Best Grants for Preschools in Montana

AgWest Farm Credit offers the Rural Community Grants program aimed at enhancing the economic and social well-being of rural communities in the western United States. Non-profit organizations can apply for grants up to $5,000 for various community projects, such as facility improvements and equipment purchases. Applications are reviewed monthly, and a letter of support from an AgWest employee or customer is required. The program is committed to fostering innovative solutions for rural challenges.

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) invites proposals for the Impaired Driving Mini Grants: Non-Enforcement, aimed at reducing impaired driving in local communities. These grants are designed for impactful, data-driven projects that align with the Montana Comprehensive Highway Safety Plan. Funding requests can be up to $5,000, and projects must show local collaboration. MDT encourages initiatives tied to existing DUI Task Force and County Prevention Plans, ensuring a lasting positive effect on community safety.

The High Visibility Enforcement-Mini Grants, offered by the Montana Department of Transportation, aim to enhance traffic safety through increased enforcement during critical periods. These grants are targeted specifically for activities aligned with National Mobilization enforcement times and high-risk events, ensuring that Montana's communities receive the support needed to maintain safe roadways. This initiative underscores MDT's commitment to quality and safety in transportation, engaging residents in these vital efforts.

The Montana Department of Transportation offers Occupant Protection Mini-Grants to support local initiatives aimed at increasing the use of seat belts and child car seats. These grants, up to $5,000, are designed for projects that are data-driven and foster local collaboration. They must align with the Montana Comprehensive Highway Safety Plan. The program emphasizes the importance of occupant protection to reduce fatalities and injuries on Montana roads.

The Dr. Elizabeth Kinion Nursing Scholarship, offered by Montana State University, supports students pursuing a degree in nursing. This scholarship emphasizes financial need and is part of the university's commitment to providing accessible education. Founded in 1893, MSU aims to transform lives through quality education and community outreach. This scholarship exemplifies the institution's dedication to nurturing future healthcare professionals who will make a difference in their communities.

The Eric and Boots Asbjornson Scholarship at Montana State University supports Montana residents pursuing a degree, particularly from Fergus or Petroleum County. Applicants must demonstrate financial need, maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA, and showcase resilience in overcoming personal challenges. This scholarship may be renewable based on continued eligibility, allowing past recipients to apply each year. With a history of commitment to education, MSU fosters transformative opportunities for students and communities.

RBC Foundation – USA aims to enhance community quality of life by supporting non-profit organizations that promote diversity and positive change. In 2023, it awarded over $2.8 million in grants, prioritizing youth programs for ages 15-29, arts access for diverse populations, and mental well-being initiatives. The foundation encourages sustainable projects that foster economic independence, providing critical support for education, mental health, and cultural enrichment, thereby making a significant impact across various communities.

Montana undergraduate students pursuing a business degree at Montana State University and needing help with college costs can apply for the David W. and Dorothy E. Patterson Scholarship. This award supports Montana high school graduates in the Jake Jabs College of Business and Entrepreneurship who demonstrate financial need and meet junior-level and GPA requirements.

Montana college students pursuing electrical or mechanical engineering with at least a 3.3 GPA can receive scholarship support for higher education, including those from preschool-focused families seeking future STEM pathways. Focused on higher education, Montana State University invites Montana students in eligible engineering programs to apply, with preference for members of women-in-engineering organizations.

The DCI Engineers Civil Engineering Scholarship at Montana State University supports undergraduate and graduate students pursuing a degree in Civil Engineering. This scholarship aims to assist Montana high school graduates with a focus on structural engineering. MSU, founded in 1893, is committed to transforming lives through accessible higher education. Limited scholarships are available to incoming students, fostering academic excellence in the field of engineering.

The Del Ballard Civil Engineering Scholarship at Montana State University supports students pursuing a degree in Civil Engineering. Applicants must demonstrate financial need, be Montana residents, and have sophomore status or above. This scholarship is part of MSU's commitment to providing accessible educational opportunities that transform lives and communities. It aims to encourage talented individuals to excel in the field of engineering and contribute positively to society.

The Deloitte Scholarship at Montana State University supports students pursuing a degree in Accounting from the Jake Jabs College of Business and Entrepreneurship. Eligible candidates must be seniors and preferably have completed an internship with Deloitte. This scholarship exemplifies MSU's commitment to providing transformative educational opportunities, enhancing the career prospects of future business leaders.

The Dick and Carol Irvin Family Scholarship at Montana State University supports students pursuing a degree in Civil Engineering. Applicants must be Montana high school graduates, demonstrate financial need, and be at junior or senior status. Preference is given to graduates from Shelby, Montana. This scholarship is part of the university's commitment to providing access to transformative education, fostering academic excellence and community development.

The RMEF Grant Program lies at the core of advancing our mission.

RMEF established the program in 1986 to provide financial and logistical support to projects that align with our priorities and goals. Grant funds raised by RMEF members, volunteers and generous donors from across the country translate into significantly more conservation accomplishment when matched with partner funds. The RMEF Grant Program also aims to build recognition for RMEF’s work, grow engagement, and boost local fundraising efforts.

Governed by clear guidelines and criteria, the RMEF Grant Program seeks to foster meaningful collaborations and long-term impacts in the conservation of natural resources and outdoor traditions. Grant project partners include federal, state, local, and tribal wildlife and land management agencies, private landowners and local stakeholders, sportsmen and women, and conservation organizations, universities, foundations and the outdoor industry. Eligible projects primarily focus on habitat stewardship, land conservation and access, wildlife management, and hunting heritage.

We support organizations recognized by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) as a 501(c)3 entity, federal, state, local, or tribal government entities, sportsmen’s organizations, or educational institutions. All applicants must have a Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) issued by the IRS. RMEF does not offer grants to individuals.

Land Conservation and Access

RMEF conserves critical big game habitat and migration corridors, while expanding and improving public access, including through land acquisitions and voluntary conservation agreements. RMEF's

2026 priorities include:

• Conserving migratory corridors and connecting landscapes through land conservation efforts
• Creating new or improved public access through access easements and agreements and state-run access programs

About

The Costume Society of America (CSA) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded on March 23, 1973, and incorporated in the state of New York on September 12, 1973. CSA serves it members, and promotes its goals with national symposia and publications including the journal Dress and its monthly electronic newsletter CSA e-News.

The organization began forming regional groups in 1978. There are six regional groups in the United States and Canada, and one international group. Individual regions hold annual meetings, sponsor programs and publish newsletters.

Our Mission

The Costume Society of America fosters an understanding of appearance and dress practices of people across the globe through research, education, preservation, and design. Our network of members studies the past, examines the present, and anticipates the future of clothing and fashion.

Jack Handford Summer Internship

The Western Region actively supports student members who show promise as new professionals and encourages institutions and students to apply for the Jack Handford Summer Internship offered every other year, i.e. 2026 and 2028. The internship is appropriate for students with majors such as costume studies, material culture, museum studies, fashion history, or similar. The internship is intended to average duration of six weeks or a total of 120 hours. The grant may change depending on the budget; the 2024 winner received $3,000.

Student applicants must be current CSA Western Region members to apply. Check the forms: Institution Application and Student Application. All forms and other materials stated in the form should be submitted to Naomi Arnst, CSA-Western Region, Student Awards and Summer Internship Chair.

The NWS Student Travel Award, offered by the American Physical Society, provides financial support of up to $400 for undergraduate students to attend the Annual Meeting. This initiative aims to enhance participation among students, especially those without other funding sources, who are presenting research. Established in 1998, the Northwest Section of APS fosters collaboration among physicists in the Pacific Northwest, promoting educational and research opportunities within the community.

Creative West

Established in 1974 as a nonprofit U.S. Regional Arts Organization (USRAO), Creative West was founded on the belief that place matters to the creative process. Fifty years later, communities of place, practice, experience, and identity remain fundamental to our work, framing our understanding of how culture is creatively produced and collectively experienced.

Creative West empowers artists and culture-makers with direct, practical resources, delivered regionally.

We offer practical, equity-centered learning experiences and funding opportunities that connect and inspire artists, culture-bearers and communities to build a more inclusive sector, strengthen the arts field, and catalyze change.

Native Arts and Heritage Fund

The Native Arts + Heritage Fund (NAHF) is a community-rooted award program created to support Native American and Alaska Native artists, culture bearers, and cultural practitioners across the Creative West region.

Co-designed with Native-centered artists, advisors, and community leaders, NAHF centers care, cultural continuity, and self-determination. The fund honors Indigenous ways of knowing and values process over product, relationship over compliance, and well-being as a meaningful measure of impact. In addition to unrestricted funding, selected artists will participate in a three-month virtual cohort experience designed for connection, reflection, and shared learning.

NAHF is administered by Creative West, an organization that uplifts artists and culture bearers across the Creative West region by providing funding, mentorship, and culturally rooted support.

This is not a project-based grant.

This is an invitation into funding and relationships.

Applicants must provide a letter of support from an Alaska Native or Native American community member who can speak to their relationship to community and cultural work.

Unrestricted Funds May Be Used For:

• Taking time to create, reflect, or rest
• Purchasing tools, materials, or supplies
• Covering food, rent, childcare, or transportation
• Supporting wellness: physical, emotional, spiritual, or cultural
• Participating in cultural exchanges, mentorship, or learning
• Creating space to gather, teach, or share knowledge

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.

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.

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 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 Dr. Rosemary Newman Memorial Scholarship at Montana State University supports students pursuing degrees in Food and Nutrition, Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, or Dietetic Systems Leadership. This scholarship aims to enhance educational opportunities in health and human development, encouraging students to contribute to community health and well-being. Award amounts vary, reflecting the university's commitment to fostering innovation and supporting student success in vital fields that address pressing societal needs.

The Alfalfa Seed Research & Market Development Grant aims to enhance the alfalfa seed industry in Montana through innovative research and development. Established by the Montana Alfalfa Seed Committee, it supports efforts to improve cultivation practices and pest control measures for pollinators. Eligible applicants include public and private organizations, businesses, educational institutions, local governments, and individuals, all dedicated to advancing this vital agricultural sector.

The Growth Through Agriculture (GTA) Grant, administered by the Montana Department of Agriculture, aims to enhance and diversify the agricultural sector in Montana. Established in 1987, it provides loans and grants for innovative agricultural projects, promoting business improvements and the commercialization of new products. Eligible activities include equipment purchases, construction, advertising, and consulting services. This program is vital for job creation and expanding small business opportunities in the state's evolving agricultural landscape.

The Noxious Weed Trust Fund (NWTF) Grant Program, established in 1985 by the Montana Legislature, provides up to $75,000 for noxious weed management programs. It supports local cooperative projects, research, and educational initiatives aimed at effective weed control. Eligible applicants must collaborate with organizations such as county and tribal weed districts. Grant funds cannot be used for administrative costs or equipment purchases, ensuring focus on impactful weed management efforts across Montana.

The Montana Pulse Crop Committee is inviting proposals for the Montana Pulse Research & Market Development Program. This initiative aims to support research, market development, and educational projects that enhance the pulse industry in Montana. Eligible applicants include public agencies, businesses, educational institutions, and individuals. The program emphasizes practical applications and aims to stimulate growth in pulse markets, making it a vital opportunity for stakeholders in the agricultural sector.

The Montana Specialty Crop Block Grant (SCBG) Program aims to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops in Montana, including fruits, vegetables, and horticulture. This initiative supports food safety, research, and development of new seed varieties while promoting sustainability and efficiency in distribution. By addressing key industry challenges, the SCBG empowers local farmers and processors to improve their practices and increase the consumption of specialty crops among the community, thus fostering agricultural growth in the state.