Community Grants - Catalyst Grant

Catalyst Grant

Supports new nonprofits with organizational development or the building out of a specific program. Catalyst Grants also support existing nonprofit organizations to launch new mission-focused projects, or to reorganize some element of the organization to support its resiliency and effectiveness.

Geographic Scope: Greater Big Sky region, within Gallatin and Madison Counties where the Big Sky workforce resides

Funding Priorities:

• Livability: Affordable housing, childcare, food security, transportation
• Health & Wellness: Physical and behavioral health services, recreational opportunities, affordable care
• Environment: Protection of wildlife and natural resources
• Arts & Culture: Creative expression and cultural connection
• Education: Safe, accessible, high quality and diverse lifelong learning

Eligibility:

• 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations
• Tax-exempt educational institutions
• State, Tribal, or local government agencies
• Must serve communities in the greater Big Sky region

Application Process: Open Letter of Interest (LOI) process. Organizations not directly invited may submit an LOI that may result in an invitation to apply.

Grant Cycles: Foundation is moving to one grant cycle annually hosted each fall beginning in 2026.

• Website: yellowstoneclubfoundation.org

Letter of Interest Process

The LOI helps determine whether organizations and proposed projects are eligible for Foundation grant funding and directs invitations to selected eligible organizations.

Required Information in LOI:
1. Brief background of organization including:
- Mission statement
- Date founded
- Staff and board size
- Population and geographic region served
- Type(s) of service provided
- Annual operating budget size
2. Description of how organization and proposed project align with Foundation's five Impact Areas
3. Description of the project a Foundation grant would support, including:
- The need the project addresses
- Measurable change(s) the project will make
4. Proposed budget in summary form:
- Total project cost
- Amount requesting from Foundation
- Percentage of project budget and organizational budget
- Specific budget items to be funded by Foundation support
- Potential or actual sources of support outside Foundation
5. Reasons for engaging the Foundation for funding (describe history with Foundation or contact with staff)
6. Any other information to help Foundation understand situation and request

Submission Format: Online form via Foundation website