Best Quality of Life Grants in Montana

Who We Are

For Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana, health care is deeply personal. It's also inherently local — like us.

Our Local Focus

We’ve been serving the people of Montana for 85 years, and we’re committed to expanding access to quality, affordable health care to people in all phases of life. We offer health plan options for individuals and families, group customers and Medicare, and we deliver differentiated value to the people we serve through our focus on access, affordability, outcomes and innovation.

Community Giving

Each year, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana supports communities throughout our state with grants and sponsorships with the overarching goal of improving access to and affordability of health care. We are proud of these community investments and value the very important work that organizations are doing to keep Montanans healthy.

Community giving is divided into three areas: grants, sponsorships and Blue Impact℠ major grants. Areas of focus and exclusions for all funding requests, and specific requirements for each type of funding are detailed below, along with links to apply.

Areas of Focus

All community giving at BCBSMT is designed to build healthier communities as part of an ongoing commitment to invest in and partner with nonprofit organizations to reach Montanans in these focus areas:

• Economic opportunity and stability: Addressing issues such as poverty, removing barriers to employment, providing good jobs and upskilling;
• Nutrition: Supporting efforts to decrease hunger and increase access to nutritional food;
• Neighborhood and local assets: Focusing on affordable healthy housing, access to transportation and to physical activity;
• Locally defined health solutions: Addressing hyperlocal health and human service needs; and 
• Optimal health

BCBSMT Grants

A charitable grant supports either program-focused initiatives or general operating support. Grants provide support to programs and organizations that align with our mission to promote health, wellness and human services in the communities we serve.

The Broadwater County Development Corporation offers a Marketing Grant aimed at promoting events that boost economic development in Broadwater County. This initiative encourages local organizations to attract visitors, thereby supporting local businesses. Grants are available for up to $500 for BCDC members and $250 for non-members. Eligible applicants must be based in Broadwater County, and the event must be held in the same area. This program is essential for enhancing community engagement and economic vitality.

Montana Cardiovascular Health Program 

Program Description

The Montana Cardiovascular Health Program has been funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention since 2000. The program conducts statewide activities to prevent heart disease and stroke and associated risk factors - particularly hypertension The program has:

• Formed a Cardiovascular Learning Collaborative with the mission "Striving for comprehensive whole person care for all Montanans to enhance quality of life."
• Assessed existing policies and systems that promote cardiovascular health in a variety of settings including pharmacies and healthcare.
• Formed the Montana Stroke Workgroup. This is a working collaborative of doctors, emergency response professionals, rehabilitation professionals and healthcare facilities dedicated to implementing a statewide Stroke Initiative to enhance diagnosis, treatment and care of stroke patients.

Funding Opportunity

Community-Based Organization Project

12-months

Community-Based Organizations partner with a healthcare organization (using CONNECT to receive referrals) to improve non-medical factors like food insecurity, housing instability, etc. that influence overall health.

The Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation provides essential funding to nonprofit organizations that improve the lives of economically and socially disadvantaged individuals. Since 1988, the foundation has supported various initiatives, including education, health services, and community programs. It emphasizes direct services with low administrative costs, ensuring that funds have a meaningful impact. Organizations applying must demonstrate a commitment to serving at-risk youth and families, particularly in Montana and select areas where The Washington Companies operate.

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 Grass Range Community Foundation Grant, managed by the Central Montana Foundation, aims to enhance the quality of life in Central Montana. Established in 1984, this grant supports non-profit organizations in Fergus, Garfield, Judith Basin, Petroleum, and Wheatland Counties. It prioritizes projects benefiting educational, medical, civic, and cultural services. Eligible applicants must be registered and in good standing with the Montana Secretary of State. The grant fosters community development through generous donations, making a significant impact on local initiatives.

The Central Montana Foundation, established in 1984, aims to enhance the quality of life in Central Montana through generous donations. The Moore Endowment supports diverse projects, including educational and healthcare initiatives, benefiting local communities. Eligible applicants are non-profit organizations in specific counties that meet legal requirements. The foundation prioritizes projects that serve the largest number of residents, ensuring impactful contributions to the region's development and welfare, with millions awarded in grants since its inception.

The PacificSource Foundation for Health Improvement, a private foundation, is dedicated to promoting health equity since 1992. With a focus on underserved populations in Oregon, Idaho, Montana, and parts of Washington, the foundation supports initiatives that enhance access to healthcare and address health disparities. They provide both one-year and multi-year funding, typically ranging from $10,000 to $50,000, to organizations committed to advancing health equity through diverse community-driven solutions.

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 Montana Civil Monetary Penalty Reinvestment Funds support initiatives aimed at enhancing the quality of care for nursing home residents. Funds are allocated to assist facilities facing closure, support resident relocation, and improve care quality through technical assistance and training programs. This program, managed by the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, aims to utilize civil monetary penalties imposed on non-compliant nursing homes to directly benefit vulnerable populations and improve their overall quality of life.

The Cross Charitable Foundation Grant provides support to organizations focused on education, homelessness, wildlife conservation, environmental protection, and the welfare of dogs. Only organizations invited by the Board can apply, with one application accepted per year from each organization. Grants are restricted to the North West United States, specifically Idaho, Utah, Montana, and Wyoming. Individuals are not eligible for funding, ensuring that support is directed towards effective community initiatives.

The Wheatland County Community Foundation Grant, provided by the Central Montana Foundation, supports non-profit and tax-exempt organizations located in Central Montana. Funded projects must enhance educational, medical, essential services, civic, and cultural initiatives. Each year, grant requests are reviewed, ensuring that projects benefit the community significantly. This grant program is part of a larger effort, involving numerous rural endowment committees dedicated to improving the quality of life in the region.

The Bill and Rosemary Gallagher Foundation Grant supports charitable organizations in Western Montana, focusing on education, arts, community enrichment, healthcare, and assistance to youth and the aging. Established in 2001, it honors the legacy of Bill and Rosemary Gallagher by providing financial assistance to those in need, fostering community improvement, and enhancing quality of life for residents. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) compliant and demonstrate effective fund usage.

The Denton Endowment, part of the Central Montana Foundation, aims to enhance the quality of life in Central Montana. Established in 1984, it supports educational, medical, and cultural projects through grants available to registered non-profits in the region. Priority is given to initiatives that benefit the most residents. The Denton Endowment Committee reviews grant requests annually, ensuring that funds are allocated to projects that align with community needs and values.

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 Whitefish Community Foundation's Micro-Grant Program provides rapid financial support to 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Flathead County, Montana. It focuses on small-scale projects that address significant social needs and enhance community well-being. Organizations must demonstrate tax-exempt status and align with the Foundation's mission. While fostering local initiatives, the program excludes operational support, projects outside designated counties, and individuals, ensuring resources are directed towards impactful community benefits.

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 Trail Stewardship Grant Program, managed by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, allocates funds to enhance the state's outdoor recreation infrastructure. Established in 2019, it utilizes vehicle registration fees and marijuana tax revenue to support projects such as trail construction, rehabilitation, and maintenance. With approximately $3.6 million awarded to 104 projects, this initiative aims to improve access and preserve Montana's natural resources for future generations.

The AMB West Community Fund, part of the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, aims to enhance the quality of life for Montanans, focusing on nurturing childhood and thriving youth. With over $10 million awarded since 2001, the Fund prioritizes creative and impactful programs that support vulnerable populations, particularly in Park and Gallatin Counties and Indigenous communities. The initiative is dedicated to community-driven philanthropy, fostering collaboration, and addressing systemic challenges through strategic investments.

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.

The Cinnabar Foundation provides Program/Project Grants aimed at enhancing conservation efforts in Montana and the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. These grants, ranging from $2,500 to $15,000, support organizations that engage in impactful, grassroots conservation work. Priority is given to projects that align with the Foundation's strategic vision, including climate adaptation, wildlife habitat conservation, public land preservation, and improving air and water quality. Successful applicants will demonstrate measurable outcomes and community engagement.

The Browning Kimball Foundation, established in 1978, focuses on enhancing the quality of life in Central Montana through sustainable agriculture and support for youth and families. With a commitment to good governance, the foundation may limit grants to four consecutive years and encourages grantees to diversify funding sources. Eligible applicants must possess a 501(c)(3) designation, and preference is given to organizations serving Central Montana, particularly in areas like health, education, and community development.

The Community Foundation of Northern Rosebud County Grant supports nonprofit projects enhancing community welfare in Forsyth, Angela, Ingomar, and Rosebud. It prioritizes areas like youth education, healthcare, and emergency services. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations or government entities. Projects must demonstrate local support and sustainability, while the foundation does not fund conferences, planning, or routine operational costs. This competitive grant aims to improve quality of life and foster community development.

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 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 Powder River Community Endowment Fund aims to enhance the economic vitality of the Greater Powder River Area by empowering local communities to develop resources and plan projects. Established with support from the Ford Foundation, it functions as a permanent endowment fund that ensures continuous funding for community needs. With a focus on grassroots decision-making, the fund supports various charitable projects while maintaining the region's rural character and improving the quality of life for its residents.

The Tobacco Valley Community Foundation (TVCF) offers grants to support local organizations in the Tobacco Valley region, including West Kootenai, Eureka, Rexford, Trego, Fortine, and Stryker. Their mission is to enhance community resources, promote equality, and ensure that residents can actively participate in shaping their futures. By investing in arts, culture, and essential services, TVCF aims to preserve the unique qualities of the area for generations to come.