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.

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.

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.

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.

Opportunities in Rural Economies: Economic Development Organization Capacity Building Grant

Program Overview

The ORE Program suite has two components: participation loans, including low-interest loans and forgivable loans, and grants.

The Opportunities in Rural Economies Economic Development Organization Capacity Building Grant supports EDOs in strengthening their ability to provide outreach to their communities for economic development.

ORE Program loans and grants may not be used for a project that would result in the transfer or relocation of jobs from one part of the state to another part of the state. See § 90-1-203(1), MCA.

The Montana Department of Commerce has created the ORE LPP, the ORE EDO CBG and the ORE GP. The ORE Program suite exists within the Big Sky Economic Development Program authorized by §§ 90-1-201, MCA, et seq.

The purpose of the ORE EDO CBG is to assist EDOs in increasing their internal capacity to:

• Provide outreach to underserved rural businesses.
• Deliver technical assistance to advance economic development in their regions.
• Invest in technological improvements and innovations to improve operations.
• Provide training and professional development opportunities for staff and local business partners.

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.

The Rural Communities Opioid Response Program - Overdose Response aims to enhance healthcare access in rural areas by addressing urgent needs related to substance use disorder services. This initiative focuses on reducing overdose risks through targeted interventions and support, ensuring that rural communities receive necessary assistance. Funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration, this program is crucial for mitigating the opioid crisis in underserved regions, improving health outcomes, and promoting overall community well-being.

The Rural Communities Opioid Response Program - Evaluation aims to assess the effectiveness of behavioral health strategies in rural settings. By developing evaluation tools and resources, this initiative seeks to empower local communities in their health initiatives, ensuring that future programs are informed by comprehensive evaluations. Funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration, the program highlights the importance of tailored approaches to address opioid-related challenges in rural areas.

The Rural Communities Opioid Response Program (RCORP) - Community Systems Development aims to enhance behavioral health systems in rural areas by providing funding for the development and expansion of services. This initiative supports the establishment of formalized networks to boost operational and clinical capacity, ensuring effective implementation of evidence-based substance use disorder prevention, treatment, and recovery services tailored to community needs.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 Inspire Grants for Small Museums (2027) initiative, funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, aims to empower small museums across various disciplines. This program focuses on project-based funding to enhance public service through educational programs, exhibits, and community partnerships. By supporting small, often underfunded institutions, Inspire seeks to strengthen their capacity to engage communities and improve collections management, fostering experiential learning and discovery.

The MPPEP Phase 3 program aims to enhance processing capabilities for invasive, wild-caught catfish, benefiting both processors and fishers. By increasing processing capacity and volume, the initiative seeks to create fair wages and stable job opportunities, fostering economic growth in rural areas. This grant will support innovative strategies that ensure sustainable practices and elevate incomes within the community, thus contributing to the overall development of the meat and poultry sector.

The Agriculture Innovation Center Grant Program aims to support Agriculture Innovation Centers by providing grants that facilitate technical assistance to agricultural producers. This initiative focuses on enhancing the marketing of value-added agricultural products, ultimately fostering growth in the agricultural sector. Funded by the USDA's Rural Business-Cooperative Service, this program is designed to empower producers and promote innovation in agricultural practices.

The Affordable Rural Cooperative (ARC) Energy Program, initiated by the Rural Utilities Service (RUS), aims to enhance rural electric systems through substantial funding of approximately $175 million. This initiative focuses on increasing emission-free nuclear power and improving transmission infrastructure efficiency, promoting long-term reliability and affordability. Eligible entities include electric cooperatives serving rural areas and their subsidiaries. The program aligns with the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) to achieve significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, thus fostering a sustainable energy future.

The BJA FY 2026 Rural Violent Crime Reduction Initiative aims to empower local law enforcement in rural areas to combat violent crime effectively. This funding opportunity provides resources for personnel, technology, and data analytics to enhance crime prevention strategies. Eligible applicants can utilize updated equipment and training to address specific violent crime challenges, ensuring safer communities through innovative approaches and strategic resource allocation. Applications are due by November 6, 2026.

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.

The Technical Assistance and Training Grant Program by the USDA's Rural Utilities Service provides funding for essential technical assistance and training aimed at resolving water and waste management issues. This program supports applicants in preparing loan and grant applications, enhancing the operational efficiency of water systems, and ensuring compliance with best practices in facility management. However, grant funds cannot be used for duplicating existing services or for capital expenditures.

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.