Capacity Enhancing Grants

Capacity Enhancing Grants

Funder: Montana Public Health Institute (MTPHI)

Geographic Scope: Montana

Eligible Applicants: Local or tribal health departments in Montana

Award Amount: Up to $15,000 per health department per year (one project per year)

Purpose & Focus Areas

Projects must enhance organizational capacity for local or tribal health departments. Priority is given to projects that:
• Address a Foundational Public Health Service (FPHS) area
• Have been identified as a community or organizational need through:
- A formal plan or assessment (e.g., FPHS assessment, Community Health Improvement Plan, Workforce Development Plan, Strategic Plan) - A locally identified priority area, even if not yet documented in a formal plan (e.g., through staff/board discussions, recent community feedback, or emerging public health challenges)
• Demonstrate ability to create sustainable, long-term impacts with durable solutions rather than short-term or stop-gap interventions

Eligible Project Examples

• Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) Implementation
• Workforce Development Planning and/or Implementation
• Performance Management Development and/or Implementation
• Quality Improvement Planning and/or Implementation
• Community Partnership Development (e.g., working with other sectors to advance health in the community)

Selection Criteria

MTPHI considers whether proposals:
• Connect to a foundational public health priority area or plan
• Advance health equity
• Align with eligible uses of this funding

Application Timeline

• Spring 2026 window: April 1-22, 2026 with funding decisions by June 3, 2026 or sooner
• Next window: July 2026 (first three weeks)
• Applications accepted for the first three weeks in October, January, April, and July
• Funding decisions provided within 6 weeks of submission

Support & Technical Assistance

• Informational Webinar: April 6, 2026 at 1pm
• Office Hours:
- Tuesday, April 7 at 10am - Wednesday, April 8 at 11am
• Dedicated Staff Support: Each applicant has access to a designated staff member for:
- Idea development and refining project concepts - Budget planning and allowable cost guidance - Crafting a compelling story of need and impact - Understanding the review and reporting process
• Post-Award Support: Each awarded health department paired with MTPHI staff liaison for ongoing point of contact

Contact Information

• Email: grants@mtphi.org
• Phone: (406) 249-6357