Best Technology Grants in Montana

The Creag Foundation, established in 2009 in Woodinville, Washington, provides funding to innovative 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations addressing social issues. Focused on smaller organizations, the foundation seeks to support those with unique approaches to improve the human condition. Eligible applicants must have held 501(c)(3) status for at least one year and present a new or previously unaddressed solution to societal challenges. Applications are by invitation only, encouraging creativity and passion in charitable work.

The DanPaul Foundation aims to enhance early childhood development by training teachers and parents, protecting children from abuse, and promoting social responsibility. They provide grants to non-profits for programs that focus on education, health, and welfare of youth. Key initiatives include scholarships, environmental education, and support for underprivileged children. Grant amounts range from a few hundred dollars to $15,000 annually, with a focus on impactful, community-driven projects.

State Farm's Good Neighbor Citizenship Company Grants aim to enhance community safety, development, and education. Focused on long-term impact, they support initiatives in auto and home safety, disaster preparedness, affordable housing, and educational programs. Eligible recipients include nonprofits, educational institutions, and government entities. However, funding is not available for individuals, religious programs, or organizations outside the U.S. By addressing critical community needs, these grants foster safer and more resilient neighborhoods.

Nonprofit and community organizations in Montana expanding mental health services for Indigenous individuals can apply for grants of US $5,000 - US $10,000 from the Montana Community Foundation. Funding supports innovative, culturally appropriate approaches, including technology-based solutions, to improve prevention, early intervention, treatment, and recovery access for tribal and urban Indian communities.

Montana nonprofit organizations offering education, health, civic, cultural, or conservation programs can access funding through NorthWestern Energy to support community-focused projects and improvements. Grants may benefit initiatives such as STEM education, youth leadership, public safety, libraries, museums, and environmental or wildlife conservation within eligible Montana service-area counties.

The Semnani Family Foundation, established in 1993, is dedicated to supporting marginalized communities worldwide through health, education, and disaster relief initiatives. Founded by Khosrow and Ghazaleh Semnani, it began by funding an orphanage in Romania. The foundation also operates locally, providing free healthcare through the Maliheh Free Clinic in Utah. Its commitment to human welfare drives impactful partnerships in countries such as Afghanistan, India, and South Africa, focusing on the most vulnerable populations.

The Bank of America Foundation Sponsorship Program aims to enhance economic mobility and social progress in low- and moderate-income communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. This initiative focuses on critical areas such as workforce education, basic needs like food and housing, and community development. The Foundation invested $350 million last year and encourages employee volunteerism and giving, supporting nonprofits in various sectors, including arts, culture, and diversity initiatives.

U.S. nonprofit organizations, including those in Montana, can apply for US $1,000 - US $20,000 to support community-based programs such as education, cultural institutions, health facilities, and environmental or wildlife initiatives. The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation may also fund technology access or digital literacy efforts when they are part of these broader programs.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3)s, tribal entities, and select government institutions in Montana can seek large capital grants for construction, renovation, property purchase, and infrastructure upgrades that expand program capacity. With a mission to strengthen community-serving organizations, M J Murdock Charitable Trust provides funding for projects in areas like education, health, community services, and environmental stewardship, which may include technology-related facilities or equipment.

Montana nonprofits, tribal entities, and select government institutions seeking new equipment or technology can access funding through M J Murdock Charitable Trust for capacity-building infrastructure projects over US $50,000. Eligible projects must primarily benefit the Pacific Northwest region and align with priorities like education, health, environmental stewardship, scientific research, or community services, with grantees covering at least half of purchase costs.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, tribal entities, and select government institutions in Montana may qualify for strategic capacity-building support exceeding US $50,000. Funding from the M J Murdock Charitable Trust can help expand programs, add staff, and upgrade infrastructure, including technology investments and related startup costs across education, health, environment, and community services.

Montana 501(c)(3) arts organizations can receive up to US $1,000 to support arts-related programs, events, and professional development opportunities in Montana. With a mission to develop creative potential statewide, Montana Arts Council provides funding for activities like trainings, exhibitions, marketing, technology or tools, and other investments that help organizations better serve their communities, including tech-enabled arts initiatives.

The Spark Good: Strengthening Community Local Grants program by the Wal-Mart Foundation empowers local organizations through grants ranging from $250 to $5000. This initiative aims to enhance community welfare by supporting diverse projects, including animal shelters and educational programs. Eligible organizations must have a verified Spark Good account, ensuring funds are allocated effectively to meet local needs and foster community development. Together, we can create lasting impacts through small yet significant actions.

Montana agricultural producers, forest landowners, Tribes, and water management entities seeking conservation improvements on working lands can access funding through USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service of Montana. Support covers planning and implementing practices that improve soil, water, air, wildlife habitat, energy efficiency, and fire management, which may benefit operations using or managing agricultural technology.

Montana Department of Commerce

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. The vision of Commerce is to be the recognized leader in realizing Montana’s full potential by efficiently growing sustainable economies and vibrant communities.

Opportunities in Rural Economies

The purpose of the Opportunities in Rural Economies is to assist in economic development for Montana that will: create good-paying jobs for Montana residents, promote long-term, stable economic growth in Montana, retain or expand existing businesses, provide a better life for future generations through greater economic growth and prosperity in Montana, and encourage workforce development.

Economic Development Organization Capacity Building Grant

The Opportunities in Rural Economies Economic Development Organization Capacity Building Grant supports EDOs in strengthening their ability to provide outreach to their communities for economic development.

Eligible uses of grant funds may include, but are not limited to, technology investments, including software and hardware upgrades, workflow optimization, staff training, contracted services, marketing to increase program or organization visibility, community engagement efforts and partnership development with local lenders, workforce entities or education providers and other capacity-building uses that align with programmatic strategy. ORE EDO CBGP investments aim to ensure Enrolled EDOs have the resources to act as effective intermediaries between Eligible Businesses and the ORE LPP. Funding is not intended to support routine operations but to help Enrolled EDOs strategically increase their impact within Rural Montana.

The Nordstrom Community Grant focuses on supporting youth and families by providing over $1 million in grants annually. It aims to assist grassroots organizations that address essential community needs such as food, shelter, and clothing, as well as creating opportunities for economic mobility through mentorship and workforce development. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits located in areas where Nordstrom operates. Applications are encouraged for those meeting these criteria.

Opportunities in Rural Economies: Economic Development Organization Capacity Building Grant

Program Overview

The ORE Program suite has two components: participation loans, including low-interest loans and forgivable loans, and grants.

The Opportunities in Rural Economies Economic Development Organization Capacity Building Grant supports EDOs in strengthening their ability to provide outreach to their communities for economic development.

ORE Program loans and grants may not be used for a project that would result in the transfer or relocation of jobs from one part of the state to another part of the state. See § 90-1-203(1), MCA.

The Montana Department of Commerce has created the ORE LPP, the ORE EDO CBG and the ORE GP. The ORE Program suite exists within the Big Sky Economic Development Program authorized by §§ 90-1-201, MCA, et seq.

The purpose of the ORE EDO CBG is to assist EDOs in increasing their internal capacity to:

• Provide outreach to underserved rural businesses.
• Deliver technical assistance to advance economic development in their regions.
• Invest in technological improvements and innovations to improve operations.
• Provide training and professional development opportunities for staff and local business partners.

With a mission to support agricultural education, CHS Foundation provides Montana programs with funding for cooperative education projects that teach the ag cooperative business model through instruction, professional development, and hands-on experience. Eligible initiatives should reach middle school through college-age students or young producers and operate at a state or national level within the CHS trade area.

Montana Department of Commerce

Every day, staff at Commerce work alongside private industry and local organizations to create jobs, grow businesses, provide affordable housing and improve community infrastructure.

The economy of the Treasure State continues to grow and diversify. Studies rank Montana as the number one place in the country to start a business. Plus, our workforce has earned some of the highest rankings in both trade and technical skills by having one of the highest STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) concentrations in the country. Simply put, Commerce is here to find and remove barriers to your success. Together, we will continue to invest in Montana’s future by growing sustainable economies and vibrant communities.

Big Sky Film Grant Program

The Montana Film Office was established in 1974 as a central information source for filmmakers and to provide services to the film industry and the citizens of Montana. Its primary role is to promote Montana as a media production location for film, television and print industries. Today, the film office operates within the Destination MT Division of the Montana Department of Commerce and is funded by an allocation of the lodging facility use tax, commonly known as the bed tax. In 2025, the passage of Senate Bill 409 revised laws related to Commerce and the bed tax. The bill updated SB 540, which passed in 2023, restructuring the allocation of bed tax revenue by specifying how Commerce can use these funds for purposes like tourism promotion and grants.

The purpose of the Big Sky Film Grant is to build and support partnerships with filmmakers and productions companies to create film industry jobs throughout the state. In addition to providing grant funding, the Program elevates and supports Montana filmmakers, crew and businesses that provide products, services and locations to the film industry. To qualify, a production must film 50% or more of the principal photography days in Montana.

Nonprofit public charities in Montana seeking up to US $25,000 for capital projects like STEM education facilities, skilled trades training spaces, nature conservation sites, or community gathering places may be eligible. Ash Grove Charitable Foundation supports construction, renovation, and related special projects in its regional markets, including Montana, prioritizing meaningful, project-based funding.

The Robinson Foundation Grant, established in 2016, aims to alleviate hardships faced by individuals and communities, demonstrating God's love through charitable contributions. As a family-operated foundation, it focuses on creating meaningful, long-term impacts in various areas including animal welfare, education, and disaster relief. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501(c)(3) public charities. The foundation prioritizes fiscally responsible projects with the potential for tangible results, while not supporting capital projects.

BIPOC-led nonprofit organizations in Montana and other Western states can receive funding for youth ages 6–18 in athletics, culture, and education, including STEAM and college access programs. Charlotte Martin Foundation prioritizes rural communities and allows general operating support for programs that expand opportunities and racial equity for youth of color.

Rural public entities, nonprofits, higher education institutions, tribes, and rural cooperatives in Montana can obtain funding to provide technical assistance and infrastructure support for small rural businesses. Grants from USDA Rural Development help Montana communities expand technology-based economic development, business incubators, feasibility studies, leadership and entrepreneur training, and other community and rural business development projects, with awards ranging from US $10,000 - US $500,000.

The Mutual of America Foundation Community Partnership Award honors exemplary nonprofit organizations in the U.S. that foster collaborative partnerships across sectors. Annually, a national competition showcases numerous organizations demonstrating impactful community partnerships. Six organizations receive recognition, including the Thomas J. Moran Award, which offers $100,000, and the Frances R. Hesselbein Award, granting $75,000. Since 1996, the award has acknowledged 262 partnerships, emphasizing Mutual of America's commitment to societal improvement through collaboration.

Nonprofit organizations helping disadvantaged people become self-reliant can apply for Gupta Family Foundation grants, with awards from US $5,000 - US $250,000. Montana groups working on poverty, disability, social services, or disaster relief may be eligible if they are typically 501(c)(3)s or qualifying foreign entities with annual revenues between $300,000 and $3,000,000.

Friends of NRA

Friends of NRA is the National Rifle Association’s premier fundraising program, supporting the future of shooting sports. Since day one, Friends of NRA has been a 100% grassroots effort fueled by a united front to secure the Second Amendment and raise money for the shooting sports.

Committee volunteers are appointed to State Fund Committees to make recommendations for local grant funding in areas such as youth education, women-focused clinics, law enforcement training, hunter safety, range improvement, firearms and marksmanship training and safety. Recognizing the impact American youth has on the future of the shooting sports, State Fund Committees frequently recommend grants for youth programs, allocating the most significant portion of monies to this vital area.

Grant awards fund activities and support programs in the United States to promote firearms and hunting safety, to enhance marksmanship skills of those in the shooting sports, and to educate the public about firearms in their historic, technological and artistic context.

Friends of NRA State Fund Grant Program - Montana

The Friends of NRA State Fund Grant Program provides supplies, equipment, and financial support to a variety of qualified groups and programs at the local level; geared towards youth, women, law enforcement, veterans, the disabled, and the general public, including:

• General shooting programs
• Competitive shooting
• Education, training and safety
• Hunting and conservation
• Community outreach
• Historical education

Grant funding must be used to further a charitable purpose as defined by the Internal Revenue Code under section 501(c)(3) and accompanying rules, regulations, and other IRS law and materials.