Search Through Preservation Grants in Montana in the U.S.

Making community possible

At U.S. Bank, we are dedicated to supporting our communities through responsive and humbled actions focused on addressing racial and economic inequities and creating lasting change in our communities. Through our Community Possible Grant Program, we are partnering with organizations that focus on economic and workforce advancement, safe and affordable housing and communities connected through arts and culture.

The U.S. Bank Foundation is committed to making Community Possible through Work, Home and Play. We advance this work through collaborative grant making to bring equitable and lasting change through our focus on sustainable, high-impact funding with 501c3 nonprofit partners.

How we partner with nonprofits

We focus on collaborative grantmaking and sustainable, high-impact funding with 501(c)(3) nonprofit partners. We partner with organizations that support:

• Economic and workforce advancement
• Safe and affordable housing
• Community arts and culture

Our strategy

Our community affairs and foundation team work closely with U.S. Bank regional leadership, business resource groups and our National Community Advisory Committee to ensure that prevailing needs are addressed in all the communities we serve.

To make the most meaningful impact, we prioritize organizations that:

• Focus on economic development issues related to work, home and play
• Address more than one of the grant pillars (work, home and play)
• Are based in and serve designated U.S. Bank communities
• Advance diversity, equity and inclusion

Community Grants

State Farm is committed to helping build safer, stronger and better-educated communities.

• ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​We are committed to auto and home safety programs and activities that help people manage the risks of everyday life.
• We invest in education, economic empowerment and community development projects, programs and services that help people realize their dreams.
• We help maintain the vibrancy of our communities by assisting nonprofits that support community revitalization.

Good Neighbor Citizenship company grants focus on safety, community development and education.

Focus Areas

Safety Grants

We strive to keep our customers and communities safe. That's why our funding is directed toward:

• Auto safety — improving driver, passenger, vehicle or roadway safety
• Home safety — shielding homes from fires, crime or natural disasters
• Disaster preparedness and mitigation
• Disaster recovery

Community Development

We support nonprofits that invest and develop stronger neighborhoods. That's why our funding is directed toward:

• Affordable housing — home construction and repair
• Commercial/small business development
• Job training
• Neighborhood revitalization
• Financial literacy
• Sustainable housing and transportation
• Food insecurity

Education

Our education funding is directed toward initiatives that support the following programs:

• Higher education
• K-12 academic performance
• K-12 STEM
• Pathways for college and career success

Community Works

NorthWestern Energy is a community within many communities. We are close to 1,600 individuals working collectively to build stronger communities in Montana, Nebraska and South Dakota through the production, generation and delivery of electricity and natural gas.

Our goal is to be a leading corporate citizen in each of the diverse communities we serve. In 2019, our Community Works Fund contributed more than $2.1 million in economic development, charitable donations and community sponsorships. We are invested fully in the community spirit that connects us in common purpose.

Grant Categories

NorthWestern Energy wants to make the communities it serves better places to live, work and prosper. That's why we're proud to donate to a wide range of worthy causes. We encourage qualified nonprofit organizations that operate within our service territory to apply for donations through our NorthWestern Energy Charitable Giving program. Our local committees review requests year-round and determine funding.

While we seek to support a wide range of community activities, donations will generally be made to those non-profit groups that have the greatest opportunity for positively affecting the communities we serve and are focused in one of the following categories:

Education:

• Education remains a primary focus of the company. Donations to education will primarily be made through university system foundations and scholarship programs. Donations will also be made in support of local colleges, and special primary and secondary education programs in the fields of science, technology, math, and youth leadership.

Health And Human Services:

• Donations will be considered for organizations serving human needs such as the United Way, youth homes and special community health and safety needs. Donations will generally not be made to national health organizations or for medical equipment or research funds.

Civic And Community:

• Donations will be considered for civic improvement, special events, and youth and senior citizen organizations.

Culture And The Arts::

• Donations will be considered for local museums, libraries, cultural centers and the performing arts.

Resource Conservation::

• Donations will be considered for requests regarding environmental preservation including habitat, fish, and wildlife protection.

The Renewable Resource Grant and Loan Program (RRGL) funds the conservation, management, development and preservation of Montana's renewable resources. The RRGL program provides both grant and loan funding for public facility and other renewable resource projects. The Renewable Resource Grant Program recently completed the Stakeholder process. For more information visit RRG Strategic Planning.

Renewable resource grants to private entities are available for any water-related project that meets the purpose of the Renewable Resource Grant and Loan Program. They promote the conservation, development, and beneficial use of Montana’s water resources to secure maximum economic and social prosperity for its citizens.

The private water grant program is in place to support water projects funded by non-government entities such as individuals, associations, and watershed groups. Grants are available for projects that meet the following criteria:

• The project benefits a water resource
• The project is required by a government entity such as a county, conservation district or state agency
• Project costs are incurred before a grant agreement is signed
• The applicant is not a government entity
• The applicant has not received a grant from the Private Grant Program in the last five years

Summary

The Western Montana Conservation Commission (WMCC), an attachment to the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), is seeking applications from eligible entities to serve as partners in programs that reinforce efforts to enhance water quality through the reduction of toxins from stormwater and septic leachate within Western Montana, the headwaters of the Columbia River Basin. WMCC Grant Programs will provide funds to complete projects and programs that address the elimination or reduction of stormwater and septic leachate pollution, reduce runoff, and promote citizen engagement and knowledge through education and outreach efforts. These grant programs aim to support tribal, state, and local governments, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and others in implementing the Columbia River Basin Toxics Reduction Action Plan, as well as activities under the Clean Water Act (CWA) § 123, the Columbia River Basin Restoration Act.

Showcase Green Stormwater Infrastructure Project Grant

Purpose

As Western Montana rapidly grows and the population increases, urban stormwater is, and will continue to be, a source of toxic pollution in the Upper Columbia Basin. The Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI) Project Grant is designed to support the planning, design, and construction of two showcase green stormwater infrastructure projects in Western Montana. These projects will be designed to mitigate stormwater pollution and reduce runoff while showcasing additional co-benefits of GSI.

For the purpose of this grant, green stormwater infrastructure means any stormwater management technique or practice employed with the primary goal of preserving, restoring, mimicking, or enhancing natural hydrology. Green stormwater infrastructure includes but is not limited to methods of using soil and vegetation to promote soil percolation, evapotranspiration, and filtering or the harvesting and reuse of precipitation.

This grant supports projects that showcase green stormwater initiatives (i.e., stormwater parks, constructed wetlands) that mitigate stormwater toxins and provide Western Montana communities an amenity with co-benefits and opportunities for public engagement. Green stormwater treatment methods must have known toxic reductions (i.e., heavy metals, oil, grease, 6PPD, other emerging contaminants, etc.).

Grants Awarded

Two grants will be awarded.

The Foundation embraces the protection of biodiversity as its overarching priority.

Frank Weeden, the Foundation’s founder and original benefactor, established the Weeden Foundation to address the impact of growing human populations and overuse of natural resources on the biological fabric of the planet. Since his death in 1984, the Foundation has helped preserve more than 6 million acres of biologically important habitat worldwide and provided financing for the first debt-for-nature swap in Bolivia in 1992, a strategy that is now widely used by international conservation organizations. Program efforts have supported projects in environmentally sensitive regions of the western United States, Alaska, Russia, Bolivia, Chile, Peru, Columbia, Ecuador, Belize, Namibia, Mexico, and various Caribbean nations.

Focus Areas

On a more general scale the Foundation supports the following focus areas.

Bird Conservation

Our goal in the Bird Conservation program area is to conserve wild birds and their habitats throughout the Americas. In particular we seek to fund grantees that work to prevent bird species extinctions and to prevent declining populations of bird species from becoming endangered. We specifically focus on protecting and restoring public and private bird habitat and we assist in acquiring land for threatened bird species. Finally we support protection of bird migration corridors in North and South America.

Systemic Support program at the U.S. national policy level for wildlife corridors, the Endangered Species Act, and additional wilderness designation.

Our goal in Systemic Support is to improve the effectiveness of environmental efforts through specialized services. Specific objectives include:

• support the Endangered Species Act through litigation, lobbying, grassroots campaigns and public education generally,
• promote organizations providing support for groups engaged in wilderness protection, land conservation, endangered species protection, wildlife corridor issues, and management of public lands, an
• improve federal and state support for environmentally sustainable practices, wilderness designations, and wildlife corridors. 

Global Biodiversity

Our goal in Global Biodiversity is to support campaigns and/or groups in biodiversity hotspots. Specific objectives are to

• protect global temperate rainforests,
• support creation of wildlife corridors,
• land acquisition and protection for endangered species and,
• support projects that involve indigenous peoples in the process and stewardship of conservation projects.

Environmental Education

The Foundation’s Environment Education program area focuses on supporting grantees that will provide future leaders with the tools to effect environmental policies. These policies complement the other grantees of the Foundation including biodiversity and habitat protection. Sustainable environmental policies must include both immediate actions as well as education to anticipate and to prevent future environmental impact.

Marine Wildlife Conservation

The Marine Wildlife Conservation Program Area focuses on helping to protect endangered marine species in the Americas through research, advocacy, policy change, and habitat conservation.

To address the adverse impact of economic and human population growth on biodiversity, the Foundation’s grantmaking includes both Consumption and Population programs.

The Foundation’s Sustainable Consumption program currently focuses on promoting greater use of environmental paper. Grantmaking in this area aims to broaden the market for environmental papers and packaging through markets campaigns, shareholder activism, consumer-targeted education, and dialogue with the corporate sector. This year we have expanded our packaging program to include efforts to reduce plastics in the waste stream, through strategies such as eliminating single use plastic disposables by promoting reusable packaging for grocery stores, take-out, and delivery.

The Foundation’s International Population program area is focused on reducing population growth rates in countries recognized for their rich biodiverse landscapes and that have a total fertility rate exceeding replacement levels. To achieve this goal, the Foundation funds groups that facilitate initiatives related to family planning, women’s education and women’s empowerment in countries with such rich and recognized biodiversity. The Foundation also supports advocacy efforts addressing global population growth in the context of environmental sustainability.

About

The Irrigation Development Grant (IDG) Program supports irrigation projects that increase or sustain irrigated agriculture in Montana. Projects must address a need that will result in a benefit to irrigated agriculture.

Irrigation is the dominant commercial use of Montana’s water and is a key component of Montana’s economy, accounting for 96% of surface and ground water withdrawals. The IDG program was created to increase the value of irrigated crops while preserving natural resources and the environment for future generations.

Irrigation Development

Eligible Projects: The project must (1) address development or sustainment of Montana's irrigated agriculture, and (2) initiate or increase the sponsor's water conservation or measurement efforts. Projects may include equipment replacement (excepting private wells and sprinkler systems such as wheel lines and pivots), infrastructure repair, investigations, and planning.

Examples of Projects Include:

• Increase irrigation efficiencies through water conservation
• Expand or sustain irrigated acreage
• Increase production of high-value crops
• Improve management of irrigation systems
• Improve inter-basin cooperation among all water users. 

Idaho and Montana Grant Program

The Steele-Reese Foundation is a charitable trust committed to supporting rural communities and the tax-exempt entities that serve them in Idaho, Montana, in the Native nations that share the geography, and in Appalachian Kentucky. Since its inception, the Foundation has maintained a focus on the unique challenges of rural living and on helping people build healthy, successful, and sustainable communities.

We support Rural Education, Rural Human/Social Services, Rural Conservation and Preservation, Rural Health, and Rural Arts and Humanities projects. Applications from organizations operating outside of the Foundation's regional or programming areas are not eligible for funding. Please check back periodically for the latest updates about the Foundation's priorities and application policies.

Idaho and Montana Grant Program

In its Idaho and Montana Grant Program, The Steele-Reese Foundation makes grants only to federally tax-exempt entities for work in rural Idaho and Montana communities, and in Native nations with whom we share this geography. 

Program Areas

Rural Education

In both the Appalachian Kentucky and Idaho and Montana Grant Programs, the Foundation focuses on early childhood to Grade 12 education programming. Examples include funding for supplemental programs in early childhood education settings; elementary, middle, and high school programs that improve outcomes for students; support of literacy programs and out-of-school-time services; and charter schools and other model school programs that provide quality educational options for students and families. We also provide assistance to small public libraries. The Foundation does not accept applications to directly fund higher education, though we will consider early childhood to Grade 12 programs operated by colleges or universities or state or local education districts.

The Foundation considers education projects that demonstrate a comprehensive level of engagement with participants that result in clear and measurable outcomes. We are not able to fund those projects with single or limited interactions with students or those whose primary outcome is to raise awareness or introduce a concept. We are unable to support summer camps.

The Foundation also supports a small college scholarship program only for graduates of high schools in Lemhi and Custer Counties, Idaho.

Rural Human/Social Services 

In the Idaho and Montana Grant Program, the Foundation considers programs in support of low-income and under-represented populations, including elders, homeless individuals, people living with disabilities, young children, disadvantaged or disconnected older youth, young people or adults involved in the criminal justice system, and survivors of abuse or domestic violence. Programming within this area also includes support to local libraries, fire-protection services, and local food banks.

Rural Conservation and Preservation 

In the Idaho and Montana Grant Program, the Foundation considers land, water, and wildlife conservation; historic preservation and restoration projects; and ecosystem protection programs. All conservation or environmental programs must be locally focused on rural communities or landscapes.

National organizations are eligible for support only if all Steele-Reese Foundation funds will be employed directly in projects located in the geographical areas served by the Foundation and if the coordinating entity can demonstrate substantial connections to the people and organizations in these areas.

Rural Health 

In the Idaho and Montana Grant Program, the Foundation considers services in preventive health programs; medical clinics; small hospitals; EMS and ambulance units; family-planning programs, and hospices. The Foundation is not able to support major equipment purchases for rural medical facilities.

Rural Arts and Humanities 

In the Idaho and Montana Grant Program, the Foundation considers local arts programs, and the broader support of creative arts activities and efforts to maintain the rich histories of the Foundation’s funding geographies. 

Capital Improvements and Campaigns

In all program areas, the Foundation makes a limited number of grants for capital improvements, fixtures, and remodeling, retrofitting, and building new structures. In projects involving the building of a new facility or other large-scale capital endeavors, we typically make these grants only during the closing phases when a substantial portion of the required funds are already in hand. 

Funding

The minimum grant awarded by the Foundation is $5,000. We rarely make grants of up to $50,000 for a single year or make multi-year grants.

The Foundation is dedicated to providing financial assistance to organizations committed to improving our world. Solutions to the problems of today's world still lie in the values of innovation, practicality, hard work, and compassion.

The Foundation considers applications for grants in the following areas:

• Education
• Social Service
• Health care
• Civic and cultural
• Environmental

The categories above are not intended to limit the interest of the Foundation from considering other worthwhile projects. In general, the Foundation guidelines are broad to give us flexibility in providing grants.

The majority of our grants are made in the U.S. However, like Dr. Scholl, we recognize the need for a global outlook. Non-U.S. grants are given to organizations where directors have knowledge of the grantee.

Battlefield Preservation Fund

Grants from the Battlefield Preservation Fund will serve as a catalyst to stimulate efforts to preserve battlefields, viewsheds, and related historic structures and to leverage fund-raising activities.

Eligible Activities

National Trust Preservation Fund grants are awarded for planning activities and education efforts focused on preservation. Grant funds can be used to launch new initiatives or to provide additional support to on-going efforts.

Planning

Supporting existing staff (nonprofit applicants only) or obtaining professional expertise in areas such as architecture, archaeology, engineering, preservation planning, land-use planning, and law. Eligible planning activities include, but are not limited to:

• Hiring a preservation architect or landscape architect, or funding existing staff with expertise in these areas, to produce a historic structure report or historic landscape master plan.
• Hiring a preservation planner, or funding existing staff with expertise in this area, to produce design guidelines for a historic district.
• Hiring a real estate development consultant, or funding existing staff with expertise in this area, to produce an economic feasibility study for the reuse of a threatened structure.
• Sponsoring a community forum to develop a shared vision for the future of a historic neighborhood.
• Organizational capacity building activities such as hiring fundraising consultants, conducting board training, etc.

Education and Outreach

Support for preservation education activities aimed at the public. The National Trust is particularly interested in programs aimed at reaching new audiences. Funding will be provided to projects that employ innovative techniques and formats aimed at introducing new audiences to the preservation movement, whether that be through education programming or conference sessions.

Guidelines

Grants from National Trust Preservation Funds (NTPF) are intended to encourage preservation at the local level by supporting on-going preservation work and by providing seed money for preservation projects. These grants help stimulate public discussion, enable local groups to gain the technical expertise needed for preservation projects, introduce the public to preservation concepts and techniques, and encourage financial participation by the private sector. A small grant at the right time can go a long way and is often the catalyst that inspires a community to take action on a preservation project. Grants generally start at $2,500 and range up to $5,000.

Eligible Activities

National Trust Preservation Fund grants are awarded for planning activities and education efforts focused on preservation. Grant funds can be used to launch new initiatives or to provide additional support to on-going efforts.

Planning: Supporting existing staff (nonprofit applicants only) or obtaining professional expertise in areas such as architecture, archaeology, engineering, preservation planning, land-use planning, and law. Eligible planning activities include, but are not limited to:

• Hiring a preservation architect or landscape architect, or funding existing staff with expertise in these areas, to produce a historic structure report or historic landscape master plan.
• Hiring a preservation planner, or funding existing staff with expertise in this area, to produce design guidelines for a historic district.
• Hiring a real estate development consultant, or funding existing staff with expertise in this area, to produce an economic feasibility study for the reuse of a threatened structure.
• Sponsoring a community forum to develop a shared vision for the future of a historic neighborhood.
• Organizational capacity building activities such as hiring fundraising consultants, conducting board training, etc.

Education and Outreach: Support for preservation education activities aimed at the public. The National Trust is particularly interested in programs aimed at reaching new audiences. Funding will be provided to projects that employ innovative techniques and formats aimed at introducing new audiences to the preservation movement, whether that be through education programming or conference sessions.

Each year, with proceeds from the Red Ants Pants Music Festival, the Red Ants Pants Foundation awards grants to organizations and individuals whose projects further our mission. Our granting is focused on projects that align with our mission pillar of enriching and promoting rural communities. Now having completed our eleventh grant cycle, the Red Ants Pants Foundation has granted over $190,000 to well over 100 entities across nearly every corner of Montana.

​Eligible individuals or organizations must have a mission and values in alignment with the Foundation and demonstrate that the grant award will be used in a way that furthers the mission and values of the Red Ants Pants Foundation.

The Mission of the Red Ants Pants Foundation:

• To develop and expand leadership roles for women.
• To preserve and support working family farms and ranches.
• To enrich and promote rural communities.

The Values of the Red Ants Pants Foundation:

• To recognize and cultivate a strong work ethic.
• To encourage and build self-reliance, especially for women.
• To educate the public on the importance of maintaining traditional work skills.
• To provide opportunities for people with different perspectives to connect, build bridges, and discover common ground.

Priority Area - Enrich and promote rural communities

We believe in the value of rural communities, because in small towns, we need each other, and we maintain the personal connection.

Proposed projects should:

• Primarily serve rural areas in the state of Montana 
• Demonstrate community support via financial or in-kind donations, matches, volunteers, partnerships etc
• Be spearheaded by competent individuals and/or organizations that demonstrate strong leadership capacity and the ability to leverage resources
• Demonstrate an impact on the quality of life through tangible effects on the local community

Examples include but are not limited to:

• Community educational resources such as libraries, museums
• Community gatherings or events
• Public gathering spaces - bring back the dance halls!
• Community cultural education sessions, gatherings, or organizations 
• Training for local leaders 
• Agricultural or civic organizations with programs or resources that support rural areas
• Other projects that are important in your community

Definition and Purpose

The Cinnabar Foundation supports organizations that effectively conserve, preserve and restore the natural environment in Montana and the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.

Program/Project Grants provide funding that enables an organization to carry out a specific project, program or campaign. 

Priority for Program/Project Grants will be given to projects that align with the Cinnabar Foundation's priorities and advance the Foundation's strategic vision and conservation goals. 

Conservation Program Areas

The Cinnabar Foundation has adopted four key program areas that align with its Strategic Framework, each with specific focus areas designed to drive impact and further the Foundation's mission. Conservation program areas and focuses are described below.

Please note that in 2025, the Cinnabar Foundation Board of Directors has adopted a new policy regarding educational programs. Cinnabar has de-emphasized funding K-12 education and community-based ecology and conservation programs that are not embedded in the applying organization’s broader conservation work.

• For example, if an organization is strictly a K-12 or community-based ecology or conservation program without a broader conservation work, Cinnabar will likely not fund that organization in 2025. However, if education is one element of the organization’s broader conservation strategy (and that strategy aligns with Cinnabar’s mission), that organization will be considered. 

2025 Program Areas

• Build an informed constituency to inspire conservation actions that advocate to preserve and restore our natural heritage as we adapt to change
• Support the advancement of climate strategies and solutions 
• Support stewardship practices that enhance ecosystem health 
• Prevent or mitigate irresponsible natural resource extraction 
• Nurture the next generation of conservation leaders and stewards 

• Protect wildlife habitat and migration corridors
• Conserve strategic open space and agricultural lands that protect habitat and migration corridors

• Advocate, preserve and protect our public lands and public access
• Support citizen science and field work restoration programs

• Protect, restore and advocate on behalf of clean air, water and fisheries
• Support citizen science and field work restoration programs

Applications will be accepted in any of these four program areas as long as they are focused on one or more of the bulleted criteria.

2025 Funding Priorities 

​Cinnabar has four funding priorities which are hierarchically described below.

• Build an informed constituency to inspire conservation actions that advocate to preserve, protect and restore clean air, water, lands and public access, wildlife, fisheries, and wildlands in Montana and the GYE
• Expand knowledge through scientific research and data collecting to find and implement solutions to environmental and conservation challenges (includes citizen science)
• Conserve strategic open space and agricultural lands that protect wildlife habitat and migration corridors
• Protect public lands and advance critical wilderness projects

Funding Amount

Applicants seeking Program/Project support are advised that grant amounts will not exceed 50% of the total project budget, or $15,000, whichever is less. Cinnabar rarely funds more than 25% of total program/project expenses.

Community Foundation of Northern Rosebud County Grant

Thank you for your interest in applying for a grant from the Community Foundation of Northern Rosebud County (CFNRC). The foundation is an affiliate of the Montana Community Foundation (MCF) and provides grants to qualified non-profit and charitable community service projects in northern Rosebud County and the communities of Forsyth, Angela, Ingomar and Rosebud. 

Grant Criteria

Grants will be made for projects in the following program areas:

• Youth Programs & Education
• Recreation Art & Culture
• Community & Economic Development
• Natural Resources
• Conservation & Environment
• Emergency Services
• Healthcare Services
• Historic Preservation

Evaluation Criteria

The granting process is competitive. Eligible projects will be evaluated on the following criteria.

• Provides a direct benefit to local, area residents by enhancing quality of life now and into the future.
• Creates long term asset building and is sustainable.
• Addresses important community needs.
• Demonstrates wide spread support. Applicant works with other entities to reflect community support with additional funding and in-kind contributions toward the project.

Community Foundation of Northern Rosebud County

Thank you for your interest in applying for a grant from the Community Foundation of Northern Rosebud County (CFNRC). The foundation is an affiliate of the Montana Community Foundation (MCF) and provides grants to qualified non-profit and charitable community service projects in northern Rosebud County and the communities of Forsyth, Angela, Ingomar and Rosebud. 

Grant Criteria

Grants will be made for projects in the following program areas:

• Youth & Education
• Recreation, Arts & Culture
• Basic Human Services
• Community & Economic Development
• Natural Resources, Conservation & the Environment
• Health Care Services
• Emergency Services
• Historic Preservation

Evaluation Criteria

The granting process is competitive. Eligible projects will be evaluated on the following criteria.

• Provides a direct benefit to local, area residents by enhancing quality of life now and into the future.
• Creates long term asset building and is sustainable.
• Addresses important community needs.
• Demonstrates wide spread support. Applicant works with other entities to reflect community support with additional funding and in-kind contributions toward the project. 

Signature Community Impact Grant

Signature Community Impact Grants, a new program added in 2019, can range in size up to $10,000; however, the project must have significant community support and partnerships, and demonstrate significant community impact. 

Grant requests will be evaluated by the CFNRC Granting Committee and are approved by the Montana Community Foundation. Demonstrating partnerships and community support is extremely important as our grants become more competitive. We are not likely to fund 100% of any project. Money, labor and in-kind donations are all helpful in partnering. CFNRC requires quality digital pictures (300 dpi minimum) of your project, including progress or “action shots” and end results.

About High Stakes Foundation

The High Stakes Foundation supports visionary people and organizations in Montana through grants and program related investments. We fund transformational ideas that promote equality, climate change solutions, economic development, local agriculture, sustainable communities, ecosystem preservation and leadership. We believe in solutions which support vibrant, interconnected communities that give everyone in the local community a direct, long-term interest in the prosperity, health, and beauty of Montana.

We primarily provide general operating support grants to dynamic mission-aligned change-makers.

Focus Areas

We support talented and skilled leaders and their organizations who are focused on:Civic EngagementWe support change makers working to engage, inform and activate constituents in support of a vibrant, just democracy. Climate ChangeWe support proactive solutions to protect the environment. ConservationWe believe in conserving public lands for future generations. Economic DevelopmentWe champion increased opportunity and robust, sustainable local economies. LeadershipWe encourage the next generation of Montana community leaders. Local Food SystemsWe support local food security in Montana. Social JusticeWe value a vibrant, informed democracy, and promote a just, equitable society. SustainabilityWe believe in reducing our footprint here in Montana and around the globe. Please see FAQs for additional guidelines.

Our roots run deep.

The Ash Grove Charitable Foundation makes grants annually to support the work of public charities with tax exempt status under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code in the geographical markets that we serve.

As one of the largest cement companies in the United States and one of the oldest still in operation, Ash Grove plays an important part in the foundation and infrastructure of our country. And with plants from coast to coast, being a good neighbor in the communities in which we live and serve is a priority and part of our DNA.

Ash Grove territory is a lot of ground to cover. We believe in active participation to improve the existing and future quality of life in the communities we serve. This participation includes financial support to charitable activities. We aren’t just focused on building highways and buildings – we are also helping to build better communities.

Ash Grove is one of the largest cement companies in the United States and one of the oldest still in operation. Ash Grove plays a part in the foundation and infrastructure of our country. With plants from coast to coast, being a good neighbor in the communities we live and serve is a priority and part of our DNA.

The Ash Grove Charitable Foundation mission is to support communities today without compromising future needs, where nature is respected, minds challenged, opportunities created, and neighbors gather in the community. We stand together to build better communities. Communities that thrive today and for future generations.

Funding Priorities

The Foundation awards grants to charitable, educational, and scientific organizations, which are public charities.

The Foundation gives primary consideration to capital building and renovation projects for the following funding priorities:

• Nature – Protect or Preserve.
• Education – STEM
• Economic – Trade Skills
• Civic – Gather in Community
• Human Services – Shelter

Funding

The Foundation’s goal is to provide significant support to public charities for capital building and renovation projects. Grants for these projects generally are limited to $25,000. Consideration is also given to program grant requests. Grants for these projects are generally limited to $5,000.

About the Foundation

Jesse W. Couch lived a life of zeal, honor, and dedication to the betterment of his community. The Couch family now humbly stewards the foundation he created to carry on his legacy of service for future generations. We believe that impact is best accomplished through partnerships with local organizations that know the people and communities they serve. We invest in and support efforts to protect the environment, further conservation and preservation initiatives, and save historical architecture that preserves community heritage. We also support initiatives that promote wellness and mental health and organizations seeking to provide and further education for all communities.

Annual Grant Focus

Each year, we seek to partner with and support non-profit organizations making an impact in the focus areas listed here.  The focus areas for 2025 are:

• Animal Wellbeing: We are dedicated to helping nonprofit organizations that nurture compassion and respect for all living animals. We must have animal-focused organizations that advocate for animal rights and provide humane treatment across all spectrums.
• Early Childhood Education: We are looking for schools that are providing young children with a creative and balanced approach to education. Things we love in early childhood curriculums:
  • Life Skills
  • Collaboration With Their Peers and Teachers   
  • Having Fun   
  • Montessori Teachings   
  • Project Based Teachings   
  • Diversity   
  • More Time Outside   
  • Less Screen Time
• Teachers: Teachers are essential to providing children with the best possible education. We must invest in their future and are always looking for teams that help them succeed in educating future generations.
• Get Outside: Being outside can improve memory, fight depression, lower blood pressure, and more! We support organizations that facilitate and encourage more outdoor activities that help create healthier communities. 

William B. Pratt Endowment Fund

The William B. Pratt Endowment Fund was established as a legacy gift to the people of Montana to help them tell and share stories- especially the untold ones- about Montana's arts, culture, and history and to learn about the traditional art forms and cultures of Montana.

Each year, the fund awards grants to benefit Montana Traditional, Folk and Media Arts. The William B. Pratt Endowment Fund will make grants to:

• Build awareness, involvement, and preservation of Traditional and Folk Arts in Montana.
• Encourage the education about, as well as the production and presentation of, Media Arts in Montana.

Traditional and Folk Arts Grants

This fund was established by William B. Pratt who has a life-long interest in Traditional and Folk arts, with experience as a musician working in the folk tradition and as a living history and production artisan in forged iron. This fund also honors his work in documentary and industrial film/video production, fostering community video efforts, and his extensive experience in grants administration, the development of arts and nonprofit organizations, and fostering philanthropy in the state.

The William B. Pratt Endowment Fund is a legacy gift to the people of Montana to help them tell and share stories – especially the untold ones – about Montana’s arts, culture and history and to learn about the traditional art forms and cultures of this unique state.

The Traditional and Folks Arts Program provides support to build awareness, involvement, and the preservation of Traditional and Folk Arts in Montana.

Funding

Grants will range in size from $500 to $2,000. Small grant requests less than $750 can apply using a simplified application form.

All grants must be matched dollar-for-dollar in cash or a combination of cash and in-kind contributions. Applicants are encouraged to seek multiple funding sources.

In 1998, the Jerry Metcalf Foundation inaugurated its annual award program. Each spring, the Foundation awards between $25,000 to $50,000 to selected individuals and organizations. Most grants that have been awarded in our 25-year history have fallen between $1,000 and $5,000.

The Foundation invites applications for the following purposes: 

• specific projects
• buildings
• assets and endowments
• operation and administration costs
• matching funds

The Foundation supports projects in these areas:

• the visual, performing, and literary arts
• historical research and preservation
• environmental research and conservation
• education and community health

The Powder River Community Endowment Fund (PRCEF) seeks to preserve the economic vitality of the Greater Powder River Area for future generations. The PRCEF will allow us to control our own destiny by using the knowledge of our people to develop our resources and to plan projects from a "grass roots" level rather than waiting for others to decide our future for us.

How did the PRCEF come to be?

The Ford Foundation issued grants to four states : Montana, New Mexico, New Hampshire, and Tennessee, as part of a rural initiative program. The purpose of the program is to strengthen rural communities all over the world.

The Montana Community Foundation (MCF) was the recipient of the grant in Montana and chose to offer the money in the form of matching funds to three communities across the state -- the Great Powder River Area, Scobey (Daniels County) and Browning. The decisions on how to best use the money was left up to each recipient to support decision-making from the "grass roots" level.

The Ford Foundation is looking to us for information to record our successes and experiences so that we can serve as a model for other communities all over the world. We chose the name "Powder River Community Endowment Fund" because we are confident that we, in the greater Powder River County area, can serve as a example and show other rural communities how to work toward economic vitality.

Through the efforts of the PRCEF, monetary gifts will not only be memorialized forever on a quilt displayed in the courthouse lobby, but will go on providing a continuous source of income to the many communities needs forever. We can be proud of the money we have raised in the past and in the future.

We are on the forefront of empowering our own people to aid community causes. The PRCEF is an innovative and powerful way of surviving in the next century.

How does the PRCEF work?

As a Agency Fund of the Montana Community Foundation, the PRCEF has a 501(C)(3) non profit status. The School/Community Development Council (SCDC) retains management of the PRCEF earnings for local projects while MCF exercises fiscal oversight, fund accounting, record keeping, reporting and investment of funds.

The people in our area have always been generous when supporting the various projects and needs of the community. The problem is that once the money is raised and spent, it's gone and has to be raised again when another "need" arises.

By setting up a permanent endowment fund, money that is contributed will earn more money and become a continuous source of income for the Powder River region.

A permanent endowment fund has two parts:

• the principal which builds but is never spent, and
• the earnings which will be spent as the community directs.

The School Community Development Council grants out monies from MCF to local and surrounding community organizations each year.

Our Core Principles:

• Relevance: We continually seek information regarding significant opportunities in our region and in our focus areas to ensure that we are responding to current needs and opportunities.
• Community Engagement: We seek to foster community engagement in protecting wildlife and habitat and in engaging youth skills to build directly on community needs and strengths.
• Focus on Place: Grounded in the Northwest, we fund in urban, rural and tribal communities in Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington where people work to improve the places that they live.
• Expand Opportunity: We give special consideration in our grant making to benefit and expand opportunities for underserved populations in our region.

Wildlife and Habitat Programs: Promoting Biodiversity in a Changing Climate

Conservation efforts that utilize the impacts of climate change when selecting areas for protection.

Engaging a community of citizens, scientists, and conservationists in educating the public about biodiversity and climate change.

Restoring important lands for biodiversity, focal species, and landscape connectivity. Including but not limited to:

• Assessments to identify species and communities at risk, including strategies to work toward ecosystem resilience.
• Identification of barriers to migration and mitigation measures to enhance landscape connectivity.
• Adaptive restoration strategies based on predicted species range expansion and contraction.
• Promoting the biodiversity of the marine and freshwater environments.

Guidelines for Wildlife and Habitat Programs

As development pressures increase, the stewardship of vital ecosystems is critical for protecting wildlife populations and habitat. The effort must be based on solid conservation biology, recognizing the resilience, complexity and interdependence of all life. Conservation of critical habitat and species requires comprehensive strategies and collaboration among partners working in the region, recognizing the limitation of funds available. Stewardship is the shared responsibility of empowered citizens, engaged scientists, collaborating foundations, informed business and property owners, and an accountable government. Healthy and diverse wildlife populations and habitat must be preserved through sound government policies and a range of creative conservation approaches. The principle of sustainability requires that environment, economics and equity are considered together to protect the quality of life at every level.

Our Current Priorities

For those requesting support for youth programs, the Foundation will continue to focus on rural BIPOC organizations and allowing organizations to use awarded funds for general operating support.

Recognizing the critical role of BIPOC organizations, the Charlotte Martin Foundation continues to make it a priority to partner with organizations doing progressive work specifically in the areas of youth education and climate change, with a special emphasis on serving communities of color. Three years ago, we created a fellowship designed around researching BIPOC led organizations within our 5-state region that align with our priorities. We recognize that private funding is inequitably given to white-led organizations and we want to show our commitment to redistributing resources to non-dominant, BIPOC organizations.

Increasing Opportunities for BIPOC:

Increasing racial equity and diversity for youth ages 6-18.

BIPOC led nonprofit organizations with diverse leadership and staff are the focus of our grant-making. Organizations based in rural communities are also a priority for our foundation.

Programs that create opportunities in areas of education, cultural expression and athletics. Including but not limited to:

• Increase access to and the creation of diverse cultural experiences.
• Improve school-based and out-of-school learning opportunities in areas such as science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM) and other areas.
• Increase early college awareness and access to post-secondary education.
• Increase access to sports and diversify sports programs.

Guidelines for Youth Programs

Our program funding for youth ages 6-18 falls into three areas: Athletics, Culture and Education. Grants for youth programs must fall within one of these three program areas.

Youth Athletics

Athletics include a wide range of individual and team sports, with an emphasis on the value of sports for lifelong participation. School-sponsored intramural and after school sports programs have been greatly reduced, and middle-school aged youth have been most affected. After school athletics can be the incentive that gets kids involved in programs that also have educational and cultural components. Demand is increasing for athletics programs and facilities in rural areas and inner cities. More girls are getting involved in sports, requiring additional programs and space. Coaches are key to a positive experience for young people, and good coaching requires training.

Youth Culture

Culture includes art, music, dance, literature, theater, ethnic and regional heritage. Positive experiences in culture are essential in educating the whole person and should be an integral part of the lives of youth. Young people can use cultural experiences as creative resources to build self-esteem, promote personal growth, and preserve traditions. Arts and culture programs in the schools are being reduced or eliminated, and many communities, both urban and rural, have limited access to cultural resources.

Youth Education

All young people should have the opportunity to fulfill their potential. Education, in and out of school, happens best when youth direct their learning and engage in compelling problem-solving and critical thinking. Educators need support to play a vital role in assisting youth to investigate their passions and explore new interests. Rural schools often have less access to resources and curricula than urban schools. Both public and private schools need support.

Our Mission

Assisting organizations actively engaged in promoting education to enable our youth to become productive, contributing members of our society.

Assisting those organizations actively engaged in assisting the homeless and the oppressed.

Assisting those organizations actively engaged in promoting the conservation and preservation of our wildlife in our country and the world.

Assisting those organizations actively promoting conservation of the environment, with particular emphasis on conserving wildlife habitat and wildlife migratory routes.

Assisting those organizations promoting the health, care, and welfare of dogs, including the training of dogs to assist and benefit in improving the quality of life for humans and other animals.

Mission

Our mission is to promote actions and foster understanding to inspire conservation from the Rhododendron Preserve to the Salish Sea region.

New in 2024, this competitive grant opportunity is focused on conservation, preservation, and restoration projects proposed by conservation-focused non-profit organizations in the states of Alaska, Montana, Oregon, Idaho plus Eastern Washington State.

Norm Winn was a passionate conservationist. His contributions to the Pacific Northwest are legendary from helping pass the 1976 Alpine Lakes Wilderness bill, 1984 Washington Wilderness Act, the Olympic National Park ocean strip additions in 1988. He also worked with Senator Patty Murray on the Plum Creek Land Exchange.

Norm served on the Board of Directors of the Keta Legacy Foundation, also known as the Mountaineers Foundation, for many years. His area of focus was the grants the Foundation awarded to conservation organizations throughout the Pacific Northwest. Norm was adamant that both large and small organizations be supported through the Foundation’s extensive granting program.

Norm Winn Memorial Conservation Grant

The Norm Winn Memorial Conservation Grant is a competitive grant for projects that support the environment through conservation, preservation, or restoration.

• Conservation: work to minimize use of finite natural resources and our negative impacts on ecosystem health.
• Preservation: work to protect ecosystem, species, and other irreplaceable elements of the region.
• Restoration: work to re-establish the healthy functions of an ecosystem.

Grants are awarded on a competitive basis and the amount granted may vary based on the project type and scope. The maximum amount that may be requested is $25,000.

Background

The Thomas and Corinne Nyquist Foundation is a family foundation. 

It was formed in 2004 to provide financial support for local initiatives and programs of nonprofit organizations and groups in New Paltz, NY, and in Roosevelt County, Montana, with emphasis on the communities of Bainville, Culbertson, and Froid.

Grants

The Nyquist Foundation awards small grants to local nonprofit organizations in the towns of Bainville, Froid and Culbertson, MT and New Paltz, NY annually. Past grant recipients have included the Froid Library to augment their Montana Collection, Historic Huguenot Street to support a series of guided tours focusing on native plants, Culbertson Museum for a facilities upgrade, the Town of Froid for updates to their Community Center, The Mill Brook Preserve to install bog bridges, and the Mohonk Preserve to create new trail markers.

Applications must include detailed information on how the money would be spent including written documentation or links to websites showing the items to be purchased and their costs, or written estimates from any contractor providing a service.

Grant money must be used for what was stated in the grant application, and within one year of the award. Any unused moneys must be returned.

About

The Montana Trout Foundation is a non-political, non-partisan 501c3 non-profit organization, and our sole purpose is to preserve and enhance wild trout resources.

We believe the best way to accomplish this goal is through funding scientific research, fisheries education, and trout habitat enhancement. And because our perspective is angler-based, our work results in not just healthier fisheries, but better fishing for all of us.

Grant Program

To ensure your request fits our priorities (and therefore qualifies for our grant program), the primary objectives of the MTF are: 

• To preserve and enhance the wild trout resources of Montana by the encouragement, support and funding of scientific research, education, and habitat enhancement projects.
• To promote relevant educational activities in order to create a better awareness among the general public of the need for and value of the improvement and maintenance of open spaces, of wild trout habitat, and of the natural environment, whether public or private, with emphasis on the preservation of water quality and on the prevention, detection, and correction of water pollution.

Also keep in mind that an MTF grant can fund initial project assessment, planning, and design that will qualify a project for additional funding through these other sources. Essentially MTF can grant any project that the board deems appropriate based on our mission.