Best Renewable Energy Grants in Montana

Montana renewable energy and energy efficiency nonprofits and First Nations can access funding through Columbia Basin Trust to install solar PV arrays and complete energy efficiency retrofits or other building improvements. Eligible organizations in the Canadian Columbia Basin region may receive up to US $150,000 to boost sustainability, adapt to climate change, and cut greenhouse gas emissions.

Columbia Basin nonprofits and First Nations working in Montana on renewable and sustainable energy can receive up to US $75,000 to purchase one new electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle and up to two charging stations. Columbia Basin Trust provides this support to help communities improve energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Environmental and conservation-focused 501(c)(3) organizations or those with a fiscal sponsor working in Montana can seek US $2,500 - US $15,000 for specific programs, projects, or campaigns that protect natural resources. Cinnabar Foundation supports work such as climate strategies, wildlife and habitat conservation, and stewardship that may include renewable and sustainable energy efforts.

Tribal governments and Native-serving entities pursuing renewable and solar energy projects in Montana and across the U.S. can access funding for capacity building, infrastructure, and workforce development. Grants from GRID Alternatives’ Tribal Solar Accelerator Fund provide up to US $100,000 to support solar installations, energy planning, training, and community-focused clean energy initiatives in tribal communities.

Montana organizations running agricultural education, leadership, or career training programs for high school students through young professionals may be eligible for this support, including initiatives with renewable energy components in ag. Focused on agricultural and cooperative education, CHS Foundation invites projects that build leadership and explain the value of the agricultural cooperative business model, with priority for regional programs impacting multiple states.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations with three years of history and $100,000+ budgets in Montana communities served by RBC Wealth Management can seek funding for workforce skills, inclusive prosperity, or environmental sustainability programs. RBC Foundation USA supports initiatives like job readiness, financial stability, and net-zero transition projects, which may include renewable and energy-efficiency efforts.

The Frankenthaler Climate Initiative's Catalyst Grant supports organizations in the visual arts sector to take quick, impactful actions toward sustainability. Since 2021, the initiative has awarded over $10 million, fostering a shift to carbon-neutral operations. Eligible applicants include nonprofit entities that prioritize visual arts, aiming to reduce environmental impact through clean energy, efficiency improvements, and innovative practices. This grant promotes a greener future while enhancing the importance of arts education and ecological stewardship.

Minority-serving institutions with STEM research doctoral programs, including those in Montana, can apply for National Science Foundation CREST-RISE support to expand research capacity and doctoral student production. Focused on STEM fields such as renewable and sustainable energy, this program offers US $100,000 - US $2,000,000 for graduate program development, research advancement, and equipment or instrumentation.

High school seniors pursuing STEM majors who live in Southern California Edison’s service territory and plan full-time study at a four-year U.S. college can apply for Edison International’s Edison Scholars Program, with awards of US $50,000. Students interested in renewable or sustainable energy fields in Montana may benefit if they meet residence and other eligibility requirements.

Organizations conducting social, cultural, economic, or historical research on interactions between fisheries and offshore wind development in the U.S. Northeast may be eligible for funding up to US $400,000. Northeast Sea Grant Consortium, with NOAA’s Northeast Fisheries Science Center, supports collaborative, community-engaged studies that build actionable knowledge, including projects involving partners in Montana and other eligible areas.

Graduate students and researchers focused on renewable or sustainable energy in Montana and beyond can receive up to US $40,000 for tuition, travel, living, and research costs while studying between Australia and the U.S. With a mission to support advanced study and research exchanges, American Australian Association provides AUKUS Scholarships for citizens or permanent residents of either country in approved graduate programs.

Graduate students researching drinking water quality, environmental science, public health, or related renewable/sustainable energy topics may be eligible for this scholarship, including those in Montana. Focused on advancing actionable water-industry solutions, the American Water Works Association’s Dr. Philip C. Singer Scholarship provides US $3,000 to support timely, industry-relevant graduate research.

Organizations with ARPA-E subject inventions in renewable or advanced energy technologies can pursue U.S. Department of Energy support to scale their innovations, including projects impacting Montana. DOE provides US $5,000,000 - US $20,000,000 for applied R&D that advances high-risk, potentially disruptive energy solutions from early-stage discovery toward commercial deployment.

Tribal governments and Tribal collaboratives pursuing offshore wind engagement and capacity-building in the U.S., including Montana, can apply for up to US $565,000 from the U.S. Department of Energy. Focused on renewable and wind energy, this three-phase prize supports planning, community engagement, workforce training, economic development, and environmental monitoring with cash awards and technical assistance.

U.S. industrial innovators developing thermal or electric energy storage solutions that improve efficiency can receive up to US $700,000 through the Industrial Energy Storage Systems Prize. The U.S. Department of Energy supports concepts for industrial cooling storage, high-temperature storage, or hybrid thermal systems, which may benefit Montana renewable and sustainable energy projects serving industrial facilities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on renewable and sustainable energy or clean drinking water initiatives in Montana may be eligible for national support that includes the state. Grants from Park Foundation help advance policy, advocacy, organizing, and investigative reporting that reduce fossil fuel reliance and protect public water resources, especially with relevance to New York and broader U.S. impacts.

Registered Canadian or U.S. charities and nonprofit organizations in Montana can apply for BMO Financial Group’s BMO Gives program to support renewable and sustainable energy initiatives, economic mobility, and stronger communities. Eligible programs must take place in Canada or the U.S. and align with priorities like environmental conservation, financial literacy, or workforce readiness.

Nonprofit and community organizations advancing renewable and sustainable energy in Montana communities near Enbridge operations can apply for Enbridge’s Community Grant, with typical awards of US $1,000 - US $10,000. Focus areas include environmental education, energy efficiency, conservation, and broader sustainable community initiatives, with support available as donations, sponsorships, or in-kind contributions.

Montana renewable and sustainable energy organizations can access funding through AES Hawaii Foundation for projects that advance social justice and energy equality, education and workforce development, environmental stewardship, or community health and resilience. Nonprofits and statewide entities working in communities near AES renewable projects may be considered if they demonstrate measurable, long-term local impact.

Montana 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on solar energy, workforce training, or renewable energy education can access funding through All Points North Foundation, with awards from US $60,000 - US $100,000. Eligible U.S.-based organizations must have at least one year of successful operations and strong leadership, capacity, and outcome tracking for community impact.

The Capacity Building Grants for Non-Land-Grant Colleges of Agriculture Program, administered by the USDA's NIFA, aims to enhance the capabilities of eligible institutions in agriculture and related fields. By providing financial support, the program encourages institutions to compete for federal funding, disseminate vital information, and foster community engagement in educational and research initiatives. This initiative is crucial for developing infrastructure, promoting faculty development, and establishing graduate assistantships to address national and regional agricultural priorities.

The Clif Family Foundation Open Call invites 501(c)(3) organizations to apply for grants supporting general operating costs or specific projects. With a focus on regenerative farming, food worker health, climate justice, and food access, the foundation aims to empower grassroots initiatives. Grants range from $5,000 to $50,000, with applications reviewed twice a year. Deadlines are March 1 and August 1, and announcements occur about four months post-deadline.

The Weyerhaeuser Giving Fund provides grants to support communities in the U.S. and Canada where the company operates. Focused on affordable housing, education, environmental stewardship, and more, the fund emphasizes projects that meet local needs and demonstrate community support. Eligible organizations include nonprofits and educational institutions. Applications are accepted year-round with a deadline for 2025 on September 30. National initiatives related to working forests are funded by invitation only.

The Waste Management Charitable Contributions Program supports initiatives that enhance environmental stewardship, sustainability education, and community vitality. With a commitment to civic pride and economic development, the program prioritizes organizations that address local needs and promote sustainable practices. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations that focus on public purposes, while ineligible requests include funding for operating costs and individual fundraising events. This initiative fosters a collaborative approach to community betterment.

The Roger Arliner Young (RAY) Fellowship Program, managed by the Environmental Leadership Program, aims to foster conservation and clean energy careers for emerging leaders of color. This two-year paid fellowship provides recent graduates with professional development, mentorship, and networking opportunities. Ideal candidates are those with a passion for social and environmental justice, who identify as part of historically marginalized groups, and are committed to community engagement. The program emphasizes diversity, equity, and inclusion in the environmental sector.

The Environmental Grantmaking Program at the Educational Foundation of America (EFA) aims to support projects that facilitate a transition to a net-zero electricity system. Focused on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the program emphasizes initiatives that enhance access to affordable clean energy, accelerate regional transitions, and strengthen financial investment in electric utilities. Eligible applicants include 501(c)3 public charities, academic institutions, and government entities committed to sustainable energy solutions.

SC Johnson Grants aim to enhance community welfare through charitable contributions, focusing on health, sustainability, and opportunity. Since 1937, the company has committed five percent of its pretax profits to support registered charities and nonprofit organizations, especially in areas where it operates. The grant program prioritizes initiatives addressing healthcare access, environmental conservation, and educational equity, ensuring that efforts align with the values of community service and corporate responsibility.