Best Private Grants for Nonprofits in Montana

The Rural Business Development Grants in Montana provide essential technical assistance and training for small rural businesses with fewer than 50 workers and under $1 million in revenue. Grants support various projects aimed at enhancing rural economies, including training, infrastructure development, and business planning. While there is no maximum grant amount, smaller requests receive priority, and funds can be allocated for community and technology-based economic development, ensuring sustainable growth in rural areas.

Social Justice Fund Northwest- Sponsorship

At Social Justice Fund Northwest (SJF), we utilize sponsorships as a way of building bridges. Our sponsorships are only available to recent and current SJF grantees (within the past two years) in Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, and/or Wyoming. We hope that organizations utilize this resource to fund their most ambitious, innovative projects that are often not supported by other funders.

Overview

Grant Awards: One-year sponsorship of $1,000

Focus:

• Ambitious and innovative projects that are often not supported by other funders in Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington and/or Wyoming.

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.

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 Recreational Trails Program (RTP) administered by the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP) aims to enhance outdoor recreation by providing funds for the development and maintenance of recreational trails. This program supports various trail uses, including hiking, biking, and motorized activities. Eligible applicants include government agencies and private organizations. RTP grants cover up to 80% of project costs, ensuring that Montana's trails remain accessible and well-maintained for future generations.

The Reimagining Rural Grant, offered by the Montana Community Foundation, supports communities that engaged in the 2025 Reimagining Rural gatherings. These grants aim to fund community projects inspired by the innovative ideas discussed during the sessions held on February 4, 11, and 18. The foundation is dedicated to enhancing community collaboration and development, reinforcing its commitment to philanthropy in Montana.

The Montana Pulse Crop Committee is inviting proposals for the Montana Pulse Research & Market Development Program. This initiative aims to support research, market development, and educational projects that enhance the pulse industry in Montana. Eligible applicants include public agencies, businesses, educational institutions, and individuals. The program emphasizes practical applications and aims to stimulate growth in pulse markets, making it a vital opportunity for stakeholders in the agricultural sector.

The Battlefield Preservation Fund Grant aims to support initiatives that preserve battlefields and related historic sites. This funding encourages planning and educational efforts, particularly those that engage new audiences in preservation activities. Eligible applicants include public agencies and nonprofits in specified states. Grants can be used for staff support, consultant fees, and educational materials. Applicants must provide a one-to-one match for funding, ensuring strong community involvement in preservation efforts.

The Sabbatical Research and Education Grant, offered by Western SARE, enables faculty worldwide to collaborate with farmers and researchers in the Western U.S. This program focuses on conducting innovative research and educational outreach in underserved regions, with an emphasis on unexplored topics. Grants up to $75,000 are available for projects spanning one year, promoting agricultural sustainability and community involvement.

The Jerry Metcalf Foundation Grant, established in 1998, supports individuals and organizations in Montana with annual awards ranging from $25,000 to $50,000. The foundation funds projects that enhance the natural environment and diverse communities, focusing on the arts, historical preservation, environmental conservation, and community health. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations, which must provide IRS verification. This grant is a vital resource for fostering cultural and environmental initiatives in Montana.

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 NIOSH Miner Safety and Health Training Program aims to enhance health and safety training for miners in the Western United States. With mining fatalities significantly higher than the national average, this initiative seeks to address critical training needs by developing effective programs, increasing qualified instructors, and ensuring compliance with existing safety guidelines. By focusing on culturally appropriate training methods and collaborative efforts with other agencies, the program aims to reduce injuries and fatalities in the mining sector.

Arbor Rising Grant, established in 2010, is a NYC-based nonprofit providing unrestricted multi-year funding and capacity-building support to nonprofits focused on alleviating poverty. The grant process occurs every three years, with the next round in 2025 being invitation-only. Eligible organizations must demonstrate high potential and effective leadership, typically operating on a modest budget. Arbor Rising prioritizes applicants from the NYC metro area while expanding to cover the lower 48 US states.

The Norm Winn Memorial Conservation Grant, managed by the Keta Legacy Foundation, supports conservation, preservation, and restoration projects in Alaska, Montana, Oregon, Idaho, and Eastern Washington. This competitive grant encourages non-profit organizations to apply for up to $25,000 to implement innovative environmental initiatives. Applicants must demonstrate project feasibility and significant community impact, while ensuring their proposals align with the Foundation's commitment to supporting diverse conservation efforts.

The Montana Mental Health Access Fund aims to enhance access to mental health services for Indigenous communities in Montana. By focusing on tribal populations and urban Indian communities, the fund seeks to eliminate barriers to culturally appropriate care. Given Montana's high suicide rates and historical lack of services, this initiative is critical for improving mental health outcomes. It supports innovative approaches and technology to reach those in underserved areas, ensuring that essential mental health services are available for all.

FWP's Mission

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

FWP Original Off-Highway Vehicle Grant Program

Program Specifics

The Off-Highway Vehicle Grant Program provides project funding with the goal of enhancing and maintaining OHV recreational opportunities for the benefit of OHV enthusiasts in Montana. It provides grant funding for safety, ethics and education, resource maintenance, protection and improvement projects.

Montana State Parks administers the OHV grant program with funds appropriated by the State Legislature, and is assisted in grant allocation by the Off-Highway Vehicle Advisory Committee (OHVAC). The OHVAC is comprised of citizens throughout Montana who have a vested interest in managing OHV opportunities as a valuable resource. 

The OHV Grant Program awards approximately $150,000 in grant funds annually. Applications for trail steward positions are limited to a $20,000 grant request. All other projects do not have a maximum award amount and will be subject to the review panel and OHVAC funding decisions. 

Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services

At the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS), we are dedicated to our mission of serving Montanans in their communities to improve health, safety, well-being, and empower independence. As the largest executive branch agency in the state, our broad reach allows us to provide essential, community-based support where and when it matters most. Our DPHHS team is passionate about improving our clients’ lives and helping them build a more secure and independent future.

Funding Opportunities for Healthcare Professionals

Join us in a funded project and improve patient care, clinical outcomes, and staff knowledge. DPHHS has a wide variety of available grant opportunities for health improvement that fit any clinic or hospital work schedule. Interested in more than one? We can work with health systems to create an outline of activities to align grants and receive additional funding. 

Diabetes Funding Opportunities: Family Healthy Weight Program Implementation; DSMES-Accreditation Recognition; Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) QI Project; Diabetes Retinopathy QI Project; Diabetes Support Program- Walk With Ease Project; Access to Care Project; Diabetes Support Program Implementation.

Access to Care Project

Increase screening for health-related social needs and build partnerships to address health disparities. With a focus on patients who have diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol.

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.

HOME Investment Partnerships Program

Created under Title II of the National Affordable Housing Act of 1990, the HOME Investment Partnerships Program is the largest federal block grant that is designed exclusively to create affordable housing for low-income households. Montana’s HOME funds are allocated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

The Montana Department of Commerce administers the program and grants these funds to local governments, nonprofit organizations and private developers to develop and preserve affordable housing for or offer homebuyer assistance to income-eligible individuals and families. An individual may not apply directly to the HOME Program.

The HOME Program does the following:

• Expands the supply of affordable housing for Montanans with low- and very low-incomes
• Improves the means of state and local governments to implement strategies to achieve adequate supplies of decent, affordable housing
• Provides both financial and technical assistance to participants to develop model programs for affordable housing

Homebuyer Assistance Programs

Commerce accepts applications for homebuyer downpayment assistance programs on a rolling basis. Grants covering a two-year period are awarded to eligible entities seeking to undertake homebuyer activities locally. HOME funds are used to provide subsidy to individual homebuyers and costs associated with administering the homebuyer program. Grantees determine maximum subsidies based on their local housing markets and targeted beneficiaries, and ensure that home purchase prices follow HUD-determined limits. Generally, 5% of HOME investments are matched.

The Community Possible Grant Program by U.S. Bank aims to foster economic and workforce advancement, as well as safe and affordable housing. By partnering with 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, the program seeks to drive lasting change within communities through collaborative grantmaking. Priority is given to organizations that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, and that address multiple pillars of work, home, and play. This initiative reflects U.S. Bank's commitment to creating a more equitable society.

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 RMEF Grant Program lies at the core of advancing our mission.

RMEF established the program in 1986 to provide financial and logistical support to projects that align with our priorities and goals. Grant funds raised by RMEF members, volunteers and generous donors from across the country translate into significantly more conservation accomplishment when matched with partner funds. The RMEF Grant Program also aims to build recognition for RMEF’s work, grow engagement, and boost local fundraising efforts.

Governed by clear guidelines and criteria, the RMEF Grant Program seeks to foster meaningful collaborations and long-term impacts in the conservation of natural resources and outdoor traditions. Grant project partners include federal, state, local, and tribal wildlife and land management agencies, private landowners and local stakeholders, sportsmen and women, and conservation organizations, universities, foundations and the outdoor industry. Eligible projects primarily focus on habitat stewardship, land conservation and access, wildlife management, and hunting heritage.

We support organizations recognized by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) as a 501(c)3 entity, federal, state, local, or tribal government entities, sportsmen’s organizations, or educational institutions. All applicants must have a Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) issued by the IRS. RMEF does not offer grants to individuals.

Wildlife Management and Research

RMEF funds wildlife management and research to keep big game healthy and thriving, including disease surveillance, big game-friendly fencing, road management, and scientific studies that expand our understanding of big game habitat, movement, interactions, and overall herd health.

RMEF’s 2026 priorities include:

• Research on migration + connectivity, critical habitat + nutrition, big game population trajectories, challenges to big game populations, and big game management solutions
• Big Game-Friendly Fencing

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.

STOP Violence Against Women Act (VAWA)

MBCC is soliciting proposals for STOP (Services-Training-Officers-Prosecutors) Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) to be funded by the Office on Violence Against Women. The Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) is a component of the United States Department of Justice (DOJ). Created in 1995, OVW implements the Violence Against Women Act and subsequent legislation and provides national leadership on issues of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking. Since its inception, OVW has supported a multifaceted approach to responding to these crimes through implementation of grant programs authorized by VAWA. By forging state, local and tribal partnerships among police, prosecutors, judges, victim advocates, health care providers, faith leaders, organizations that serve culturally specific and underserved communities, and others, OVW grants help provide victims, across their life span, with the protection and services they need to pursue safe and healthy lives, while improving communities’ capacity to provide justice for victims and hold offenders accountable.

The application process is competitive. Previous funding does not guarantee an award during this funding cycle. Approximately $800,000 will be available during the project period, depending upon availability of federal funds. Because federal funds are not always available immediately following the award date, applicants should prepare for this contingency.

Matching contributions of 25% (cash or in-kind) of the total cost of the STOP VAWA project (federal funds plus local match) are required and must be derived from non-federal sources. All funds designated as match are restricted to the same uses as the federal funds and must be expended within the grant period. Federally Recognized Tribes and victim services providers are not required to provide match.

ATTENTION: This funding opportunity is for grant funding that the Montana Board of Crime Control (MBCC) administers that originates from the United States Department of Justice (USDOJ). To continue program activities designed to maintain public safety services, MBCC has determined that it will proceed with this funding opportunity. MBCC anticipates that new grant guidance may be issued in 2026 to reflect USDOJ’s revised policies and priorities. New USDOJ guidance could change the terms and conditions and the availability of funding for any grants that are executed from this funding opportunity. MBCC will share new grant conditions, guidance, and requirements with all grantees as they become available. In some instances, executed grant awards may be revised or cancelled.

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.

HOME Investment Partnerships Program

Created under Title II of the National Affordable Housing Act of 1990, the HOME Investment Partnerships Program is the largest federal block grant that is designed exclusively to create affordable housing for low-income households. Montana’s HOME funds are allocated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

The Montana Department of Commerce administers the program and grants these funds to local governments, nonprofit organizations and private developers to develop and preserve affordable housing for or offer homebuyer assistance to income-eligible individuals and families. An individual may not apply directly to the HOME Program.

The HOME Program does the following:

• Expands the supply of affordable housing for Montanans with low- and very low-incomes
• Improves the means of state and local governments to implement strategies to achieve adequate supplies of decent, affordable housing
• Provides both financial and technical assistance to participants to develop model programs for affordable housing

Housing Development Projects

Commerce accepts applications for housing development annually. Funds are awarded to construct, acquire and/or rehabilitate rental properties, or develop new units for homeownership. Awards are to fill financing gaps and may not exceed HUD-determined subsidy limits. Additionally, 5% of HOME investments must be matched.

The Patterson Foundation offers Assistance Dog Program Grants to support organizations providing service animals to veterans and individuals with disabilities. Funding is available for projects that expand capacity, personnel costs related to puppy training, and program support aimed at improving client experiences. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) non-profits and can request grants up to $35,000 for capital projects or $10,000 for program support. Applications are accepted through a two-step process.

The Mazama Conservation Grant Program offers essential funding to safeguard the Pacific Northwest's mountain ecosystems and landscapes. Grants between $500 and $2,500 support initiatives like trail maintenance, wilderness protection, and environmental education. Focusing on the Mt. Hood area, the program collaborates with environmental organizations and community groups to promote conservation efforts. By funding research, trail upkeep, and educational activities, the program ensures the health of the region's ecosystems, fostering a lasting commitment to environmental stewardship.

Montana Board of Crime Control 

Montana Board of Crime Control (MBCC) was created in 1968 as a planning and research agency under the authority of 2-15-2006, MCA whose goal was, and still is to promote public safety. The MBCC is a 18-member quasi-judicial board appointed by the Governor. MBCC provides financial support, technical assistance, and supportive services to state and local criminal justice agencies. The board provides funding to local, regional, and statewide projects with the central goal of making Montana a safer state.

Family Violence Prevention and Services Act (FVPSA)

Description

The FVPSA grant funds shall be used for programs and projects that are designed to prevent incidents of family violence, domestic violence, and dating violence by providing immediate shelter and supportive services, and that may include paying for the operating and administrative expenses of the facilities for a shelter, for adult and youth victims of family violence, domestic violence, or dating violence, and their dependents; and that may be used to provide prevention services to prevent future incidents of family violence, domestic violence, and dating violence (42 U.S.C. § 10408(a) and 42 U.S.C. § 10408(b)(1)(A)). The application process is non-competitive. 

Matching contributions of 20% (cash or in-kind) of the total cost of the FVPSA project (federal funds plus local match) are required and must be derived from non-federal sources. Federally Recognized Tribes are not required to provide match.