Search Through Quality of Life Grants in Montana in the U.S.

ASPCA Northern Tier Shelter Initiative Grants

The Northern Tier Shelter Initiative (NTSI) is an ASPCA program that provides grants, free consultations and training to brick-and-mortar shelters, non-profit veterinary clinics and Indigenous communities in Alaska, Washington, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota and Wisconsin to improve the quality of life for cats and dogs.

Broadwater Community Foundation

Mission:

The Broadwater Community Foundation (BCF) builds a community endowment fund that develops resources to enhance the quality of life and shape the future of Broadwater County.

About Us 

Broadwater Community Foundation (BCF) is a permanent endowment fund created in 1993 by and for the people of Broadwater County. We serve as catalysts and supporters of good works to address community needs and challenges. 

Funds raised by BCF are placed in an endowment under the supervision of the Montana Community Foundation in Helena, Montana, where they are invested and managed with the goal of "growing" the fund. Each year a percentage of the earnings from the fund are available for the BCF Board of Directors to grant out to support local projects that will improve our community.

The BCF Board of Directors is a group of dedicated local volunteers who work diligently on behalf of the foundation to increase public awareness, raise funds, support community projects, and provide scholarships to graduating high school seniors. We are your neighbors and our goal is to help ensure that the quality of life we so cherish continues in our community. We appreciate your support and hope that you consider giving again, or for the first time, to BCF this year. Remember your donations are tax deductible!

Marketing Grant

To be eligible for one of these grants the event or attraction you are promoting must benefit economic development in Broadwater County by bringing people from outside the county to participate in your event or attraction. The main purpose is to help bring more people to Broadwater County that will support the local businesses. Events that will have little impact on local business may not be approved for a grant. The BCDC Board has the final say as to what grants are funded.

You are invited to apply for one of these grants if your organization or group is based in Broadwater County & your event will be held in Broadwater County. 

Funding

These 50/50 matching grants are being awarded for up to $500.00 for event or attraction promotion. BCDC members are eligible for up to $500; non-members are eligible for up to $250.00.

The Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation funds direct service non-profit organizations that help improve the quality of people’s lives by providing them with the tools they need to succeed. Since its inception in 1988, it has funded programs for those with special needs, summer camps for cancer-stricken or troubled children and ensured access to theater, arts and music programs by economically disadvantaged youth and their families. It has granted wishes for terminally ill children, awards for science and math fair winners, and funded programs to purchase clothing, school supplies and toys for needy children. The Foundation also has supported rescue missions, food banks, shelters for victims of domestic violence, free mammogram exams for low-income women, and dental screenings and preventive care for underprivileged youth.

When making a grant decision, we examine each organization’s financial stability, staffing and facility capacity, and relevant partnerships. Additionally, we assess the capability of an organization to sustain a program into the future and their ability to show measurable impact on the population they serve. Finally, funding is guided toward organizations that support low income, rural, and underserved populations through one of our four main focus areas:

Our Four Main Focus:

The Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation funds organizations that have accurately identified needs consistent with our mission and scope and who have successfully worked to provide programs and services that give youth and economically and socially disadvantaged individuals, families and those with special needs the tools they need to succeed in life.

Education

Education taps the immeasurable potential of the mind. Reaching children through early childhood education, after-school learning programs, post-secondary and graduate scholarships help our young people get the start they deserve. Providing higher education scholarships and funding educational programs helps build a strong educational foundation for future leaders.

Health and Human Services

Health and Human Services ensures the vitality of the human body and spirit. We target programs that ensure access to basic health care services to the most vulnerable members of our communities, as well as programs that educate our youth about wellness, nutrition, exercise and healthy lifestyles. We also support experiential programs that offer disabled or disadvantaged people opportunities they may not have otherwise.

Arts and Culture

Arts and Culture represents the innovation and creativity of a society. Through cultural endeavors we help bring people together to share their creative talents, intellects, passions, customs and bold initiatives to explore new ways of doing things. In the areas of theatre, art, and music the Foundation grants have helped organizations reach a broader audience, infused new life into programs and created long-lasting cultural traditions within our communities.

Community Service

Community Service touches the lives of everyone where they work, play and live. Despite our individual differences, we are linked by common interests to do more for the places we call home. The Foundation invests in organizations that fortify this connection. When everyone is involved one way or another in the improvement of their community, the community progresses in a positive direction.

Livingston Community Trust Grant

Our Mission

The Trust is established to improve the quality of life in Park County by encouraging self-sustaining projects for economic development, for provision of human services, for education and for the arts.

Policies

Our policies are provided as standards and guidelines for the applicant but should not be considered as rigid and inflexible. Our statement of purpose and funding policies and procedures will be widely interpreted to help stimulate new ideas so as to not discourage imagination and innovation.

About Us

In 1983, a group of businessmen held an organizational meeting with the purpose of creating a foundation that would serve as a "clearinghouse" to grant funds to improve the quality of life in Central Montana. The Central Montana Foundation (CMF) was officially founded in May 1984 and is the oldest community foundation in Montana. Visionaries who organized the new foundation included Don Pfau, Al McRae, Don Davison, Jim Wilkins, Leonard McKinney, Fred Schell and Don Romo, all of Lewistown.

What We Do

CMF provides area residents with a means to give back to the Central Montana community. The first substantial gift to CMF was $3,500 from Col. Joe Montgomery in 1984. Since then, thousands of generous donors have grown CMF into one of the largest community foundations in the state of Montana. Total assets are about $40 million, including CMF's 12 unrestricted endowments, scholarship funds, 11 rural community endowments, and a variety of endowments and pass through funds for eligible non-profits and tax-exempt organizations in Central Montana. CMF supports healthcare, essential services, educational, civic, cultural and recreational projects in Central Montana and millions of grant funds have been awarded since its founding - all thanks to the generosity of its donors.

Rural Community Endowment

Central Montana Foundation is proud to work with 11 rural community endowment committees including Denton, Garfield County, Grass Range, Hobson, Judith Basin, Judith Gap, Moore, Petroleum County, Roy, Wheatland County and Winifred. Each has its own committee and grant program, supported in part by an annual gift from Central Montana Foundation's Mildred Bryte Estate.

Grass Range Community Foundation Grant

The board typically meets quarterly to review and award grants, or as needs arise. 

If your project is in Denton, Garfield County, Grass Range, Hobson, Judith Basin/Stanford, Judith Gap, Moore, Petroleum County, Roy, Wheatland County or Winifred, your community endowment may have grant funds available. Please contact the specified committee member for more information.

About Us

In 1983, a group of businessmen held an organizational meeting with the purpose of creating a foundation that would serve as a "clearinghouse" to grant funds to improve the quality of life in Central Montana. The Central Montana Foundation (CMF) was officially founded in May 1984 and is the oldest community foundation in Montana. Visionaries who organized the new foundation included Don Pfau, Al McRae, Don Davison, Jim Wilkins, Leonard McKinney, Fred Schell and Don Romo, all of Lewistown.

What We Do

CMF provides area residents with a means to give back to the Central Montana community. The first substantial gift to CMF was $3,500 from Col. Joe Montgomery in 1984. Since then, thousands of generous donors have grown CMF into one of the largest community foundations in the state of Montana. Total assets are about $40 million, including CMF's 12 unrestricted endowments, scholarship funds, 11 rural community endowments, and a variety of endowments and pass through funds for eligible non-profits and tax-exempt organizations in Central Montana. CMF supports healthcare, essential services, educational, civic, cultural and recreational projects in Central Montana and millions of grant funds have been awarded since its founding - all thanks to the generosity of its donors.

Rural Community Endowment

Central Montana Foundation is proud to work with 11 rural community endowment committees including Denton, Garfield County, Grass Range, Hobson, Judith Basin, Judith Gap, Moore, Petroleum County, Roy, Wheatland County and Winifred. Each has its own committee and grant program, supported in part by an annual gift from Central Montana Foundation's Mildred Bryte Estate.

Moore Endowment

Moore Endowment meets throughout the year as needs arise.

If your project is in Denton, Garfield County, Grass Range, Hobson, Judith Basin/Stanford, Judith Gap, Moore, Petroleum County, Roy, Wheatland County or Winifred, your community endowment may have grant funds available. Please contact the specified committee member for more information.

Broadwater Community Foundation

Mission:

The Broadwater Community Foundation (BCF) builds a community endowment fund that develops resources to enhance the quality of life and shape the future of Broadwater County.

About Us: 

Broadwater Community Foundation (BCF) is a permanent endowment fund created in 1993 by and for the people of Broadwater County. We serve as catalysts and supporters of good works to address community needs and challenges. 

Funds raised by BCF are placed in an endowment under the supervision of the Montana Community Foundation in Helena, Montana, where they are invested and managed with the goal of "growing" the fund. Each year a percentage of the earnings from the fund are available for the BCF Board of Directors to grant out to support local projects that will improve our community.

The BCF Board of Directors is a group of dedicated local volunteers who work diligently on behalf of the foundation to increase public awareness, raise funds, support community projects, and provide scholarships to graduating high school seniors. We are your neighbors and our goal is to help ensure that the quality of life we so cherish continues in our community. We appreciate your support and hope that you consider giving again, or for the first time, to BCF this year. Remember your donations are tax deductible!

The Governor's Office of Community Service and the Montana Commission on Community Service were formed in 1993 by the Governor to improve national service and community volunteer opportunities across Montana.

Montana is served annually by hundreds of AmeriCorps members who build on the efforts of more than 10,000 Montanans who have served with AmeriCorps, Senior Corps, and VISTA since 1994. 

AmeriCorps improves lives, strengthens communities, fosters civic engagement, and brings people together to tackle some of the country’s most pressing challenges through service and volunteering. AmeriCorps members serve with organizations dedicated to improving communities and lives of those serving.  AmeriCorps Grants are awarded to eligible organizations that engage AmeriCorps members in evidence based or informed interventions and practices to strengthen communities. An AmeriCorps member is a person who does service through AmeriCorps. Members may receive a living allowance and other benefits while serving but are not employees. After successful completion of service, members earn a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award that can be used to pay higher education expenses or qualified student loans, for up to seven years. Members age 55+ may be eligible to transfer their Education Award.

AmeriCorps Funding Priorities:

• Serve Communities:
  •  With concentrated poverty, rural and tribal communities, and historically underrepresented and underserved individuals. These may include people with disabilities, religious minorities, people with arrest or conviction records, people of color, immigrants, refugees, LGBTQIA+ individuals, etc.;
  • Evidence-based interventions on the AmeriCorps Evidence Exchange assessed as having Moderate or Strong evidence. These interventions have demonstrated effectiveness in improving outcomes for individuals living in underserved communities and the agency has committed resources to supporting grantees seeking to replicate and evaluate these interventions in similar communities
  •  Veterans and Military Families, Caregivers, and Survivors – a program model that improves the quality of life of veterans and improves the well-being of military and veteran families, caregivers, and survivors
  •  Faith-based organizations
  •  Programs that create workforce pathways for AmeriCorps members, including deliberate training, certifications, and hiring preferences or support
  •  Environmental Stewardship, including supporting communities to become more resilient through measures that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, conserve land and water, increase renewable energy use and improve at-risk ecosystems, especially in underserved households and communities
  •  Community-based programs that enhance and expand services to second chance youth and/or engage those youth as AmeriCorps members
  •  Programs that support civic bridgebuilding programs and projects to reduce polarization and community divisions; and providing training in civic bridgebuilding skills and techniques to AmeriCorps members
  •  Programs focused on implementing or expanding access to high-quality early learning and those that prepare AmeriCorps members to enter early learning careers

Bill and Rosemary Gallagher Foundation Grant

The Bill and Rosemary Gallagher Foundation (previously known as the Gallagher Western Montana Charitable Foundation, Inc.) was established in 2001 to continue the work of the W.J. & Rosemary Gallagher Foundation. Bill and Rosemary Gallagher were long-time supporters of charitable organizations in Missoula and Western Montana. Though Bill and Rosemary are deceased, their spirit of community lives on through the foundation established in their name.

The Foundation is dedicated to benefiting the residents of Western Montana (defined as West of the Continental Divide and Helena). It is a source of financial support for charitable organizations that aid the unfortunate, ameliorate the sufferings of the disabled and afflicted, encourage and educate youth, assist and relieve the aging, improve medical care, aid battered persons, children in distress and single parents, and improve educational opportunities.

Program Areas of Interest :

Education

• Improve educational opportunities for citizens of Western Montana

Art and Culture 

• Art programs
• Theatrical, artistic and educational programs for youth
• Creative and cultural expression

Community Enrichment 

• Programs and activities that improve the Missoula community
• Activities that enhance quality of life for families
• Parks and playgrounds
• Civic responsibility and exponent philanthropy

Health Care 

• Improve access to quality health care
• Promote healthy lifestyles through education and prevention programs
• Hospitals and health care clinics providing charitable health care services

Assistance to Youth 

• Encourage, improve and educate youth
• After-school programs
• Youth organizations

Assistance to the Aging 

• Support the assistance and relief of the aging
• Meals and other assistance to the home-bound
• Programs to assist the aged with their daily necessities

Assistance to Organizations Serving Those in Need 

• Abuse survivors
• Children in distress
• Single parents
• Youth
• The impoverished
• People with disabilities

About Us

In 1983, a group of businessmen held an organizational meeting with the purpose of creating a foundation that would serve as a "clearinghouse" to grant funds to improve the quality of life in Central Montana. The Central Montana Foundation (CMF) was officially founded in May 1984 and is the oldest community foundation in Montana. Visionaries who organized the new foundation included Don Pfau, Al McRae, Don Davison, Jim Wilkins, Leonard McKinney, Fred Schell and Don Romo, all of Lewistown.

What We Do

CMF provides area residents with a means to give back to the Central Montana community. The first substantial gift to CMF was $3,500 from Col. Joe Montgomery in 1984. Since then, thousands of generous donors have grown CMF into one of the largest community foundations in the state of Montana. Total assets are about $40 million, including CMF's 12 unrestricted endowments, scholarship funds, 11 rural community endowments, and a variety of endowments and pass through funds for eligible non-profits and tax-exempt organizations in Central Montana. CMF supports healthcare, essential services, educational, civic, cultural and recreational projects in Central Montana and millions of grant funds have been awarded since its founding - all thanks to the generosity of its donors.

Rural Community Endowment

Central Montana Foundation is proud to work with 11 rural community endowment committees including Denton, Garfield County, Grass Range, Hobson, Judith Basin, Judith Gap, Moore, Petroleum County, Roy, Wheatland County and Winifred. Each has its own committee and grant program, supported in part by an annual gift from Central Montana Foundation's Mildred Bryte Estate.

Denton Endowment

The Denton Endowment Committee members considers grant requests once per year.

If your project is in Denton, Garfield County, Grass Range, Hobson, Judith Basin/Stanford, Judith Gap, Moore, Petroleum County, Roy, Wheatland County or Winifred, your community endowment may have grant funds available. Please contact the specified committee member for more information.

Central Montana Foundation Board of Directors meets on the fourth Tuesday of the month to consider minor grant requests under $5,000. Minor grants are due the 10th of the month to be considered in the month the application is received. 

Central Montana Foundation is the oldest community foundation in Montana! Organized by a group of visionary businessmen in 1984, the Foundation offers area residents a chance to give back to the Central Montana community of which they have been a part.

These grants to healthcare, essential services, education, cultural and civic projects served to improve life for the very young to the very old in Central Montana!

Focus Areas

• healthcare
• essential services
• education
• cultural and civic projects 

Our Mission: 

To receive and accept property exclusively for educational, cultural, charitable or benevolent purposes for the benefit, health and improvement of residents of the Central Montana area is such a way that the quality of life in Central Montana shall be enhanced, working alone and with any and all other persons and organizations doing similar work.   

By working through the Foundation, worthy projects are able to provide donors with a tax deductible avenue for donations.  

Endowments and pass-through funds provide support exclusively to projects within the Central Montana area. The communities supported by the Foundation include Lewistown, Grass Range, Denton, Hobson, Judith Basin (Hobson and Stanford), Judith Gap, Moore, Roy, Winifred, Petroleum County (Winnett), Wheatland County (Harlowton), and Garfield County (Jordan). 

The Central Montana Foundation continues to live up to the vision of its founding members by following the Declaration of Trust implemented at the time of its inception: “To receive and accept property exclusively for educational, cultural, charitable or benevolent purposes for the benefit and improvement of residents of the Central Montana area in such a way that the quality of life in the area shall be enhanced".

About

The Whitefish Community Foundation supports nonprofit, charitable organizations that enhance the quality of life for residents of the Flathead County, Montana

Micro-Grant Program

The Micro Grant Program is designed to respond quickly to the needs of local nonprofits to fund small-scale projects or programs.

Whitefish Community Foundation Grants Committee prioritizes funding and initiatives where there is a social need, and where the results will benefit our communities at large. The Foundation will consider funding for projects and programs that fulfill the mission of the organization.

Promoting Health Equity since 1992

The PacificSource Foundation for Health Improvement is an independent, private foundation, not connected to any PacificSource entity. We are focused on finding ways to improve access to high quality healthcare for everyone—with an emphasis on helping underserved and vulnerable populations. We serve communities throughout Oregon, Idaho, Montana, and parts of Washington.

Equity Statement

At the PacificSource Foundation for Health Improvement, we believe everyone should have opportunities for a healthy life and community—regardless of resources, circumstances, or identity. We seek to advance equity, honor diversity, and foster inclusion throughout our work. This, in alignment with our values, enables us to learn from, collaborate with, and foster the inherent power of the communities with which we partner. 

Our Work

Advancing health equity through strategies that increase access to healthcare and eliminate health disparities for marginalized people and communities.

Funding Priority Areas

• Access to healthcare services for vulnerable and underserved populations
• Direct Healthcare Services – Mental/Behavioral Health, Medical, Dental
• Indirect/Support Services – Peer Support, Traditional/Community Health Workers, Navigation, etc.
• Prevention of health inequities through clinical and community-driven solutions, including interventions that advance equity and improve the health and well-being for those experiencing health disparities. 
  • The areas noted below are examples of approaches that we believe to be well aligned; however, we look forward to exploring opportunities with community partners, as we learn and refine this new priority area
    • Infant and maternal health - i.e. home visiting programs, developmental screening promotion, lactation support, etc.
    • Early childhood and parent education – i.e. ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences) prevention, developmentally appropriate parent education, protective factors
    • Supportive housing– Specifically focused on co-located services, permanent supportive housing (program, not capital), and services that aim to improve health within a housing context.
    • Nutrition access and education – i.e. nutrition support and education to promote overall health, prevent negative health outcomes, or treat disease.
    • Building resilience– Healing-centered, community driven solutions that strengthen the resilience of marginalized people and communities. i.e. non-clinical behavioral health, accessibility, LGBTQ+, youth development, social connection, and climate-related health impacts.

Funding

Provides one-year and multi-year funding to support organizations working to advance health equity, as described in the funding priority areas and examples shown above.

Generally speaking, one-year grant requests are appropriate for organizations that are new to the foundation. Multi-year grant requests may be suitable for organizations known to the foundation and in good standing with prior awards. There are no firm limitations on the level of a grant request but typical awards range from $10,000-$50,000.

The Seeley Lake Community Foundation helps local groups fund important community projects. In this capacity, the SLCF strives to be a community resource and catalyst for innovative approaches to improving the quality of life in Seeley Lake, MT.

Areas of Interest

Education

• Projects and efforts that seek to close the achievement gap among students.
• Projects that foster creativity and experiential learning in the classroom.
• Projects that promote literacy and life-long learning.
• Collaborative projects with other teachers, non-profit organizations (such as museums, libraries, theater companies, human service agencies, etc.) and business-education entities. 

Arts & Culture

• Projects that broaden, deepen, and diversify the public’s awareness of and engagement in local arts and cultural activities. 
• Projects that increase the creation and performance of art forms that reflect the diversity and cultural history of our community. 
• Projects that offer children and youth experiences in the arts.
• Projects that seek to increase the venues for art exhibition and performances.
• Collaborative projects with other non-profit organizations, government agencies, and business entities. 

Community Development

• Projects that help strengthen our economy and build financial stability for our community.
• Projects that work to unify and build community support and capacity to improve the quality of life for all members of the community. 
• Projects that create or retain jobs in our community.
• Projects that support affordable housing initiatives in the community.
• Projects that promote and recognize citizen volunteerism. 
• Projects that promote the physical development of a town center and hub for activities.
• Collaborative projects with other non-profit organizations, government agencies, and business entities.

Natural Resources & Conservation

• Projects that promote positive stewardship of our timber, water and other natural resources.
• Projects that recognize and protect the unique ecological setting of the Seeley Lake region.
• Projects that provide opportunities in environmental education and conservation.
• Projects that promote open space and greater recreational opportunities.
• Collaborative projects with other non-profit organizations or government agencies to ensure sustainability of the regions natural resources. 

Basic Human Needs

• Projects that help low-income and disadvantaged children and adults meet basic needs for food, clothing, and emergency and permanent housing. 
• Projects that address family violence.
• Projects that expand opportunities for persons with disabilities
• Projects that initiate or strengthen services for recovery from illness or substance abuse.
• Collaborative projects with other non-profit organizations (such as community medical services, hospitals, government agencies, human service agencies, etc.) to provide dependable, basic services to community members. 

The Seeley Lake Community Foundation will consider requests for special projects, ongoing programs, and one-time capital projects. 

What generally has a better chance of being funded:

• Proposals with broad community impact, or that touch more than one of our 5 focus areas,
• Projects that will use these grant dollars to leverage other sources of funding
• Community partnerships 

About Montana FWP

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, through its employees and citizen commission and board, provides for the stewardship of the fish, wildlife, parks, and recreational resources of Montana, while contributing to the quality of life for present and future generations.

Montana Trail Stewardship Grant Program

The Trail Stewardship Program was established following the 2019 Legislative Session when Senate Bill 24 was passed into law. Funding for TSP comes from a portion of Montana’s $9 light vehicle registration fee, as well as a portion of marijuana tax revenue. Since its establishment TSP has awarded approximately $3.6 million to 104 projects across the state focused on development, renovation and maintenance.

Eligible Funding Areas

• New trail and shared-use path construction
• Rehabilitation and maintenance of trails and paths, including winter grooming
• Construction and maintenance of trailside and trailhead facilities

AMB West Community Fund

Through community-driven strategic philanthropy, the AMB West Community Fund (the Fund) is committed to catalyzing and nurturing both grassroots and systemic change to help build a thriving future for all Montanans. We listen to organizations and individuals closest to the challenges, who are inspired to help, and are deeply invested in solutions that support economic mobility and personal wellbeing, especially for those most vulnerable. We strive to bridge divides and foster common ground by honoring diverse voices, staying open to shifting perspectives and new ideas, and bringing our neighbors together to connect through a sense of shared purpose.

The mission of the AMB West Community Fund is to enhance the quality of life for the residents of Montana, particularly in Park and Gallatin Counties and Indigenous communities across the state. Established in 2001, the Fund has awarded over $10 million in grants. After assessing the landscape of existing programs and areas of need and opportunity through data and conversations with community stakeholders, the Fund has identified two priority areas for 2024: nurturing childhood and thriving youth. Application requirements, preferences and priorities are outlined in the following sections and links.

The AMB West Community Fund is led by AMB West and Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation associates in Montana. The AMB West portfolio of properties includes Mountain Sky Guest Ranch, West Creek Ranch, Paradise Valley Ranch, and The Ranch at Dome Mountain. At our ranches, our team is focused on meaningful and impactful guest service, and we strive to uphold those standards  by supporting the community.  Throughout the year, our associates give back to the communities in which they live and work – through volunteerism, personal philanthropy and grants made to nonprofit organizations by the AMB West Community Fund. AMB West associates help to identify and cultivate funding opportunities, review grant proposals, attend site visits, and provide recommendations for investments made by the AMB West Community Fund. Associates incorporate The Blank Family of Businesses Core Values in all aspects of their community giving.

Funding Priorities:

• Nurturing Childhood: Early childhood is the foundation of our community’s future. The Fund seeks organizations expanding access to quality childcare and early childhood experience to support preventative and upstream approaches. It provides children—zero to five—with opportunities to prepare them for successful lifelong development. The Fund is especially interested in projects promoting healthy parent-child relationships, connection to community resources, and social and emotional skills among parents and children.
• Thriving Youth: Thriving youth are energized about their future and have a sense of purpose. The Fund seeks creative efforts to help youth discover and develop talents, attributes, and passions; develop goals; connect to pathways and support networks to achieve their aspirations; and build life skills to reach independence and goals. 

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

Montana facilities and programs interested in applying for Montana civil penalties reinvestment dollars must use the federal application template, budget template, etc. found on the Civil Money Penalty Reinvestment website. 

About CMP Funds

A CMP is a monetary penalty the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) may impose against nursing homes for either the number of days or for each instance a nursing home is not in substantial compliance with one or more Medicare and Medicaid participation requirements for long-term care facilities. A portion of CMPs collected from nursing homes are returned to the states in which CMPs are imposed. State CMP funds may be reinvested to support activities that benefit nursing home residents and that protect or improve their quality of care or quality of life.

Funding Uses

CMP funds may be used for (but not limited to) the following:

• Assistance to support and protect residents of a facility that closes or is decertified
• Time-limited expenses incurred in the process of relocating residents to home and community-based settings or another facility when a facility is closed or downsized pursuant to an agreement with the state Medicaid agency
• Projects that support resident and family councils and other consumer involvement in assuring quality care in facilities
• Facility improvement initiatives, such as joint training of facility staff and surveyors, or technical assistance for facilities implementing quality assurance and performance improvement programs.

As part of its continued commitment to the nation’s most vulnerable populations, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has launched the Civil Money Penalty Reinvestment Program (CMPRP) to improve quality of life by equipping nursing home staff, administrators and stakeholders with technical tools and assistance to enhance resident care. CMPRP is one of several initiatives CMS has underway to strengthen safety and health outcomes for nursing home residents.

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.

Central Montana Foundation Major Grants

Central Montana Foundation is the oldest community foundation in Montana! Organized by a group of visionary businessmen in 1984, the Foundation offers area residents a chance to give back to the Central Montana community of which they have been a part.

Central Montana Foundation Board of Directors meets once a year at its annual meeting in May to consider major grants requests, $5,000+.

Projects that will benefit educational, medical, essential services, civic and cultural projects are eligible and priority is given to projects that will benefit the most Central Montanans.

Focus Areas

• healthcare 
• essential services
• education
• cultural and civic projects

Our Mission:

To receive and accept property exclusively for educational, cultural, charitable or benevolent purposes for the benefit, health and improvement of residents of the Central Montana area is such a way that the quality of life in Central Montana shall be enhanced, working alone and with any and all other persons and organizations doing similar work.  

By working through the Foundation, worthy projects are able to provide donors with a tax deductible avenue for donations. 

Endowments and pass-through funds provide support exclusively to projects within the Central Montana area. The communities supported by the Foundation include Lewistown, Grass Range, Denton, Hobson, Judith Basin (Hobson and Stanford), Judith Gap, Moore, Roy, Winifred, Petroleum County (Winnett), Wheatland County (Harlowton), and Garfield County (Jordan).

The Central Montana Foundation continues to live up to the vision of its founding members by following the Declaration of Trust implemented at the time of its inception: “To receive and accept property exclusively for educational, cultural, charitable or benevolent purposes for the benefit and improvement of residents of the Central Montana area in such a way that the quality of life in the area shall be enhanced".

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.

About Us

In 1983, a group of businessmen held an organizational meeting with the purpose of creating a foundation that would serve as a "clearinghouse" to grant funds to improve the quality of life in Central Montana. The Central Montana Foundation (CMF) was officially founded in May 1984 and is the oldest community foundation in Montana. Visionaries who organized the new foundation included Don Pfau, Al McRae, Don Davison, Jim Wilkins, Leonard McKinney, Fred Schell and Don Romo, all of Lewistown.

What We Do

CMF provides area residents with a means to give back to the Central Montana community. The first substantial gift to CMF was $3,500 from Col. Joe Montgomery in 1984. Since then, thousands of generous donors have grown CMF into one of the largest community foundations in the state of Montana. Total assets are about $40 million, including CMF's 12 unrestricted endowments, scholarship funds, 11 rural community endowments, and a variety of endowments and pass through funds for eligible non-profits and tax-exempt organizations in Central Montana. CMF supports healthcare, essential services, educational, civic, cultural and recreational projects in Central Montana and millions of grant funds have been awarded since its founding - all thanks to the generosity of its donors.

Rural Community Endowment

Central Montana Foundation is proud to work with 11 rural community endowment committees including Denton, Garfield County, Grass Range, Hobson, Judith Basin, Judith Gap, Moore, Petroleum County, Roy, Wheatland County and Winifred. Each has its own committee and grant program, supported in part by an annual gift from Central Montana Foundation's Mildred Bryte Estate.

Petroleum County Endowment

Grant applications are considered once per year

If your project is in Denton, Garfield County, Grass Range, Hobson, Judith Basin/Stanford, Judith Gap, Moore, Petroleum County, Roy, Wheatland County or Winifred, your community endowment may have grant funds available. Please contact the specified committee member for more information.

Mission

The Tobacco County Community Foundation (TVCF) is an affiliate of the Montana Community Foundation and provides philanthropic services to the Lincoln Electric service area- West Kootenai, Eureka, Rexford, Trego, Fortine, and Stryker.

The TVCF is a steward through which private assets entrusted to us by donors are invested to meet the challenges of contemporary life. We are committed to respecting the trust and intent of our donors while maintaining our integrity and responsiveness as a community foundation.

We seek to protect and enhance the unique resources of the Tobacco Valley, its diversity of culture, its richness of artistic support for area citizens, and the beauty and quality of its land, air, and water—so that these resources may be enjoyed now and in the future.

We are committed to equality of opportunity and justice for all citizens. We seek to enhance human dignity by providing support for area citizens to participate actively in determining the course of their lives and the life of their community and by investing in the future of our communities through a permanent endowment.

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.

About Us

In 1983, a group of businessmen held an organizational meeting with the purpose of creating a foundation that would serve as a "clearinghouse" to grant funds to improve the quality of life in Central Montana. The Central Montana Foundation (CMF) was officially founded in May 1984 and is the oldest community foundation in Montana. Visionaries who organized the new foundation included Don Pfau, Al McRae, Don Davison, Jim Wilkins, Leonard McKinney, Fred Schell and Don Romo, all of Lewistown.

What We Do

CMF provides area residents with a means to give back to the Central Montana community. The first substantial gift to CMF was $3,500 from Col. Joe Montgomery in 1984. Since then, thousands of generous donors have grown CMF into one of the largest community foundations in the state of Montana. Total assets are about $40 million, including CMF's 12 unrestricted endowments, scholarship funds, 11 rural community endowments, and a variety of endowments and pass through funds for eligible non-profits and tax-exempt organizations in Central Montana. CMF supports healthcare, essential services, educational, civic, cultural and recreational projects in Central Montana and millions of grant funds have been awarded since its founding - all thanks to the generosity of its donors.

Rural Community Endowment

Central Montana Foundation is proud to work with 11 rural community endowment committees including Denton, Garfield County, Grass Range, Hobson, Judith Basin, Judith Gap, Moore, Petroleum County, Roy, Wheatland County and Winifred. Each has its own committee and grant program, supported in part by an annual gift from Central Montana Foundation's Mildred Bryte Estate.

Wheatland County Community Foundation Grant

They consider grant requests once per year.

If your project is in Denton, Garfield County, Grass Range, Hobson, Judith Basin/Stanford, Judith Gap, Moore, Petroleum County, Roy, Wheatland County or Winifred, your community endowment may have grant funds available. Please contact the specified committee member for more information.