Montana Beyond the Classroom

First Interstate BancSystem Foundation

Billings, MT

The First Interstate BancSystem Foundation funds poverty reduction, youth development, financial education, and community development, as well as civic, arts, education, health, human services, and sustainability efforts in communities served by First Interstate Bank across 10 states. Its 2025 grants had a median award of $2,500, though amounts varied widely; the stated minimum grant is $2,500. Organizations can submit grant requests online, which are traditionally reviewed monthly, but grants must be recommended by a local First Interstate branch.

Town Pump Charitable Foundation

Butte, MT

The Town Pump Charitable Foundation supports Montana charitable and governmental organizations, with priority for basic needs and education, including food access, community programs, and schools. Its 2024 grants ranged from $500 to $110,900, with a median of $1,000, and went to Montana recipients for work in Montana. It accepts written grant requests through its application portal; no general deadline is stated.

Dennis & Phyllis Washington Foundation

Missoula, MT

The Foundation supports education, health and human services, arts and culture, and community service, with an emphasis on direct services for underserved people in Montana and areas where The Washington Companies operate. Its 2024 grants ranged from $242 to $5 million, with a median award of $10,000; it does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.

Hawkins Scholarship Foundation

Great Falls, MT

Montana Community Foundation Inc

Helena, MT

Montana Community Foundation funds nonprofits and community projects in education, culture, economic vitality, land, resilience, and health, primarily benefiting Montana communities. Its 2025 grants had a median of about $12,500; amounts ranged from about $5,000 to $442,000, while its Community Investment Program offers grants up to $50,000 for eligible projects in three counties. Applicants can apply through listed opportunities, but the profile does not state whether unsolicited requests are accepted.

Gianforte Family Charitable Trust

Bozeman, MT

The trust funds Montana nonprofits focused on youth and disadvantaged people’s education, faith-based family strengthening, and recovery or restoration for people affected by substance abuse, trafficking, or incarceration. Its 2024 median grant was $10,000, though awards ranged widely; it also offers church and school outreach grants of up to $3,300. It does not accept unsolicited requests and funds work in Montana or that directly affects Montanans.

Montana Healthcare Foundation

Bozeman, MT

The Montana Healthcare Foundation funds Montana-based efforts to improve health, including public health, health care, behavioral health, and policy work, with attention to communities at higher risk of poor health outcomes. Its 2024 grants ranged from $5,000 to $200,000, with a median of $25,000; it accepts applications through an annual Call for Proposals, but whether it accepts unsolicited requests is not stated.

Whitefish Community Foundation Inc

Whitefish, MT

Whitefish Community Foundation supports nonprofits in the Flathead Valley across arts and culture, health and human services, education, recreation, conservation, and civic activities, including programs for children at risk of homelessness. Its 2025 grants ranged from $5,250 to $1 million, with a median grant of $46,170; some specific programs offer awards up to $5,000 or $2,000. The profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.

Headwaters Health Foundation

Missoula, MT

Headwaters Health Foundation funds community-led efforts to improve health and reduce disparities for children and families, including family leadership, advocacy, and rural health, belonging, and leadership programs. It focuses on the Flathead Reservation and Montana’s 15 westernmost counties; awards vary widely, with a 2024 median of $7,500, and GO! Grants provide $8,500 in general operating support. Applications are program-specific; GO! Grants are currently spent down, with applications expected to reopen in early 2027.

National Forest Foundation

Missoula, MT

The National Forest Foundation funds conservation, wildfire resilience, watershed and land restoration, recreation, and community stewardship benefiting U.S. National Forests and Grasslands. Its 2025 grants ranged from $5,000 to about $2.1 million, with a median of about $41,000; one 2026 program listed awards of $20,000–$50,000. Its programs are national, but projects must benefit National Forest System lands; applications are through listed competitive programs, and the information does not state whether unsolicited requests are accepted.

Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation Inc

Missoula, MT

Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation funds land protection and access, habitat restoration, wildlife management and research, and hunting-heritage and conservation outreach. Its 2024 grants had a median of $13,000, though awards varied widely; projects span the U.S., with its habitat and wildlife program limited to 28 states with wild, free-ranging elk. The profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests; applicants are directed to contact their state’s Regional Director.

Cross Charitable Foundation

Bozeman, MT

The foundation funds education, homelessness and assistance for oppressed people, wildlife and environmental conservation, and dog health and welfare in Idaho, Utah, Montana, and Wyoming. In 2024, grants ranged from $5,000 to $100,000, with a median of $20,000. It does not accept unsolicited requests; organizations must be invited by the Board to apply.