Best Grants for Public Health in Montana

The Creag Foundation, established in 2009 in Woodinville, Washington, provides funding to innovative 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations addressing social issues. Focused on smaller organizations, the foundation seeks to support those with unique approaches to improve the human condition. Eligible applicants must have held 501(c)(3) status for at least one year and present a new or previously unaddressed solution to societal challenges. Applications are by invitation only, encouraging creativity and passion in charitable work.

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.

Montana Healthcare Foundation: Rural Health Small Grants

The Montana Healthcare Foundation offers Rural Health Small Grants for organizations located in and serving rural Montana. Through a simplified application, rural Montana organizations can apply for grants of up to $10,000 to help address a health issue in their community.

Communities face many challenges that impact health. We encourage projects that support work addressing a broad range of issues. Projects may focus on any health-related issue, for example, mental health, housing, food, child or elder care, public health, or cultural connection.

This grant initiative is intended to be a low-barrier opportunity for organizations in rural Montana that may have fewer staff and resources, making it difficult to compete for larger grants. Therefore, preference may be given to applications from organizations that are not under the umbrella or network of a larger entity. We also prioritize applications from smaller communities and those located in particularly remote areas of the state. We may also prioritize applications from communities in which MTHF has provided relatively little funding to date.

STOP Violence Against Women Act (VAWA)

MBCC is soliciting proposals for STOP (Services-Training-Officers-Prosecutors) Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) to be funded by the Office on Violence Against Women. The Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) is a component of the United States Department of Justice (DOJ). Created in 1995, OVW implements the Violence Against Women Act and subsequent legislation and provides national leadership on issues of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking. Since its inception, OVW has supported a multifaceted approach to responding to these crimes through implementation of grant programs authorized by VAWA. By forging state, local and tribal partnerships among police, prosecutors, judges, victim advocates, health care providers, faith leaders, organizations that serve culturally specific and underserved communities, and others, OVW grants help provide victims, across their life span, with the protection and services they need to pursue safe and healthy lives, while improving communities’ capacity to provide justice for victims and hold offenders accountable.

The application process is competitive. Previous funding does not guarantee an award during this funding cycle. Approximately $800,000 will be available during the project period, depending upon availability of federal funds. Because federal funds are not always available immediately following the award date, applicants should prepare for this contingency.

Matching contributions of 25% (cash or in-kind) of the total cost of the STOP VAWA project (federal funds plus local match) are required and must be derived from non-federal sources. All funds designated as match are restricted to the same uses as the federal funds and must be expended within the grant period. Federally Recognized Tribes and victim services providers are not required to provide match.

ATTENTION: This funding opportunity is for grant funding that the Montana Board of Crime Control (MBCC) administers that originates from the United States Department of Justice (USDOJ). To continue program activities designed to maintain public safety services, MBCC has determined that it will proceed with this funding opportunity. MBCC anticipates that new grant guidance may be issued in 2026 to reflect USDOJ’s revised policies and priorities. New USDOJ guidance could change the terms and conditions and the availability of funding for any grants that are executed from this funding opportunity. MBCC will share new grant conditions, guidance, and requirements with all grantees as they become available. In some instances, executed grant awards may be revised or cancelled.

The Family Power Fund, established by the Headwaters Foundation, empowers youth, parents, and caregivers to influence health-related policies and systems. By supporting nonprofits that foster leadership, advocacy, and storytelling, the fund aims to address health disparities impacting families, particularly those facing significant barriers. With grants of up to $150,000, it prioritizes organizations that engage these communities and promote their voices in decision-making. This initiative is critical for driving health equity across Western Montana.

The Family Power Fund, managed by the Headwaters Foundation, empowers youth, parents, and caregivers to influence health-related policies through leadership development and advocacy. With grants of up to $75,000, it supports organizations that engage with families facing significant health barriers, including low-income, Indigenous, Black, and LGBTQ+ communities. The fund emphasizes building family leadership, fostering coalitions, and changing narratives to improve public health outcomes in Western Montana.

The Family Power Fund by Headwaters Foundation supports nonprofits that empower families to lead health policy advocacy in Western Montana. It focuses on building leadership among youth and caregivers, fostering community organizing, and shifting narratives through storytelling. This initiative prioritizes families facing significant health challenges, including low-income, Indigenous, Black, and LGBTQ+ communities, aiming to amplify their voices and create impactful policy solutions.

The Emergency Medical Services Grant Program, established in Montana in 2009, aims to enhance prehospital emergency medical services by providing competitive grants to certified emergency medical service providers. Funding can be used for acquiring ambulances, purchasing essential equipment, and supporting training and communication needs. This program addresses the challenges faced by rural providers and ensures that they can continue to deliver critical medical care, ultimately improving public safety and health outcomes in emergency situations.

The Impact Fund provides recoverable grants to legal services nonprofits and small law firms working on social, environmental, and economic justice issues. With over $10 million awarded since 1992, the fund supports impactful litigation addressing systemic injustices. Grants range from $10,000 to $50,000 and prioritize cases directly involving affected communities. Recipients must repay the grant amount with interest if they recover fees or costs, ensuring sustainability for future funding.

The Strategic Projects: Capital Grants by the M J Murdock Charitable Trust offer vital funding opportunities for nonprofit organizations in the Pacific Northwest. These grants support transformative projects that enhance community well-being through construction, renovation, and infrastructure investments. Eligible entities include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and government entities. The Trust emphasizes projects that demonstrate strong community impact and funding diversification, ensuring sustainable growth and lasting benefits for the communities served.

The M J Murdock Charitable Trust offers the Strategic Projects: Program & Staff Grants to support nonprofits in the Pacific Northwest. These grants focus on capacity-building for mission-driven projects and infrastructure investments. Eligible organizations must demonstrate a commitment to community flourishing, with funding available for new programs or expansion of existing ones. The Trust prioritizes initiatives that align with its strategic goals, fostering sustainable nonprofit growth and impact in the region.

The M J Murdock Charitable Trust offers Strategic Projects: Equipment & Technology Grants to nonprofits in the Pacific Northwest. These grants focus on capacity-building projects and essential equipment, requiring recipients to cover at least 50% of costs. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and tribal entities. Priority is given to projects enhancing community services, education, and environmental stewardship, supporting initiatives that foster human flourishing and demonstrate diversified funding.

The Employer-Sponsored Child Care Grant Program, launched by Zero to Five Montana in partnership with the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, provides a unique opportunity for employers to develop child care benefits for their workforce. With grants ranging from $10,000 to $100,000, the program aims to enhance child care access, foster awareness of child care needs, and create sustainable solutions that involve cost-sharing among employees, employers, and the state.

The High Stakes Foundation Grant supports transformative initiatives in Montana, focusing on civic engagement, climate change solutions, economic development, and social justice. By providing general operating support to 501(c)(3) organizations, the foundation aims to empower leaders and strengthen local communities. With an emphasis on sustainability and preserving public lands, this grant cultivates a vibrant, interconnected society committed to the health and prosperity of Montana. Organizations interested in applying must submit a letter of inquiry before the full proposal.

The Mignon Waterman Award honors individuals who demonstrate innovation, leadership, partnership development, and significant progress in enhancing behavioral health in Montana. Established to celebrate Mignon Waterman's dedication to public service and mental health advocacy, this award provides a $10,000 grant to organizations nominating eligible candidates. Only Montana-based nonprofits, universities, state or local agencies, or Tribal governments can submit nominations. This award aims to recognize and support efforts that improve mental health services across the state.

The Community Facilities Grant Program in Montana aims to provide affordable funding for essential community facilities in rural areas. This program supports various projects including healthcare, public safety, and educational services, ensuring communities have access to necessary resources. Eligible applicants include public bodies and non-profit organizations, with funding priorities focusing on low-income and small communities. Grants can cover up to 75% of project costs, making it a vital resource for rural development.

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 MT Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) empowers agricultural producers to enhance conservation efforts while improving their operations. With year-round applications, the program offers technical and financial assistance tailored to individual goals, whether it's boosting crop resilience or wildlife habitat. Participants benefit from annual payments and can access additional funds through bundled enhancements. CSP's commitment ensures sustainable practices that lead to healthier ecosystems and profitable agricultural enterprises across Montana.

The Whitefish Community Foundation's Micro-Grant Program provides rapid financial support to 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Flathead County, Montana. It focuses on small-scale projects that address significant social needs and enhance community well-being. Organizations must demonstrate tax-exempt status and align with the Foundation's mission. While fostering local initiatives, the program excludes operational support, projects outside designated counties, and individuals, ensuring resources are directed towards impactful community benefits.

The PCCF Annual Community Grants provide essential funding to support local nonprofits and public entities in Park County. These grants aim to enhance community projects focused on arts, health, education, and more, directly benefiting local residents. Priority areas include landscapes, housing affordability, health and safety, rural lifestyle, and economic performance. Eligible organizations must be based in Park County or serve its residents. This funding reflects the community's vision and priorities, fostering a positive impact on the region.

The Montana Urban and Community Forestry program offers grants aimed at enhancing community forests' health. These grants support local governments in developing urban forestry programs through various projects such as tree inventory, urban forest management plans, and strategic tree planting. Eligible applicants include cities, counties, non-profits, and tribal governments in Montana. The program encourages innovative projects that promote biodiversity, climate change education, and workforce development, ensuring sustainable urban forestry practices.

The Idaho and Montana Grant Program, managed by the Steele-Reese Foundation, focuses on supporting rural communities through educational, health, conservation, and arts initiatives. Grants are available exclusively to federally tax-exempt organizations serving these areas. The Foundation prioritizes projects that directly benefit low-income and underrepresented populations, emphasizing sustainable community development. Interested applicants should ensure their projects align with the Foundation's criteria, as only select proposals will be funded.

The Cinnabar Foundation provides Program/Project Grants aimed at enhancing conservation efforts in Montana and the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. These grants, ranging from $2,500 to $15,000, support organizations that engage in impactful, grassroots conservation work. Priority is given to projects that align with the Foundation's strategic vision, including climate adaptation, wildlife habitat conservation, public land preservation, and improving air and water quality. Successful applicants will demonstrate measurable outcomes and community engagement.

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 Rieschel Foundation Annual Grant supports public charities in Gallatin and Park Counties, Montana, offering up to $20,000 for general operating expenses. The grant cycle opens in February, allowing eligible organizations to submit applications. The foundation prioritizes funding for mental health services, human services, environmental initiatives, and education. With an average of 15 awards each year, the foundation aims to align with impactful organizations to foster significant community contributions.

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 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.