Best Unrestricted Grants for Nonprofits in Montana

The Ellis Memorial Nursing Scholarship at Montana State University offers financial assistance to students enrolled in the Mark and Robyn Jones College of Nursing. This scholarship supports the university's commitment to education and community engagement. Applicants must complete the Activities and Involvement sections of the General Application to qualify. Award amounts vary to accommodate different student needs, ensuring access to nursing education for those dedicated to serving society.

The Arthur H. and Margaret C. Post Scholarship at Montana State University supports high school graduates pursuing degrees in Land Resources and Environmental Sciences or Plant Sciences and Plant Pathology. Eligible students must be enrolled at least half-time in relevant agriculture or environmental science programs. This scholarship aims to prepare graduates for impactful careers in environmental stewardship and agricultural research, fostering innovation and enhancing the quality of life in Montana.

The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) intends to issue a Broad Pragmatic Studies (BPS) PCORI Funding Announcement (PFA) on Aug. 4, 2026, seeking to fund high-impact, patient-centered comparative clinical effectiveness research (CER) projects. This preannouncement provides potential applicants additional time to identify collaborators; obtain patient and stakeholder input on potential studies; and develop responsive, high-quality applications. 

Patient-centered CER compares at least two available health treatments, services or care delivery strategies. PCORI seeks proposals that compare clinical interventions (e.g., pharmacological and nonpharmacological treatments, screening and diagnostic approaches) and healthcare delivery system interventions (e.g., workforce, technologies, healthcare service delivery designs) to evaluate potential benefits and harms of different treatment and care delivery options, thus generating evidence that empowers patients, caregivers and the broader healthcare community with information to make informed choices that reflect their needs and preferences. 

The Holly Nickels Memorial Dietetics Scholarship, offered by Montana State University, supports high school graduates in Montana pursuing degrees in Food and Nutrition (Dietetics Option), the Montana Dietetics Internship, or Dietetics Systems Leadership. This scholarship aims to promote education and leadership in the field of dietetics, with award amounts varying based on eligibility. Montana State University is dedicated to advancing educational opportunities and fostering student success within the state.

The Helen B. Miller Horatio Alger Scholarship, supported by the Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation, provides financial assistance to high school seniors who have shown resilience and strong financial need. This scholarship aims to empower deserving students to pursue higher education at accredited nonprofit colleges or universities. Recipients are selected based on integrity and perseverance, helping them overcome personal challenges to achieve their educational goals and build successful futures.

The Great Apes and Gibbons Program Grant, administered by the Arcus Foundation, supports conservation efforts for great apes and gibbons across 24 priority landscapes in Africa and Asia. The program emphasizes sustainable coexistence between humans and wildlife, having awarded over 2,000 grants to more than 500 organizations globally. Funding is not available for individuals or specific lobbying activities, ensuring resources are directed towards impactful conservation initiatives.

The Ernest Morgan Memorial Scholarship, managed by CommunityGiving, supports central Minnesota student athletes and leaders to pursue higher education outside their home states. This scholarship aims to expand students' horizons and experiences, with a total award of $5,000 available. Open to high school seniors from specific schools, applicants are encouraged to apply online and demonstrate their leadership or athletic skills. This initiative enhances educational opportunities and fosters personal growth among local youth.

The MCF Snowbird Fund, managed by the Montana Community Foundation, provides vital support to Native families in Montana searching for missing loved ones. Eligible individuals can receive up to $1,000 for necessary expenses such as travel, meals, and tools. Since its inception, the fund has aimed to empower community-led searches across urban, rural, and reservation areas, reinforcing the foundation's commitment to philanthropy and community development in Montana.

The Horatio Alger Career and Technical Scholarship Program, funded by the Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation, offers financial support for students pursuing career and technical education. This program is aimed at individuals who have overcome adversity and are committed to achieving success through skills-based training. Eligible applicants must have a high school diploma, demonstrate financial need, and enroll in accredited programs in high-demand fields, fostering long-term economic stability.

The Carol and Dan Banghart Scholarship at Montana State University supports undergraduate nursing students demonstrating financial need, with preference for juniors and seniors. This scholarship aims to empower students pursuing a degree from the Mark and Robyn Jones College of Nursing. Applicants must complete the Activities and Involvement sections of the General Application to be considered. Award amounts vary, and the scholarship reflects MSU's commitment to fostering educational opportunities in the healthcare field.

The Horatio Alger Montana Undergraduate Scholarship Program, backed by the Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation, offers vital financial support to Montana high school seniors facing adversity. This scholarship targets students with strong character, financial need, and a commitment to higher education. Eligible recipients can utilize the award at any accredited nonprofit college in the U.S., ensuring they have access to necessary resources and mentoring to succeed in their academic pursuits and build brighter futures.

The National Forest Foundation's Matching Awards Program connects communities to forests by funding stewardship activities that promote engagement with National Forests and nearby public lands. This program aims to create lasting impacts, ensuring that all communities can benefit from the rich resources of these natural areas. By supporting various projects, the program fosters a deeper relationship between people and the environment, ultimately enhancing conservation efforts and community well-being.

The Business Professionals of America Scholarship at Montana State University supports incoming freshmen from BPA chapters pursuing degrees at the Jake Jabs College of Business and Entrepreneurship. Awarded during the spring of their senior year, recipients must maintain a minimum 2.75 GPA to continue receiving the scholarship. The award, which varies in amount, cannot be transferred if the student does not return for spring or switches programs, promoting commitment to academic excellence and community contribution.

The Great American Cleanup Grants, offered by Keep America Beautiful, aim to enhance community beautification and environmental efforts across the U.S. This initiative encourages KAB affiliates to remove litter, plant greenery, and restore public spaces, contributing to the larger goal of cleaning up 25 billion pieces of litter by 2026. With cash grants available, this program fosters collaboration among communities, promoting sustainable practices and a cleaner, greener future for all.

Service Objects In-Kind Grants support non-profit organizations dedicated to environmental conservation and sustainability. By leveraging their data validation services, they aim to assist projects that promote ecological health and responsible resource management. The program prioritizes applications with clear, measurable objectives and impactful outcomes within one to three years. Organizations with 501(c)(3) status in the U.S. are eligible, while initiatives lacking detailed plans or focusing on generalized education will not qualify. This grant fosters community involvement in environmental stewardship.

The Arthur B. and Louise Eager Ward Scholarship, offered by Montana State University, supports Montana high school graduates pursuing undergraduate studies in agriculture or environmental sciences. This scholarship emphasizes the importance of education in advancing knowledge and careers in environmental stewardship and agricultural sciences. By encouraging eligible students enrolled at least half-time, the scholarship aims to foster a new generation of leaders dedicated to improving Montana's economy and quality of life through research and community engagement.

The Burkenpas Agricultural Education Scholarship at Montana State University supports Montana high school graduates pursuing degrees in Agricultural Education, prioritizing those with financial need. This scholarship aims to foster student success and community engagement while preparing graduates to contribute meaningfully to society. Award amounts vary, and preference is given to students enrolled in the Agricultural Education – Teaching Option, aligning with MSU's mission to enhance education and innovation in agriculture.

The Bruce Parker Family Scholarship, offered by Montana State University, supports high school graduates from Montana seeking a degree or certificate at Gallatin College. This scholarship aims to assist those demonstrating financial need, making higher education more accessible. Award amounts vary, reflecting MSU's commitment to enhancing workforce development and community engagement. As Montana’s premier land-grant institution, MSU prioritizes student success and fosters innovation to strengthen the state’s economy and quality of life.

The Region 4 Professional Development Awards for 2025-2026 foster the growth of health information access and data science skills among network members. This funding supports diverse projects such as workshops, conferences, and educational activities aimed at enhancing the professional capacity of individuals affiliated with NNLM Region 4. By encouraging proposals that address the needs of underrepresented communities, the awards aim to improve health information services and access across the region.

The Dr. and Mrs. Chi-Tang Li Scholarship, offered by Montana State University, supports students pursuing degrees in Chemistry and Biochemistry. This scholarship aims to promote academic excellence and foster continued study in chemistry-related fields. Award amounts vary, reflecting MSU's commitment to enhancing educational opportunities and encouraging innovation in the sciences. With its strong focus on student success and community engagement, MSU plays a vital role in shaping future leaders in the field.

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.

Community Development Block Grant Housing

Montana's CDBG Housing grants help local governments fund primarily the rehabilitation of single-family or multi-family housing projects that benefit low- to moderate-income Montanans, i.e., households earning less than 80% of the area median income. CDBG offers two distinct types of housing grants:

• The competitive CDBG Affordable Housing Development and Rehabilitation Grant, for which applications are accepted every fall, and
• The CDBG Housing Stabilization Program, for which applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

CDBG Housing Stabilization Program

Successful applicants will qualify to access the CDBG HSP pool of funds for a period of five years. During that time, local governments are eligible to receive funds for the rehabilitation of single-family owner-occupied or rental units that benefit low- to moderate-income households. There is no maximum grant amount, and funds will be allocated based on the individual level of need and the scope of the project. Applications are accepted at any time.

The cities of Billings, Bozeman, Great Falls, and Missoula are entitlement communities and are not eligible for state CDBG funds, as they receive a CDBG allocation directly from HUD.

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.

Community Development Block Grant Housing

Montana's CDBG Housing grants help local governments fund primarily the rehabilitation of single-family or multi-family housing projects that benefit low- to moderate-income Montanans, i.e., households earning less than 80% of the area median income. CDBG offers two distinct types of housing grants:

• The competitive CDBG Affordable Housing Development and Rehabilitation Grant, for which applications are accepted every fall, and
• The CDBG Housing Stabilization Program, for which applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

CDBG Affordable Housing Development and Rehabilitation Grant

This grant is intended primarily for the rehabilitation of affordable housing projects. Typically, these housing projects are multi-family rental projects in which CDBG fills a funding gap.

The cities of Billings, Bozeman, Great Falls, and Missoula are entitlement communities and are not eligible for state CDBG funds, as they receive a CDBG allocation directly from HUD.

The Dr. B. L. Johnson Memorial Scholarship at Montana State University offers financial assistance to full-time students in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry who have reached junior status. This scholarship aims to support advanced scholars in their academic and professional journeys within chemistry-related disciplines. Montana State University, recognized as the state’s premier land-grant institution, is committed to fostering educational excellence and community engagement, making this scholarship a vital resource for future leaders in science.

The First Interstate BancSystem Foundation focuses on strengthening communities by providing grants primarily to nonprofits assisting low- and moderate-income individuals. In 2023, they awarded $9.2 million across their footprint, emphasizing projects with significant community impact. Grants are recommended by local First Interstate Bank branches and are evaluated based on the nonprofit's leadership, financial stability, and community benefit. Areas of ineligibility include individual projects and those that do not demonstrate a substantial community impact.

The Marvin R. and Pearl E. Patterson Family Fund Scholarship, offered by the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, supports students aspiring to study graphic or fine arts, as well as those interested in environmental sciences. Open to high school graduates from the Tri-Cities area, this scholarship considers leadership, community involvement, and academic achievements, although financial need is not a requirement. Applicants must provide transcripts and relevant documents to qualify for this opportunity.

The Chi Epsilon Scholarship, offered by Montana State University, supports junior students majoring in Civil or Environmental Engineering. This scholarship recognizes individuals who embody the honor society's values of scholarship, character, practicality, and sociability. With diverse award amounts, it aims to foster academic excellence and community engagement while preparing students to tackle real-world challenges in engineering.

The Energy Laboratories Chemistry Scholarship at Montana State University supports junior and senior students in Chemistry and Biochemistry with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Preference is given to Montana high school graduates. This scholarship aims to foster academic excellence while enhancing community engagement and research that benefits Montana's economy and quality of life. Award amounts vary, reflecting MSU's commitment to accessible education and student success.