Best Local Government Grants in Montana

The Community Development Block Grant Housing Stabilization Program (HSP) in Montana provides essential funding for housing rehabilitation projects aimed at low- and moderate-income households. Grants are available on a rolling basis to local governments collaborating with nonprofit organizations. There is no maximum grant amount, and funds are allocated based on project needs. Successful applicants can access funds for five years to improve housing conditions and foster community development.

The Livingston Community Trust Grant aims to enhance the quality of life in Park County, Montana, through self-sustaining projects that focus on economic development, education, human services, and the arts. Applications are welcome from non-profit organizations, local governments, and civic bodies. The Trust encourages innovative ideas and requires a minimum 10% matching contribution from grantees. Grant decisions are made quarterly, with responses provided within 90 days of application submission.

The Montana DNRC Hazardous Fuels Reduction Grant Program aims to mitigate the risk of wildland fires and protect communities in high-priority areas adjacent to National Forest System lands. Funded by USFS resources, this program supports projects that reduce hazardous fuels through various methods like thinning and burning. Eligible applicants include non-profits, local governments, and tribal entities. Projects must align geographically and be initiated within three years of planned USFS treatments, ensuring community safety and environmental stewardship.

The NorthWestern Energy Impact Analysis Grant Program offers funding for cities, counties, economic development organizations, and non-profits in Montana, South Dakota, and Nebraska. Grant applications are simple, requiring a one-page form, with decisions made within 48 hours. The program aims to assess the economic impacts of local businesses and development projects. Circle Analytics will provide detailed reports on the economic footprint, including job creation and community benefits, to support informed decision-making.

The Residential Septic System Education & Maintenance Program, initiated by the Western Montana Conservation Commission, aims to enhance water quality in Western Montana by reducing pollutants from septic systems. This program provides grants for education, outreach, and best practices in septic maintenance. Eligible applicants include government entities and non-profits that meet specific criteria. Projects must focus on outreach, education, and community involvement to foster long-term behavior change regarding septic system care and water quality preservation.

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 Colstrip Impacts Foundation: Tax Base Supplement Grant aims to mitigate tax revenue shortfalls caused by the closure of Colstrip power plants. This funding is crucial for taxing districts and local governments affected by these changes, ensuring they can maintain essential services without imposing additional tax burdens on residents. The grant supports economic development and assists impacted workers, fostering community resilience during this transitional period.

The TourWest Grants, funded by the National Endowment for the Arts, aim to support presenters and organizations in the Western region by providing flexible funding for touring artists. This competitive grant encourages community engagement and outreach, fostering collaboration between artists and local communities. It prioritizes accessibility to the performing arts, especially in underserved areas. Applicants must be tax-exempt organizations or local government units and demonstrate a commitment to community needs through their projects.

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 Broadwater Community Foundation Grant aims to enhance the quality of life in Broadwater County through charitable projects. Established in 1993, the foundation supports local initiatives with a cash matching requirement and prioritizes long-term benefits for residents. Eligible projects must be led by committed leaders and serve community needs. Ineligible projects include conferences, planning efforts, or those benefiting individuals directly. The foundation values community support and sustainable funding for impactful initiatives.

The Emerging Justice Fund Grant, offered by Social Justice Fund Northwest, aims to support grassroots organizing in communities affected by systemic injustices. With a funding cycle starting in February, the grant prioritizes organizations led by Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. Eligible groups can apply for a one-year grant of $10,000, with a final deadline of September 12th. This initiative emphasizes unrestricted funding to empower marginalized communities and foster long-term social justice solutions.

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 Mutual Self-Help Housing Technical Assistance Grants in Montana support qualified organizations in facilitating local self-help housing projects. These grants enable very-low- and low-income families to construct their homes with guidance and technical assistance. Eligible areas can be verified through the USDA Eligibility Site, and funds can be utilized for recruiting families and providing necessary supervision and assistance throughout the housing construction process.

The MCF Community Heart & Soul Program, a collaboration between the Montana Community Foundation and Montana State University Extension, aims to empower rural communities in Montana to identify their core values and aspirations. This resident-driven initiative fosters community engagement through exploratory activities, grants, and support, ultimately enhancing local pride, volunteerism, and economic development. Selected communities will benefit from financial assistance, coaching, and a structured process over two years to ensure sustainable community growth and connection.

The MCF Community Investment Program (CIP) supports innovative projects that enhance the quality of life in Rosebud, Custer, and Fallon County, Montana. Established by Grid United, this program aims to partner with local communities, encouraging projects that address community needs and leverage additional support. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and government entities, while ineligible projects include one-time events and general operating expenses. Grants must benefit the specified counties.

The NRA Foundation: Montana Grants provides funding for charitable purposes aligned with its mission, primarily focusing on promoting firearms safety, education, and marksmanship. Eligible organizations must hold a Federal Employer Identification Number and can include IRS 501(c)(3) entities, government bodies, or state-recognized nonprofits. Ineligible applicants include labor organizations, private enterprises, and individuals. The Foundation emphasizes public benefit in funded projects, ensuring they contribute positively to the community.

The WCF Community Emergency Response Fund Grant provides vital support for nonprofits in Flathead County facing unexpected emergencies. This flexible funding enables organizations to address immediate repairs essential for continued program delivery. Eligible applicants include 501(C)(3) nonprofits and government entities, with no maximum request amount specified. The foundation prioritizes urgent needs, ensuring that essential services remain operational during crises, while ineligible projects include recurring expenses and completed initiatives.

The Seeley Lake Community Foundation (SLCF) offers the SLCF Community Grant Programs to support local initiatives that enhance the quality of life in Seeley Lake, MT. The foundation prioritizes projects in education, arts, community development, natural resources, and basic human needs. Eligible organizations must be tax-exempt and serve the community directly. The SLCF values proposals with broad community impact and strong partnerships, making it an ideal opportunity for collaborative projects.

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.

FWP's Mission

Steward the fish, wildlife, parks, and recreational resources for the public, now and into the future.

Fish, Wildlife & Parks Shooting Range Grant

About the Program

FWP has administered a grant program to develop and enhance shooting ranges since 1989 with funds generated from the sale of state hunting licenses. The Montana Shooting Range Grant Program provides partial funding to shooting clubs, private organizations, local governments, and school districts to establish or improve shooting ranges throughout Montana.

The funds are appropriated by the Legislature authorizing FWP to award to successful Applicants for development of publicly available shooting range facilities. These funds come from hunter license dollars and are one way in which Montana’s hunter license dollars are reinvested in Montana’s sportsmen and communities.

The Alfalfa Seed Research & Market Development Grant aims to enhance the alfalfa seed industry in Montana through innovative research and development. Established by the Montana Alfalfa Seed Committee, it supports efforts to improve cultivation practices and pest control measures for pollinators. Eligible applicants include public and private organizations, businesses, educational institutions, local governments, and individuals, all dedicated to advancing this vital agricultural sector.

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 Community Foundation of Northern Rosebud County offers the Signature Community Impact Grant, supporting projects that enhance the quality of life for residents in Forsyth, Angela, Ingomar, and Rosebud. Grants, up to $10,000, require significant community support and partnerships, with a focus on sustainability and addressing local needs. The granting process is competitive, emphasizing collaborations and in-kind contributions, and applicants must be a qualified non-profit or government entity.

The Montana Healthcare Foundation invites proposals for innovative health solutions from Montana-based organizations. Grants range from $10,000 to $100,000 depending on project duration. Eligible applicants include tax-exempt organizations and local government agencies. The foundation prioritizes projects demonstrating effective partnerships and sustainable impact. Organizations may submit multiple applications, but funding does not support individuals or capital campaigns. For further details, review the eligibility criteria and FAQs on the foundation's website.

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.

Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation

The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation's mission is to help ensure that Montana's land and water resources provide benefits for present and future generations.

Under the leadership of the Director, the Department is managed by four Divisions which offer a variety of programs and services and carry out mandated regulatory and land management responsibilities. Additionally, six commission are administratively attached to the Department.

Forestry - FY26 Local Government Assistance (LGA)

Program Goals

Provide financial support to help local governments engage in activities to accelerate the pace and scale of forest management to reduce wildland fire hazards, improve forest health, and enhance economic productivity on cross-boundary projects that include federal, state, or private lands in Montana.    

Grants are for:

• Funding coordination/facilitation costs for forest collaborative groups that have county commissioner involvement or support.
• Funding of amicus briefs for projects with local government support and likely to be litigated in the next year.

The Land & Water Conservation Fund Recreation Grants, administered by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, support outdoor recreation projects through matching grants to state, tribal, and local entities. Since 1964, over 800 projects have been funded, enhancing public parks, trails, and recreational facilities. Eligible applicants include cities, counties, and state agencies, while a 50% non-federal match is required. The program fosters community engagement in outdoor activities and conservation efforts.