Best Grants for Preschools in Montana

The MJF Program Grants, awarded by the Montana Justice Foundation, have provided over $8 million to nonprofit organizations in Montana. These grants support legal services for vulnerable populations, enhancing access to justice and legal education. They prioritize organizations aiding low-income Montanans, helping them navigate legal challenges and improve their quality of life. The foundation emphasizes the importance of effective legal representation and alternative dispute resolution to foster community well-being and self-sufficiency.

The MJF Law-Related Education Grants, funded by the Montana Justice Foundation, support educational projects that enhance public understanding of the law. Grants of up to $3,000 are available for initiatives such as mock trials, community training on legal topics, and events like We The People. Priority is given to proposals that create a lasting impact in underserved communities. Applications can be submitted year-round, promoting access to legal knowledge and services.

The MJF Special Project Grants aim to fund innovative projects that address specific legal needs in Montana. With over $8 million awarded, these grants support nonprofits that enhance access to justice, legal education, and pro bono services. Eligible projects include establishing legal aid clinics, advocating for low-income rights, and increasing public understanding of legal processes. Priority is given to initiatives that promise sustainable impacts in under-served communities, fostering a fairer legal landscape for all Montanans.

The PacificSource Foundation for Health Improvement, a private foundation, is dedicated to promoting health equity since 1992. With a focus on underserved populations in Oregon, Idaho, Montana, and parts of Washington, the foundation supports initiatives that enhance access to healthcare and address health disparities. They provide both one-year and multi-year funding, typically ranging from $10,000 to $50,000, to organizations committed to advancing health equity through diverse community-driven solutions.

The Conservation Education Grant supports educational programs in forestry and natural resources for pre-K to 12th-grade students and their educators. It aims to enhance youth engagement in nature education and improve the capabilities of forestry professionals and volunteers. Applications emphasize outdoor activities and professional development, with awards capped at $3,000, requiring project completion within a year. Though no match is mandatory, a 25% contribution is encouraged to strengthen funding applications.

Tenant and Housing Justice Grant

Social Justice Fund Northwest (SJF) is pleased to announce the 2026 Tenant & Housing Justice Grant, open to grassroots organizations in Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, and/or Wyoming.

Grant Awards:

• Maximum one-year grant award of $25,000

Focus:

• Tenant and housing justice organizing in Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming

Description

This grant seeks to support organizations working to undo and/or create alternative solutions to exploitative housing systems which were built and are sustained by capitalism, colonialism, classism, racism, xenophobia, and ableism. This grant will fund organizations that meet SJF’s community organizing framework and prioritize communities underrepresented in traditional grantmaking.

Tenant and Housing Justice community organizing work can include, but is not limited to:

• Collective power building among tenants to dismantle and push against the current oppressive housing systems and structures 
  • Examples: rental and utilities assistance, tenants’ rights training, eviction prevention and intervention, etc.
• Local and statewide tenant and housing systems/policy change 
• Tenant leadership development
• Creating collective, cooperative housing structures
• Re-entry organizing by and for folks who were recently incarcerated to provide housing and resources, influence and set policy, etc.
• Disability justice organizing focused on affordable, accessible, and supportive housing for disabled folks and elders
• Survivor-led organizing for people transitioning out of abusive situations

The California Casualty Music & Arts Grant supports K-12 public schools facing budget cuts that threaten their music and arts programs. Eligible applicants, who must be active employees of public K-12 schools and members of specified educator associations, can request grants of $250 for music or arts needs. This initiative aims to enhance creative education across the states, excluding AK, HI, MA, MI, NY, and WI. Applications received by July 15 will be notified by November 30.

The Town Pump Charitable Foundation, established in 1999, supports Montana charitable and governmental organizations focusing on basic needs, education, and community assistance. Grants are available for 501(c)(3) nonprofits and governmental entities, aiming to enhance the quality of life for Montana citizens. The Foundation prioritizes initiatives addressing food insecurity, educational programs, and community projects, fostering stronger and sustainable communities across the state.

The AMB West Community Fund, part of the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, aims to enhance the quality of life for Montanans, focusing on nurturing childhood and thriving youth. With over $10 million awarded since 2001, the Fund prioritizes creative and impactful programs that support vulnerable populations, particularly in Park and Gallatin Counties and Indigenous communities. The initiative is dedicated to community-driven philanthropy, fostering collaboration, and addressing systemic challenges through strategic investments.

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 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.

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 MTDPHHS School Health Grants aim to enhance health education in Montana schools by providing funding for projects that support school nurses, counselors, and educators. Available funding opportunities include training for asthma and diabetes education, assessing health policies, and facilitating CPR training. These grants are designed to foster safe and healthy learning environments for students and staff, ultimately promoting better health outcomes across the state.

The Western SARE Local Education and Demonstration Grants aim to promote sustainable agriculture through practical demonstrations and educational activities. This program addresses barriers to adopting sustainable practices by integrating findings from previous research. Projects can last up to three years and receive funding of up to $60,000. Successful proposals involve local demonstrations, trainings, and technical assistance, engaging farmers, ranchers, and agricultural professionals in the process of sustainable agriculture adoption.

Coover/Rural Schools Partnership Rural Ready Grant Program

The Louis L. and Julia Dorothy Coover Foundation, a partnership between Community Foundation of the Ozarks and The Commerce Trust Company is proud to offer the Rural Ready grant program. It is designed to give rural schools the flexibility to address the needs and opportunities that matter most in their communities. Rural Ready grants will support projects that prepare students with the knowledge, skills, experiences, and relationships they need to thrive in our ever-changing world while strengthening the communities they call home. 

Funding

• Total amount to award is $185,000.00. 
• Applicants may apply for up to $7,000 in funding for this grant cycle.

The IA Tech Ed Scholarship, offered by Montana State University, supports full-time students in their sophomore, junior, or senior years pursuing a degree in Technology Education. This scholarship reflects the university's commitment to fostering innovation and providing accessible educational opportunities in agricultural and technical education. Award amounts vary, ensuring support for students who strive to excel academically while contributing to their communities through practical learning experiences.

The FY26 Defense Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (DEPSCoR) Capacity Building opportunity aims to enhance the capabilities of university researchers in eligible states. Managed by the DoD, this initiative focuses on increasing the number of researchers capable of conducting relevant science and engineering research. The program also seeks to strengthen institutions of higher education and improve their competitiveness for federal research funding, ultimately fostering long-term growth in financial assistance for scientific research.

The FY26 Defense Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (DEPSCoR) aims to enhance research capabilities in eligible states by increasing the number of university researchers and institutions conducting relevant science and engineering research. Sponsored by the Department of Defense, this program will fund multiyear awards to promote research aligned with national security needs. Applications require a multi-stage submission process, emphasizing early registration and timely proposal submissions.

The Alumni Professional Development Fund, established by Creative West, focuses on supporting alumni of its leadership development programs. It aims to foster personal and professional growth through flexible funding, ensuring that artists can access resources that enhance their skills and contributions to the community. This fund emphasizes equity, storytelling, and the importance of democracy, wellness, and belonging in the creative economy, ultimately strengthening the arts sector nationally.

The Albertsons Foundation - Intermountain is dedicated to enhancing community welfare through strategic funding. It supports nonprofit organizations in areas such as health services, diversity inclusion, and education, particularly in the Intermountain region (ID, MT, WY, UT, NV, ND). By partnering with local entities, the foundation ensures that its contributions address essential community needs while promoting access to vital services, fostering inclusivity, and encouraging educational success for all children.

The Sample Foundation provides grants to non-profit organizations focused on health and social welfare, particularly for underserved populations in Montana and Collier County, Florida. It primarily funds capital projects and equipment purchases, emphasizing initiatives that align with its mission. Organizations must be tax-exempt and located within the specified geographic areas to be eligible. The foundation does not support scholarships, operating budgets, or religious entities.

The Greater Montana Foundation offers a Commercial Grant aimed at supporting time-sensitive news and public affairs programming. Founded by E.B. Craney in 1958, the foundation prioritizes projects addressing critical issues such as jobs, healthcare, and education. Grants are available year-round for urgent matters that arise unexpectedly and must be accessible to Montana media outlets, schools, and libraries. This initiative reflects the foundation's commitment to enhancing commercial broadcasting and informing future generations.

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 Sabbatical Research and Education Grant, offered by Western SARE, enables faculty worldwide to collaborate with farmers and researchers in the Western U.S. This program focuses on conducting innovative research and educational outreach in underserved regions, with an emphasis on unexplored topics. Grants up to $75,000 are available for projects spanning one year, promoting agricultural sustainability and community involvement.

The Ernest Morgan Memorial Scholarship, managed by CommunityGiving, supports central Minnesota student athletes and leaders to pursue higher education outside their home states. This scholarship aims to expand students' horizons and experiences, with a total award of $5,000 available. Open to high school seniors from specific schools, applicants are encouraged to apply online and demonstrate their leadership or athletic skills. This initiative enhances educational opportunities and fosters personal growth among local youth.

Montana State University

Montana State University (MSU), the state’s largest public research university, serves as Montana’s premier land-grant institution dedicated to education, research, and service. Founded in 1893 in Bozeman, MSU provides high-quality, accessible learning opportunities while advancing discoveries that address the needs of Montana, the nation, and the world. With more than 16,000 students and a strong commitment to hands-on, experiential learning, MSU integrates academic excellence with real-world problem-solving across fields such as agriculture, engineering, health, science, and the arts.

Guided by its land-grant mission, MSU prioritizes student success, community engagement, and research that strengthens Montana’s economy and quality of life. The university strives to foster innovation, expand opportunity, and support thriving communities by preparing graduates who are equipped to lead, serve, and contribute meaningfully to society.

Hurlbert C. and Myrtle H. Cheever Scholarship

This scholarship supports full-time second- through fifth-year students pursuing a degree in Environmental Design or a Master of Architecture who demonstrate outstanding academic ability and leadership potential as evidenced by their overall GPA and professional promise. Preference is given to students pursuing a Master of Architecture degree. Award amounts vary, and the scholarship falls under the Architecture and Arts and Architecture scopes.

Montana State University

Montana State University (MSU), the state’s largest public research university, serves as Montana’s premier land-grant institution dedicated to education, research, and service. Founded in 1893 in Bozeman, MSU provides high-quality, accessible learning opportunities while advancing discoveries that address the needs of Montana, the nation, and the world. With more than 16,000 students and a strong commitment to hands-on, experiential learning, MSU integrates academic excellence with real-world problem-solving across fields such as agriculture, engineering, health, science, and the arts.

Guided by its land-grant mission, MSU prioritizes student success, community engagement, and research that strengthens Montana’s economy and quality of life. The university strives to foster innovation, expand opportunity, and support thriving communities by preparing graduates who are equipped to lead, serve, and contribute meaningfully to society.

Hugo Eck Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship supports second-, third-, and fourth-year students pursuing a degree in Environmental Design. Award amounts vary, and the scholarship falls under the Architecture and Arts and Architecture scopes.