Best Grants for Small Nonprofits in Montana

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 HDR Foundation Grant Cycle supports community organizations aligned with HDR's values, focusing on education, healthy communities, and environmental stewardship. This employee-funded initiative emphasizes the importance of employee engagement in grant proposals, requiring a clear scope of work and completion within a year. Eligible applicants include U.S.-based nonprofits, educational institutions, and tribal governments, while grants are not provided for faith-based organizations or individual support.

Kiwanis Foundation of Montana

At the Kiwanis Foundation of Montana, our mission is to foster a brighter future by investing in children, empowering communities, and supporting Service Leadership Programs. We strive to change the world one child and one community at a time through our dedicated efforts in grants, scholarships, and youth programs.

Club Grants

​The Kiwanis Foundation of Montana supports Kiwanis Clubs in the Montana District and their family organization through grants for approved projects making a difference in lives of children and the communities they live in and around the world.

The Social Justice Fund NW offers sponsorships to grassroots organizations in ID, MT, OR, WA, and WY, encouraging innovative projects often overlooked by traditional funders. Applicants must comply with specific requirements, including being within the designated region and ensuring events are accessible to the public. This initiative supports community-led efforts, particularly those led by Black, Indigenous, and people of color, fostering connections and amplifying collective action through diverse events.

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.

Montana’s CDBG Economic Development Program is designed to stimulate economic development activity by assisting Montana’s private sector to create or retain jobs for low and moderate-income LMI Montanans. The goal is to help communities provide decent housing, suitable living environments, and expanded economic opportunities. 

Project Lead The Way is offering a rolling grant for schools to implement the PLTW Biomedical Science program for the 2026-2029 academic years. Eligible schools can receive up to $14,000 to cover participation fees and training costs. This grant encourages public, private, and charter schools across the U.S. to enhance their science curriculum, supporting students with engaging, hands-on learning experiences. Schools must commit to offering specific courses during the grant period to qualify for funding.

The Harrington's Pepsi Hospitality Management Program Scholarship at Montana State University supports students pursuing a degree in Hospitality Management. Established as part of MSU's commitment to transformative education, this scholarship is available to Montana high school graduates, providing essential financial support for their academic journey. With a focus on health and human development, the program embodies MSU's dedication to fostering excellence in the hospitality industry and enhancing community engagement.

The Harriette E. Cushman Scholarship, offered by Montana State University, supports students pursuing degrees in various fields, including Agriculture, Nursing, and Graphic Design. To qualify, applicants must be full-time students, juniors or above, and members of a federally recognized tribe in Montana or the Arapaho Tribe. This scholarship aims to provide essential financial support, promoting education and community development in Montana.

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 Harold T. Mellang Memorial Scholarship at Montana State University supports students pursuing their degrees, prioritizing U.S. Armed Forces Veterans and their spouses. Eligible candidates include those personally deployed or whose spouses served in Iraq and Afghanistan. This scholarship reflects MSU's commitment to education and community transformation, offering vital financial assistance to those who have served our country, thereby enhancing their educational journey and future opportunities.

The Graphic Design Scholarship at Montana State University supports students pursuing a degree in Graphic Design. This scholarship emphasizes academic excellence and financial need, providing crucial assistance to incoming students. As part of MSU's commitment to education and community transformation, this award fosters creativity and skill development in the arts, ensuring that talented individuals have access to valuable educational resources.

The Graduate Student Engineering Award at Montana State University supports graduate students pursuing degrees in engineering. It aims to empower those from underrepresented populations and recognizes leadership potential. With a legacy dating back to 1893, MSU has a commitment to transforming lives through education and research. This award not only provides financial assistance but also fosters an inclusive academic environment, making it a valuable opportunity for aspiring engineers.

The Graduate School Fellowship at Montana State University supports students enrolled in Master's or Doctoral programs. Established in 1893, MSU is dedicated to providing transformative education and research opportunities. Scholarships are available for incoming students through various colleges and departments. This fellowship not only fosters academic growth but also enhances community engagement, making it a vital resource for aspiring graduate students seeking to advance their studies and careers.

The Harry Cockrum Memorial Scholarship at Montana State University supports students pursuing a degree from the College of Agriculture. This scholarship honors Harry Cockrum's legacy and aims to provide financial assistance to Montana high school graduates. By facilitating access to higher education, it empowers students to achieve their academic goals and contribute positively to the agricultural community.

The Harvey A. Larson School of Business Scholarship at Montana State University supports students pursuing a degree in business and entrepreneurship. To qualify, applicants must be full-time students and have junior status or above. This scholarship is part of a broader initiative to provide financial assistance to incoming students, helping to transform lives through education. Montana State University, established in 1893, is dedicated to accessible and impactful higher education.

The Hawksworth Scholarship at Montana State University provides financial support to incoming students pursuing their degrees. Established as part of the university's commitment to education, research, and outreach, this scholarship exemplifies MSU's dedication to transforming lives and communities. With a limited number of scholarships available, it aims to assist students in achieving their academic goals while promoting access to higher education.

The Hayden Agriculture Scholarship at Montana State University supports students pursuing degrees in the College of Agriculture. Established as part of MSU's commitment to educational access, this scholarship aims to empower future leaders in agriculture. With a rich history dating back to 1893, MSU offers transformative educational opportunities that enhance lives and communities. This scholarship is part of a broader initiative to provide necessary financial assistance to incoming students in agriculture-related fields.

The Hayden Ferguson Ag Communications Scholarship at Montana State University supports students pursuing degrees in agriculture with a focus on communications and broadcasting. Established to enhance educational opportunities, this scholarship is available to sophomores, juniors, and seniors who demonstrate a commitment to the field. As one of the many scholarships offered by MSU, it aims to empower future leaders in agricultural communications.

The Hazel Eddy Scholarship at Montana State University supports students pursuing degrees in Home Economics and related fields. Established to enhance education in Health and Human Development, it offers financial assistance to Montana high school graduates. This scholarship aims to foster academic success and community engagement, ensuring that students have the resources necessary to achieve their educational goals. Opportunities are available for both undergraduate and graduate programs, promoting diverse pathways in education.

The Moebus FCS Student Teaching Scholarship supports students at Montana State University pursuing a degree in Family and Consumer Sciences Education. Eligible applicants must be seniors with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. This scholarship is awarded during the semester when the recipient is engaged in student teaching, promoting educational excellence and professional development in the field of Family and Consumer Sciences.

The Gus and Niki Gnehm Memorial Scholarship, offered by Montana State University, supports students pursuing degrees while actively volunteering with the Eagle Mount Ski Program. This scholarship reflects MSU's commitment to education, research, and community outreach, aiming to transform lives through higher education. Limited scholarships are available for incoming students, emphasizing the importance of community involvement and academic achievement.

The Stella Duncan Memorial Fellowship at the University of Montana supports exceptional doctoral candidates in biomedical science. This prestigious stipend recognizes promising scholars dedicated to high-impact research in fields like toxicology and neuroscience. Applicants must submit a research proposal and an advisor's letter of support. The fellowship aims to foster innovation and academic contribution, highlighting awardees as exemplary figures in advancing biomedical discovery and addressing both regional and global health challenges.

The Sappenfield Scholarship at the University of Montana supports Native American graduate students, particularly those majoring in psychology. If no psychology majors are qualified, students from other social sciences such as anthropology and sociology may be considered. The scholarship aims to foster professional achievement and community service while enhancing conditions for Native Americans. This initiative reflects the university's commitment to diversity and academic excellence, making higher education accessible to underrepresented groups.

The H. Albert Saner Scholarship, offered by Montana State University, provides financial support to students pursuing a degree in Chemical Engineering with sophomore status. This scholarship is part of MSU's commitment to enhancing educational opportunities and fostering academic excellence. It aims to assist a limited number of incoming students, promoting access to quality education in the fields of Chemical and Biological Engineering.

The Helen Roberti Native American Graduate Scholarship Fund at the University of Montana supports Native American students pursuing graduate degrees in fields such as education, law, and health. This fund emphasizes academic excellence, encouraging applicants with a strong academic record or potential. By fostering educational opportunities, the scholarship aims to empower Native American leaders and enhance community engagement, contributing to the cultural and economic vitality of Montana.

The McKesson Foundation Grant provides funding up to $25,000 for organizations focused on improving health outcomes in underserved communities. Established in 1943, the foundation prioritizes health equity through strategic partnerships aimed at reducing cancer burdens, preparing healthcare professionals, and enhancing crisis response efforts. Eligible applicants include national and local nonprofits targeting specific regions in the U.S. and Canada. The foundation emphasizes projects that align with its mission and demonstrate significant community impact.