Best Grants for Small Nonprofits in Montana

The O'Reilly Automotive Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing community welfare through philanthropic initiatives that support economic stability, workforce development, health services, and disaster relief. Established in 2020, the Foundation seeks to empower underrepresented individuals and organizations in the U.S. by addressing vital community needs. It particularly aims to provide assistance to nonprofits that foster positive change and improve quality of life for those in need, ensuring a lasting impact in local communities.

Intermountain Community Care Foundation

Our mission: Helping people live the healthiest lives possible.

Intermountain Health is the largest nonprofit health system in the Intermountain West. We’re dedicated to creating healthier communities and helping our patients thrive.

Intermountain Health was established in 1975, but our legacy of compassion and care extends well beyond that, going back to the late 1800s and the early 1900s in Colorado and Utah respectively. We have since become a 60,000+ person strong nonprofit health system, with operations in six states across the interior West with a shared vision to be a model health system that inspires the future of health.

Intermountain Healthcare, SCL Health, and HealthCare Partners Nevada have now come together to serve communities in Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Utah, and Wyoming.

Grants

The Intermountain Community Care Foundation awards grants to organizations whose programs align with Intermountain Health’s mission, our national community health areas of focus, and priorities identified through our Community Health Needs Assessment. By supporting evidence-based programs and services that strengthen communities, the Foundation is dedicated to helping people live the healthiest lives possible.

What We Fund

We provide grants to organizations whose programs align with Intermountain Health’s mission, our national community health areas of focus, and priorities identified through our Community Health Needs Assessment.

• Healthcare Access Grants
• Social Drivers of Health Grants
• Child & Family Mental Well-Being Grants
• Utah Education Innovation Grants

Social Drivers of Health Grants

To qualify for Social Drivers of Health grant funding, your program or service must align with at least one of these social drivers of health priorities:

• Improve nutrition security
• Improve stable and quality housing through wraparound and support services

Requirements

• A full and complete financial audit conducted within the last two years. Submission must include the entire audit, including any findings and the auditor's letter
• A copy of the organization's 501(c)(3) designation letter or comparable government designation
• A completed W9
• A completed Supplier Form (a blank copy will be provided in the application)

Additional information

• Applications will be accepted for new or existing programs that clearly address a social driver of health. New programs may include pilot initiatives.
• In Utah and Idaho, applicants can request a total grant award between $5,000 to $100,000 per year for 3 years (up to $300,000 total) for the entire project period. Projects can last between 12 and 36 months and must begin upon receipt of funding.
• In Colorado, Montana, and Nevada, applicants can request a total grant award between $5,000 to $50,000 per year for 2 years (up to $100,000 total) for the entire project period. Projects can last between 12 and 36 months and must begin upon receipt of funding.
• Budget Limitation - A funding request may not exceed 20 percent of an organization’s annual operating budget, e.g., to be eligible for a $50,000 grant, your organization’s annual operating budget must be at least $250,000.
• In general, small equipment and materials, such as jump ropes or cooking utensils are eligible, at no more than a total $5,000 cost, but large equipment, construction, and capital costs are not eligible. Consideration will be given if computer equipment is necessary and vital to the success of the project.

Montana Department of Commerce

Mission

The Department of Commerce effectively and efficiently delivers programs and resources through technical assistance, funding/investments, training/consulting, promotion, research, reporting and outreach to provide affordable housing and create sustainable business and economic growth to enhance community vitality to benefit the citizens of Montana.

Montana Coal Endowment Program Infrastructure (MCEP)

The Montana Coal Endowment Program was formally known as the Treasure State Endowment Program. Any references to the Treasure State Endowment Program or “TSEP” now refer to the Montana Coal Endowment Program or “MCEP” as authorized by the 67th Legislature in Senate Bill 258 (Chapter 330, Laws 2021). The Montana Coal Endowment Program (MCEP) is a state-funded program created in 1992 as a result of Legislative Referendum 110. It is designed to help solve serious health and safety problems and assist communities with the financing of public facilities projects. The program helps local governments with constructing or upgrading drinking water systems, wastewater treatment facilities, sanitary or storm sewer systems, solid waste disposal and separation systems, and bridges.

Applicants must have the management capacity to undertake and satisfactorily complete the project applied for and assure proper management of MCEP funds. Grant recipients must be in compliance with applicable auditing and financial reporting requirements and have the capability to specifically assure proper tracking and recording of funds.

Friends of NRA

Friends of NRA is the National Rifle Association’s premier fundraising program, supporting the future of shooting sports. Since day one, Friends of NRA has been a 100% grassroots effort fueled by a united front to secure the Second Amendment and raise money for the shooting sports.

Committee volunteers are appointed to State Fund Committees to make recommendations for local grant funding in areas such as youth education, women-focused clinics, law enforcement training, hunter safety, range improvement, firearms and marksmanship training and safety. Recognizing the impact American youth has on the future of the shooting sports, State Fund Committees frequently recommend grants for youth programs, allocating the most significant portion of monies to this vital area.

Grant awards fund activities and support programs in the United States to promote firearms and hunting safety, to enhance marksmanship skills of those in the shooting sports, and to educate the public about firearms in their historic, technological and artistic context.

Friends of NRA State Fund Grant Program - Montana

The Friends of NRA State Fund Grant Program provides supplies, equipment, and financial support to a variety of qualified groups and programs at the local level; geared towards youth, women, law enforcement, veterans, the disabled, and the general public, including:

• General shooting programs
• Competitive shooting
• Education, training and safety
• Hunting and conservation
• Community outreach
• Historical education

Grant funding must be used to further a charitable purpose as defined by the Internal Revenue Code under section 501(c)(3) and accompanying rules, regulations, and other IRS law and materials.

The External Collaborative Research (ECR) program by Boehringer Ingelheim invites academic and community scientists to propose collaborative studies aimed at protocol development and result publication. This program offers potential drug and financial support, excluding direct salary for the Principal Investigator. Budgets must represent fair market value and will be negotiated further. Research interests span therapeutic areas including Cardio-Renal-Metabolic, Mental Health, Dermatology, and Oncology, encouraging innovative solutions to unmet medical needs.

The Gianforte Family Foundation offers Church & School Outreach Grants to empower local Christian churches and schools in Montana. With grants of up to $3,300, the foundation aims to strengthen community outreach through programs that share the Gospel, support families, promote economic flourishing, and provide recovery tools. Eligible applicants must be Christian organizations actively engaging their communities with innovative programs that align with their ministry philosophy.

The Western Division Scholarship Program offers up to $5,000 annually to support masters or doctoral students in fisheries science. Awards are based on academic excellence, potential contributions to the fisheries profession, and progress toward a graduate degree. Eligible applicants must be members of the American Fisheries Society and have completed at least one semester in a relevant graduate program within the Western Division's geographic boundaries.

Working Landscapes: Urban and Community Forestry InitiativeThe urban and community forestry initiative is designed to expand and enhance urban and community forests across Montana through large scale tree plantings. Led by The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), the program will support projects that deliver clear urban forestry benefits through increased species diversity, shelter belts, agroforestry, and education across Montana’s communities.DNRC’s Urban and Community Forestry program promotes best management practices for planting, maintaining, and protecting community forests. The Working Landscapes Urban and Community Forestry Initiative supports opportunities for larger projects with broader, more measurable community-level impacts focusing on carbon sequestration and increasing urban forest canopy. Projects funded through this initiative build on the existing program and will expand tree canopy in Montana communities, helping to improve air and water quality, provide shade and green infrastructure, and support healthier neighborhoods.

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.

Tenant and Housing Justice Grant

Social Justice Fund Northwest (SJF) is pleased to announce the 2026 Tenant & Housing Justice Grant, open to grassroots organizations in Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, and/or Wyoming.

Grant Awards:

• Maximum one-year grant award of $25,000

Focus:

• Tenant and housing justice organizing in Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming

Description

This grant seeks to support organizations working to undo and/or create alternative solutions to exploitative housing systems which were built and are sustained by capitalism, colonialism, classism, racism, xenophobia, and ableism. This grant will fund organizations that meet SJF’s community organizing framework and prioritize communities underrepresented in traditional grantmaking.

Tenant and Housing Justice community organizing work can include, but is not limited to:

• Collective power building among tenants to dismantle and push against the current oppressive housing systems and structures 
  • Examples: rental and utilities assistance, tenants’ rights training, eviction prevention and intervention, etc.
• Local and statewide tenant and housing systems/policy change 
• Tenant leadership development
• Creating collective, cooperative housing structures
• Re-entry organizing by and for folks who were recently incarcerated to provide housing and resources, influence and set policy, etc.
• Disability justice organizing focused on affordable, accessible, and supportive housing for disabled folks and elders
• Survivor-led organizing for people transitioning out of abusive situations

The WaterSMART Enhancing Water Resources Projects program invites eligible entities to secure funding for initiatives that enhance water resource management across various sectors, including conservation, infrastructure improvement, and watershed restoration. Priority is given to projects that collaboratively address community needs and yield significant environmental benefits. This funding opportunity aligns with federal priorities aimed at optimizing resource use and improving grant oversight, as outlined in recent executive orders.

SITKA Ecosystem Grants support projects that enhance ecosystems and promote conservation efforts. These grants encourage both grassroots initiatives and larger organizational projects, aiming to improve habitat restoration, biodiversity, and the hunting experience. With funding ranging from $3,000 to $20,000, applicants must be 18 years or older and have relevant experience. The review process is ongoing, and projects should emphasize collaboration and measurable impacts on environmental goals, benefiting both society and ecosystems.

The Aquatic Invasive Species Grant Program, managed by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, provides funding to combat aquatic invasive species in Montana. With an annual budget of $278,580, the program supports projects aimed at prevention, control, and education. Eligible projects can receive up to $50,000 and may include monitoring, outreach, and applied research. Local proposals addressing state-wide priorities will receive preference during the evaluation process.

Montana Department of Labor & Industry

The Montana Department of Labor & Industry (DLI) is a state government organization that exists to uphold labor laws, ensure worker safety, and encourage business and employee growth and relations.

DLI accepts and investigates discrimination complaints, provides business support and education, and offers workers educational seminars, community resource centers, and job training.

WIOA Title II – Adult Education & Family Literacy Act Program Services

The Montana Department of Labor & Industry (MTDLI), in compliance with the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), is seeking applications from experienced and qualified organizations to execute essential workforce development through the WIOA Title II - Adult Education and Family Literacy Program.

In doing so, the Department is seeking applicants who:

• Implement service delivery strategies that align with the 406 JOBS initiative and America's Talent Strategy, including: use of apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship training models; training in Industry Recognized Credentials; employer engagement to ensure industry-driven strategies; and outreach to hard-to-reach populations.
• Coordinate with WIOA core partners.
• Deliver strong performance outcomes with respect to employment, wages, credential attainment, and skill gains.

Types of Awards

Adult Education Grant (AEFLA)-WIOA Section 231 funding

Corrections Education Grant-WIOA Section 225 funding

Integrated English Literacy and Civics Education (IELCE) Grant-WIOA Section 243 funding

Adult Education and Literacy Activities (WIOA §203(2))

Establish or operate programs that provide adult education and literacy activities, including programs that provide such activities concurrently. These activities include the following:

• Adult Education
• Literacy
• Workplace adult education and literacy activities
• Family literacy activities
• English language acquisition activities

The Hearst Foundation: Culture Grant aims to support outstanding nonprofits that enhance cultural engagement and artistic talent in the U.S. With a focus on programs that reach young people, the grant prioritizes organizations that create lasting impacts in the arts and sciences. The Foundation allocates 25% of its funding to cultural initiatives, favoring established organizations with a history of significant results. Eligible nonprofits must encourage inclusivity and sustainability in their programs.

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.

Montana State University

Montana State University (MSU), the state’s largest public research university, serves as Montana’s premier land-grant institution dedicated to education, research, and service. Founded in 1893 in Bozeman, MSU provides high-quality, accessible learning opportunities while advancing discoveries that address the needs of Montana, the nation, and the world. With more than 16,000 students and a strong commitment to hands-on, experiential learning, MSU integrates academic excellence with real-world problem-solving across fields such as agriculture, engineering, health, science, and the arts.

Guided by its land-grant mission, MSU prioritizes student success, community engagement, and research that strengthens Montana’s economy and quality of life. The university strives to foster innovation, expand opportunity, and support thriving communities by preparing graduates who are equipped to lead, serve, and contribute meaningfully to society.

Hugh Hastings Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship supports Montana residents with sophomore status who are pursuing a degree from either the College of Agriculture or the College of Arts and Architecture, alternating by year. Applicants must maintain a minimum 2.7 cumulative GPA. Award amounts vary, and the scholarship falls under the Agriculture and Arts and Architecture scopes.

The Amicus Foundation, established in 2015, is dedicated to supporting non-profit organizations that focus on families, faith, conservation, health, veterans, and education. Through matching grants, the foundation aims to maximize impact by aligning financial resources with effective charitable initiatives. Their mission is to foster a healthy family environment, which they believe is essential for the success of the nation. The foundation emphasizes strategic investments to ensure positive outcomes for communities.

NorthWestern Energy Community Works Grants aim to enhance community well-being in Montana, Nebraska, and South Dakota. The program supports qualified nonprofit organizations with monetary donations focused on education, health services, civic improvement, culture, and resource conservation. Since 2019, over $2.1 million has been contributed towards community projects. Eligible applicants must demonstrate tax-exempt status and proposals should favor funding for programs and physical improvements. National organizations and political activities are generally excluded.

The Semnani Family Foundation, established in 1993, is dedicated to supporting marginalized communities worldwide through health, education, and disaster relief initiatives. Founded by Khosrow and Ghazaleh Semnani, it began by funding an orphanage in Romania. The foundation also operates locally, providing free healthcare through the Maliheh Free Clinic in Utah. Its commitment to human welfare drives impactful partnerships in countries such as Afghanistan, India, and South Africa, focusing on the most vulnerable populations.

The Karen Colina Wilson Foundation Grant supports programs for children, youth, and women, enhancing their health and well-being through education, art, literature, and music. Established in 2006, the foundation aims to make a positive difference in their lives, particularly in Southern and Western Wayne County, Michigan. Grants typically range from $500 to $10,000, often as matching funds, fostering broader fundraising efforts by local nonprofit organizations.

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.

The Conner Firstman "Film Like a Champion" Scholarship at Montana State University supports students pursuing a degree in Film. This scholarship emphasizes a passion for videography and Bobcat Athletics, reflecting MSU's commitment to hands-on learning and community engagement. As Montana's leading public research university, MSU fosters innovation and prepares graduates to contribute meaningfully to society. Award amounts vary, providing opportunities under the Arts and Architecture and Film and Photography scopes.

The CIF Capacity Builder Awards by Endeavor Health focus on enhancing community health through strategic investments. With over $38.5 million allocated to local partnerships, these awards aim to address critical areas like healthcare access, food insecurity, and workforce development. Designed for nonprofit organizations, the awards range from $100,000 to $500,000 annually for 1-2 years, fostering long-term community impact and advancing health equity in the service areas.

The NHLBI Career Transition Award (K22) program supports postdoctoral fellows in transitioning their research to extramural institutions. The program includes a mentored intramural phase (up to two years) followed by an extramural phase (three years), totaling five years of support. Applications have multiple deadlines, including October 12, 2024, and February 12, 2025, among others. Successful transition depends on the awardee's progress during the mentored phase, evaluated by NHLBI.

The Charlotte Yeoman Martin Scholarship at Montana State University supports American Indian undergraduate students from Montana high schools who demonstrate financial need and have overcome personal adversity. Preference is given to first-generation college students. This scholarship aims to enhance access to higher education for those facing economic challenges and may be renewed for up to four years, helping students achieve their academic goals and contribute positively to society.

About

Being deeply connected to the community means more than providing access to excellent healthcare. It means understanding, and investing in, the health needs of our community.

Through our Community Investment Fund (CIF), Endeavor Health has awarded more than $38.5 million to 59 local partnerships dedicated to enhancing community health and wellbeing, advancing health equity and supporting local economic growth. Together, we’re committed to helping everyone in our communities be their best.

Award categories

Through the CIF, we will make meaningful and intentional investments through impact awards and capacity builder awards. These awards are intended to meaningfully advance the health of our community over time towards three bold aspirations through investments in five areas of focus.

We aspire to a future where:

• A person’s zip code does not determine how long they will live
• Hunger and homelessness in our communities are history
• The healthcare workforce is thriving and representative of the communities we serve

To help advance these aspirations, the CIF will invest in the following areas:

• Access to healthcare
• Behavioral health
• Food insecurity
• Housing insecurity
• Workforce development for careers in healthcare

Impact awards

• Designed for 5-year initiatives where organizations come together to drive measurable impact and longer-term change in the communities we serve by improving existing systems and innovation
• Emphasize strategic cross-sector and/or intra-sector partnerships between community-based organizations
• Uplift community members of greatest need
• Directly align with CIF areas of focus and meaningfully contribute to CIF goals
• Award amount: $1 million per year, up to 5 years