health initiatives. Applicants must complete the necessary application sections to be considered for this valuable financial support.

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.

Social Justice Fund Northwest- Sponsorship

At Social Justice Fund Northwest (SJF), we utilize sponsorships as a way of building bridges. Our sponsorships are only available to recent and current SJF grantees (within the past two years) in Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, and/or Wyoming. We hope that organizations utilize this resource to fund their most ambitious, innovative projects that are often not supported by other funders.

Overview

Grant Awards: One-year sponsorship of $1,000

Focus:

• Ambitious and innovative projects that are often not supported by other funders in Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington and/or Wyoming.

The BMCF Agriculture Scholarship, offered by Montana State University, supports undergraduate Montana residents pursuing degrees in agriculture. This scholarship aims to promote educational accessibility and recognizes the importance of agriculture in local communities. Award amounts vary, reflecting the university's commitment to fostering student success and innovation. Established by MSU, the scholarship aligns with its land-grant mission to enhance the quality of life in Montana through education and research.