Foundations
550
Total Assets
$2.9B
Total Giving
$689.2M
Active Grants
246
National Rank
#44
Montana Grant Funding: Resources for Big Sky Country Communities and Businesses
Montana offers a diverse portfolio of state and federal grant programs tailored to the unique needs of its vast rural landscape, tribal communities, and resource-dependent economies. The Montana Department of Commerce serves as the primary hub for economic development and community infrastructure funding, administering programs that range from Community Development Block Grants to specialized assistance for coal-impacted communities. With a state economy shaped by agriculture, natural resources, tourism, and a growing technology sector, Montana's grant landscape reflects the priorities of supporting small businesses, strengthening rural infrastructure, and preserving the natural environment that defines the state's identity.
The state's WebGrants portal at funding.mt.gov provides a centralized platform where applicants can discover and apply for funding opportunities across multiple state agencies. The Montana Department of Commerce administers CDBG funds in partnership with local governments, distributing federal dollars through categories including Downtown Revitalization, Economic Development, Planning, Public Works, and Tourism Development. For coal-dependent communities facing economic transition, the Montana Coal Board offers dedicated Impact Grants to counties, communities, school districts, and tribal governments to help them maintain governmental services during periods of energy industry change. The Big Sky Economic Development Trust Fund further supports job creation and planning projects with state-funded grants designed to stimulate private-sector growth.
Montana's commitment to supporting underserved populations is evident in programs like the Indian Equity Fund Small Business Grant Program, which provides grants up to fourteen thousand dollars to Native American-owned startups and expanding businesses. The MicroBusiness Finance Program and SBIR/STTR Matching Funds Program support innovation and entrepreneurship at every scale, while the Incumbent Worker Training program extends grant eligibility to nonprofits seeking to upskill their existing workforce. With additional resources from the Montana Community Foundation and the state's Aquatic Invasive Species Grant Program for environmental stewardship, Montana's funding ecosystem provides pathways for organizations of all sizes to access the capital they need to strengthen their communities.
Key State Programs
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program
Administered by the Montana Department of Commerce, CDBG funds support housing, infrastructure, economic development, and community revitalization projects through local government partnerships. Categories include Downtown Revitalization, Economic Development, Planning, Public Works-Infrastructure, Public Works-Facilities, and Tourism Development.
Big Sky Economic Development Trust Fund
A state-funded grant program that stimulates economic activity by assisting Montana's private sector to create or retain jobs. Businesses work with local governments to apply for funding that supports job creation and planning projects across the state.
Indian Equity Fund Small Business Grant Program
Assists startup or expanding Native American-owned businesses with grants up to $14,000 requiring a minimum dollar-to-dollar match. Eligible activities include equipment purchases, product development, and other business growth expenses.
Montana Coal Board Impact Grants
Provides grants to counties, communities, school districts, tribal governments, and other governmental units to help them maintain governmental services and facilities affected by increases or decreases in coal development activity.
MicroBusiness Finance Program
Supports Montana's smallest businesses with accessible financing options, alongside companion programs like the Montana Automation Loan Program and the Wood Products Revolving Loan Program that target specific industry needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find all available Montana state grant opportunities in one place?
Montana's WebGrants portal at funding.mt.gov is the state's centralized grants management platform where applicants can discover and apply for funding opportunities across multiple state agencies. The Montana Department of Commerce website at commerce.mt.gov also lists business assistance programs, CDBG opportunities, and community development grants.
Are Montana tribal governments eligible for state CDBG grants?
Montana's Indian tribes receive CDBG funds through a separate HUD CDBG Program and are not eligible to apply to the State CDBG program. However, tribal governments are eligible for Montana Coal Board Impact Grants and other state programs like the Indian Equity Fund Small Business Grant Program.
What grant programs are available for Montana communities affected by changes in the coal industry?
The Montana Coal Board administers Coal Board Impact Grants specifically for coal-impacted communities. These grants are available to counties, communities, school districts, tribal governments, and other governmental units to help them maintain services and facilities affected by coal development changes. Additionally, federal Economic Development Administration programs have allocated substantial funding for coal community economic transitions.
Can nonprofits apply for Montana economic development grants?
Yes. Through the CDBG Economic Development program, local governments can sub-grant funds to eligible nonprofit organizations. Nonprofits are also eligible for the Incumbent Worker Training program, which provides grants to offset skills-based training costs for existing employees. The Montana Community Foundation offers additional grant opportunities for qualified nonprofit organizations.
What matching requirements apply to Montana small business grants?
Matching requirements vary by program. The Indian Equity Fund Small Business Grant Program requires a minimum dollar-to-dollar match for grants up to $14,000. The SBIR/STTR Matching Funds Program provides state matching grants for businesses that have already received federal SBIR or STTR awards. Check individual program guidelines at commerce.mt.gov for specific match requirements.
Explore
Montana Funding Resources
Top Foundations
Largest Foundations in Montana
| # | Foundation | Assets |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dennis R Washington Foundation Inc. | $1.1B |
| 2 | Montana Healthcare Foundation | $283.9M |
| 3 | Gianforte Fam Charitable Trust | $231.1M |
| 4 | Headwaters Health Foundation Of Western Montana | $127.5M |
| 5 | Tykeson Fam Charitable Trust | $102.2M |
Active Grants