Community-Based History Grants

Contact:

• Office: (406) 449-3770
• Email: zachary@mthistory.org
• Address: 1750 North Washington Street, Helena, MT 59601

The Foundation for Montana History awards grants for community-based history initiatives across Montana. Since starting the grant program in 2012, the Foundation has placed over $1.85 million in funding across all 56 Montana counties, supporting over 350 projects statewide.

Funding Details

• Maximum per project: Up to $10,000
• Geographic scope: All Montana counties (goal is to fund at least one project per county)
• 2025 funding cycle: $91,500 awarded to 9 rural counties and select counties across the state
• 2024 funding cycle: $240,000 awarded to 29 projects across 19 counties
• 2023 funding cycle: $222,460 awarded to 29 projects (largest amount awarded in single year at that time)

Focus Areas

Projects include but are not limited to:

• Historic building restoration and preservation (roof repairs, tuckpointing, facade restoration)
• Museum interior improvements and exhibit development
• Cemetery preservation and maintenance
• Historic theater and cultural venue repairs
• Oral history collection and transcription
• Photo collection digitization
• Educational programs and interpretive signage
• Collection storage and preservation equipment
• Documentary and educational video production

Eligibility

• Community-based organizations
• Museums and cultural institutions
• Libraries
• Historical societies
• Local governments and city departments
• Nonprofit organizations focused on history and preservation
• Projects must relate to Montana history and preservation

Application Process

Detailed application procedures are not provided in the available website content. However, the following information is available:

• Application contact: Program Director Zachary Coe (zachary@mthistory.org) or (406) 449-3770
• Portal/Resources: Grant Recipients and Grant Writing Workshops are available through the Foundation's website
• Application materials: Guidelines and resources are available on the grants page
• Selection criteria: Foundation looks for projects that:
  • Show clear passion and commitment to the project
  • Have strong organizational capacity
  • Support community-based history initiatives
  • Preserve Montana's history and heritage

Additional Notes

• The Foundation offers Grant Writing Workshops to assist applicants
• Contact the Foundation directly for specific application deadlines, submission formats, and detailed instructions
• Visit mthistory.org/grants for guidelines and resources