Best Grants for Rural Development in Montana

Rural-focused 501(c)(3) organizations and public entities in Montana and nearby Native nations can seek project funding for education, human and social services, conservation, health, and arts. Steele-Reese Foundation supports rural development in Montana by offering US $5,000 - US $50,000 grants, with priority for modest, practical projects that show strong local engagement.

Nonprofit organizations in Montana seeking to improve physical or cybersecurity and harden facilities against terrorist or extremist attacks can apply for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program – State. With a mission to coordinate emergency management, Montana Disaster and Emergency Services provides funding up to US $200,000 for equipment, planning, training, and related security activities, including in rural areas.

With a mission to strengthen rural communities, nonprofits, businesses, and some individuals in Montana can receive US $500 - US $5,000 to support community-based projects. The Red Ants Pants Foundation funds operating, program, and some capital efforts that enrich rural life, especially those advancing women’s leadership and working family farms and ranches.

Eligible rural public entities and nonprofit organizations in Montana can apply for USDA Rural Development’s Rural Business Development Grants, awarding US $10,000 - US $500,000 for technical assistance, training, and infrastructure that benefit small rural businesses. Funding can support community and technology-based economic development, revolving loan funds, incubators, transportation, and long-term strategic planning for rural development.

Public bodies, community-based nonprofits, and federally recognized Tribes in rural Montana can use this program to purchase, construct, or improve essential community facilities and related equipment. USDA Rural Development provides graduated grant assistance for projects in smaller, lower-income communities serving needs like health care, public safety, education, community services, utilities, and local food systems.

Individuals actively leading searches for missing loved ones in Montana can receive up to US $1,000 to cover direct search-related costs. With a mission to strengthen communities, Montana Community Foundation provides support for expenses like travel, equipment, communications, and community awareness efforts, which may benefit rural development and safety in Montana communities.

Nonprofit organizations improving rural communities in Montana and other western states can request $500 to $2,500 for capital projects such as facilities, equipment, or infrastructure upgrades. Focused on rural development, AgWest Farm Credit invites applicants with partial project funding and a letter of support from a current employee or active customer.

Very small, financially distressed rural communities in Montana can use this program for feasibility studies, preliminary design, and technical assistance for proposed water and waste disposal infrastructure projects. Focused on rural development, USDA: Rural Development (RD) supports state and local governments, nonprofits, and federally recognized tribes with predevelopment planning for essential public facilities.

Nonprofits, TDHEs, and federally recognized tribes working on rural affordable housing and community or economic development can receive direct technical assistance in Montana and other rural areas. With a mission to strengthen rural communities, Housing Assistance Council provides customized OneRural support to build capacity, improve programs, and implement best practices for long-term rural development impact.

Montana rural development and conservation-focused nonprofits working with forestry or wood-product innovation can access funding through the Richard King Mellon Foundation to advance innovative wood products and strengthen related value chains. Projects may include product development, certification, commercialization, market and value chain strengthening, or demonstration deployments, especially where there is a clear connection to rural economic development in conserved landscapes.

Grants from Rural Climate Partnership help Montana rural development organizations implement locally led, equitable climate solutions in small towns and rural areas. Eligible applicants include rural-based nonprofits, public agencies, religious organizations, tribal governments, and national groups with a clear rural focus. Awards range from US $20,000 - US $150,000 for project or general operating support across rural America.

Grants from USDA NIFA help Montana rural development organizations establish and operate centers that provide technical assistance to cooperatives and mutually owned rural businesses. Eligible U.S. nonprofits can apply for up to US $1,000,000 to start, expand, or improve rural cooperatives and create jobs through value-added processing and business development.

Nonprofits and local governments in rural Montana communities under 30,000 residents can seek funding to run a two-year, resident-driven community engagement and development process. With a mission to build stronger communities, Montana Community Foundation provides up to US $20,000 plus coaching to support coordinators, outreach activities, and local rural development priorities.

Montana rural development and community-focused REALTOR associations can access funding for studies, events, and public outreach on rural issues through the National Association of Realtors’ Level 2 Rural Outreach Grant, with awards up to US $7,500. Eligible uses include instructor or consultant fees, venue rental, refreshments, and marketing or education materials.

Public bodies, tribes, and other nonprofit community-based systems in Montana affected by 2022 presidentially declared disasters can apply for USDA: Rural Utilities Service Disaster Water Grants to repair and strengthen water infrastructure systems. Funding supports drinking water, wastewater, solid waste, and stormwater projects, helping rural communities rebuild capacity and improve long-term resiliency.

Rural development organizations and REALTOR associations in Montana can use this grant to educate REALTORS about rural issues through trainings and events. Focused on rural development, the National Association of Realtors invites state and local REALTOR associations to seek up to US $3,000 for instructor fees, venues, refreshments, and outreach materials, via reimbursement.

Rural Montana organizations addressing community health issues can apply for Montana Healthcare Foundation’s Rural Health Small Grants, with awards up to US $10,000. With a mission to strengthen rural health and quality of life, the foundation supports projects such as mental health, housing, food access, child or elder care, public health, or cultural connection.

The Citizens' Institute on Rural Design (CIRD), a partnership between the National Endowment for the Arts and the Housing Assistance Council, invites rural communities to apply for design support. CIRD aims to enhance rural life and economic viability through planning and creative placemaking, empowering local citizens to address unique community challenges. Opportunities include Local Design Workshops and a Design Learning Cohort, providing resources, training, and support to foster community-driven solutions.

The Community Heart & Soul Seed Grant Program offers $10,000 in startup funding for community-driven groups in small towns to adopt the Community Heart & Soul model. Applications are accepted until 11:59 p.m. EST on the last business day of each month, with funding decisions made the following month. This initiative aims to empower residents to engage in local development and foster community connections.

The FRS Community Grant Program supports rural communities served by NTCA members, offering grants up to $5,000 for various local initiatives. Priority is given to projects that promote economic development, education, health, and public service. Eligible applicants must secure a 10% match of the grant amount requested. Ineligible projects include overhead expenses, individuals, and those without secured funding. FRS aims to foster sustainable and engaged rural communities through these efforts.

The Powering Affordable Reliable Technology (PART) Energy Program, managed by the Rural Utilities Service, seeks Letters of Interest for loan applications to fund renewable energy generation and energy storage projects. With approximately $410 million available from the Inflation Reduction Act, the program offers up to 75% financing for project costs, along with potential loan forgiveness options. This initiative aims to enhance energy infrastructure in rural areas, promoting sustainable energy solutions.

The Rural Housing Preservation Grant (HPG) program, administered by the USDA's Rural Housing Service, offers funding to support very low- and low-income homeowners in rural areas. This program also assists rental property owners and cooperative housing complexes in making necessary repairs and renovations, ensuring that housing remains accessible to those in need. Preapplications must be submitted by September 8, 2026, to comply with regulatory requirements.

The Partners for Places Jobs and Inclusive Infrastructure Initiative Grants aim to support communities by leveraging infrastructure funds to create equitable projects that benefit underserved areas. This pilot program will provide funding for local workers through career training and inclusive economic practices. With grants ranging from $45,000 to $120,000, the initiative focuses on enhancing human infrastructure, fostering collaboration among key partners, and ensuring that frontline communities directly benefit from project implementations.

The Community Connect Grants Program provides financial assistance to eligible applicants aiming to deliver broadband services in rural areas where access is limited. This initiative fosters economic growth and enhances educational, healthcare, and public safety benefits, improving the quality of life in underserved communities. By supporting projects that create better market opportunities and promote equitable access, the program plays a vital role in advancing rural development and addressing environmental justice.

The Affirm Cares Employee Foundation Grant, established by Affirm, aims to support non-profit organizations making a significant impact in financial literacy, community enrichment, and technology education. Grants range from $1,000 to $10,000, focusing on sustainable initiatives that empower communities and alleviate housing insecurity. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) designated non-profits operating within the U.S. The foundation prioritizes measurable outcomes in its funding efforts, fostering civic engagement and vibrant communities.

The Food Access and Retail Expansion (FARE) Fund Grant, part of America’s Healthy Food Financing Initiative, aims to enhance access to nutritious food in underserved regions. With a budget of $60 million over five years, the initiative supports innovative fresh food retail projects, offering grants and loans to address barriers in food access. This funding is crucial for catalyzing sustainable food enterprises and improving local food systems, ultimately fostering healthier communities.

The Hearst Foundation's Social Service Grant focuses on tackling chronic poverty by funding direct-service organizations that implement effective solutions for economic independence and family strengthening. With a mission to support diverse nonprofits in the U.S., the Foundation allocates approximately 15% of its total funding to social services, prioritizing scalable programs that serve significant populations. The minimum grant size is $100,000, and special consideration is given to organizations addressing affordable housing, domestic violence, and youth development.