Best Public Infrastructure Grants in Montana

Local governments in Montana can receive funding to construct or rehabilitate public and community facilities that primarily benefit low- to moderate-income residents, including public infrastructure projects. Montana Department of Commerce provides up to US $750,000 for projects such as water and wastewater improvements, senior centers, shelters, food banks, and similar community facilities.

Montana local governments needing urgent repairs to public infrastructure like water, sewer, solid waste systems, or bridges can seek emergency construction funding, typically up to US $30,000, in Montana. Focused on critical facility failures, Montana Department of Commerce supports projects addressing unforeseen conditions that threaten public health, safety, or create substantial financial risk.

Montana cities, towns, counties, and districts can apply for Montana Department of Commerce’s Montana Coal Endowment Program project grants, awarding US $500,000 - US $750,000 to lower the cost of public infrastructure construction. Funding supports drinking water, wastewater, storm sewer, solid waste, and bridge projects, including engineering, construction, and related project expenses in Montana.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations with $100,000+ budgets running workforce, youth development, or community accessibility programs in Montana can seek funding for skills training, inclusive prosperity, and net-zero transition projects. RBC Foundation USA provides support for initiatives like job readiness, housing and food security, and accessibility or sustainability upgrades to community spaces.

The FY26 Bollards Competitive Grant Program aims to enhance pedestrian safety by funding bollard installation projects. This initiative targets areas frequented by large crowds to prevent injuries and potential acts of terrorism. Eligible applicants include State Departments of Transportation and local government entities, with a 100% federal funding share for projects. This program is vital for improving public safety in urban environments.

Adam R Scripps Foundation

Adam Scripps lived a life of humble generosity, helping to improve the lives of others without seeking recognition or fanfare for himself. The family-run Adam R. Scripps Foundation, established posthumously in 2023, allocates millions annually to his cherished causes like animal welfare and community development, with grants overseen by his relatives to honor his legacy.

Honoring Adam’s legacy, we make grants to collaborate, provide support and build resources that create opportunities and transformative pathways. For generations to come, we will improve lives and transform communities because we are a leader in family philanthropy. We value helping communities create lasting change. We do this through compassion, love of neighbor, humility, and generosity.

Local Community Grant

A genuine love of neighbor inspired Adam to help others, and his example inspires us to sustain his support of local communities.  

Driven by Adam’s sense of civic responsibility, the foundation is focused on initiatives to support both community infrastructure and the citizens for whom that infrastructure is designed, including:

• Parks and greenspaces
• Recreation facilities
• Visual and performing arts
• Community service organizations
• Historic building preservation
• Festival sponsorship
• Veterans’ organizations

The Fiscal Year 2026 National Dam Safety Program focuses on rehabilitating high hazard potential dams that do not meet state safety standards. Funded by FEMA, this initiative aims to protect lives and property by providing federal funds to eligible states, which then pass these funds to non-Federal governmental or nonprofit organizations. Rehabilitation involves repairing, replacing, reconstructing, or removing dams to ensure compliance with safety regulations.

Public agencies and other eligible entities developing marine transportation infrastructure can seek up to US $12,000,000 to expand or promote Marine Highway Transportation, including projects that relieve landside congestion. With a mission to strengthen marine corridors, the US Department of Transportation Maritime Administration provides support that may benefit Montana public infrastructure and transit-related initiatives.

State and local transportation agencies in Montana seeking to deploy advanced public infrastructure and transportation technologies can apply for up to US $12,000,000 to improve safety, mobility, and system performance. DOT Federal Highway Administration supports projects that enhance public transit, road safety, pedestrian and bike infrastructure, and overall congestion management.

Universities, research institutions, and policy organizations in Montana examining transportation infrastructure policy can apply for Arnold Ventures’ Transportation Research and Policy funding, with awards up to US $200,000. With a mission to improve U.S. infrastructure systems, Arnold Ventures supports research, data, and policy reform projects on surface transportation and related modes nationwide.

Community partnerships led by a 501(c)(3) working on public infrastructure and water-related projects in Montana can access funding through the Funders' Network’s Partners for Places Jobs and Inclusive Infrastructure Initiative; awards US $45,000 - US $120,000 for human infrastructure, collaboration, and community engagement around publicly funded infrastructure. Grants support job creation, workforce development, and equitable contracting in frontline and low-wealth communities.

Very small, financially distressed rural communities in Montana can seek funding to cover predevelopment planning for water and waste disposal infrastructure projects. Focused on rural public infrastructure, USDA: Rural Development invites eligible local governments, nonprofits, and federally recognized tribes to fund feasibility studies, preliminary design, engineering analysis, and technical assistance for proposed facilities improvements.

Researchers and evaluation teams in Montana studying social programs and policies can apply for quasi-experimental design funding from Arnold Ventures to assess causal impacts. Grants support rigorous studies on areas like public infrastructure, higher education, workforce training, reproductive health, and public finance, which may benefit public infrastructure initiatives and related policy decisions.

Industrial and energy-focused organizations in Montana can access support for innovative industrial energy storage concepts that improve facility efficiency and reduce grid impacts. The U.S. Department of Energy’s Industrial Energy Storage Systems Prize offers up to US $700,000 for thermal or electric storage solutions, including industrial cooling, high-temperature storage, and hybrid heating, cooling, and power applications.

Federally recognized Indian Tribes in Montana can seek funding to plan, design, engineer, and construct safer public bridge infrastructure. Focused on Tribal Transportation Program (TTP) bridges in poor condition, the Federal Highway Administration’s TTP Bridge Program supports replacement, rehabilitation, seismic retrofits, and safety countermeasures for BIA/Tribally and non-Tribally owned bridges.

Montana public agencies planning major surface transportation infrastructure projects can access funding through the US Department of Transportation’s BUILD Grant Program, with awards up to US $25,000,000. Eligible sponsors include state and local governments, counties, Tribal governments, transit agencies, and port authorities for multi-modal projects with significant local or regional impact across the U.S. and territories.

Nonprofits, government entities, tribal organizations, and other Road to Zero Coalition members can seek US $50,000 - US $200,000 to advance community traffic safety projects in Montana and across the U.S. National Safety Council’s Road to Zero Community Traffic Safety Grants support innovative, evidence-based strategies and research that improve public infrastructure, mobility safety, and access.

Local governments and community-based nonprofits in small to mid-sized Montana cities can apply for Smart Growth America’s Community Connectors grants, offering up to US $25,000 for temporary street safety pilot projects on dangerous or divisive arterial roads. Joint city–community teams receive a year of training, support, and a cohort experience to advance Complete Streets and reconnect neighborhoods.

Montana public infrastructure and community-focused 501(c)(3) charities, schools, libraries, and public agencies can seek support for projects that strengthen local facilities and services. SC Johnson Giving supports U.S.-based organizations, prioritizing communities where the company has major operations, across areas like public infrastructure, community development, health, education, sustainability, and environmental conservation.

Montana public infrastructure and community-focused 501(c)(3) organizations can access funding through Union Pacific Foundation’s Community Ties Local Grants to support safety, workforce development, community vitality, and environmental sustainability projects; awards range from US $5,000 - US $30,000. Eligible programs must primarily serve communities on the Union Pacific service list and demonstrate strong need, impact, and DEI commitment.

The Ittleson Foundation Environmental Program Grants support innovative projects that enhance environmental activism through education and grassroots efforts. In 2025, grants will focus on initiatives that strengthen environmental movements and engage new constituencies, particularly in environmental equity. The Foundation has provided resources since 1932 to improve public policy and community welfare, alternating its grantmaking focus annually between mental health and environmental initiatives.

The Applied Materials Foundation offers grants focusing on education, arts and culture, civic engagement, the environment, and girls' empowerment. These grants are designed to meet local community needs and support innovative projects that enhance educational opportunities, promote cultural activities, and foster civic participation. The foundation prioritizes collaboration with local organizations in areas where Applied Materials operates, ensuring impactful contributions to community resilience and sustainability.

The Entergy Charitable Foundation Grant focuses on supporting initiatives that foster thriving communities through education, poverty solutions, and environmental programs. The foundation prioritizes funding for 501(c)(3) organizations and similar entities. Key areas include education development, innovative poverty solutions, and environmental restoration efforts, such as coastal wetland preservation. Organizations are encouraged to apply at least three months before funding is needed, ensuring timely support for impactful community projects.

The Fund for a Just Society Grant, offered by the Unitarian Universalist Association, supports nonprofit organizations that focus on social and economic justice through community organizing. This grant prioritizes innovative projects that seek systemic change and empower disenfranchised communities. Eligible organizations must operate with an annual budget under $500,000 and demonstrate a clear campaign for change. This funding aims to foster a more just society by addressing root causes and enhancing visibility for Unitarian Universalist principles.

The Emergent Fund Grant, established in 2016, supports BIPOC-led social justice movements through rapid response funding. It addresses urgent community needs by providing low-barrier grants to organizations facing crises such as family separation and systemic oppression. The fund prioritizes initiatives that foster Black liberation, multiracial solidarity, and empower communities to build transformative power. By investing in innovative strategies, the Emergent Fund aims to challenge oppressive structures and advance social justice, ensuring that impacted communities are at the forefront of their own advocacy.

The OpenAI A People-First AI Fund supports U.S.-based nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status, focusing on AI literacy, community innovation, and economic opportunity. It aims to enhance public understanding of AI, promote participatory design in AI applications by communities, and expand access to meaningful work through inclusive practices. Organizations at all stages of AI adoption are encouraged to apply, especially those addressing the needs of traditionally marginalized populations. This initiative emphasizes equitable distribution of AI benefits.

The When Georgia Smiled Grant, established by the Robin McGraw Revelation and Dr. Phil Foundation, focuses on aiding victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse. The foundation prioritizes programs that provide shelter, education, and mental health services to ensure safe and fulfilling lives for affected individuals. Additionally, it supports initiatives for children and disaster relief, fostering community resilience and family reunification efforts. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations operating in the U.S. with a commitment to inclusivity.