Fall Community Investment Program

The Community Investment Program is administered by the Montana Community Foundation and was established in partnership with Grid United to support communities impacted by the development of the North Plains Connector transmission line. This infrastructure project connects the eastern and western electric grids across Montana and North Dakota. As part of its commitment to community partnership, Grid United created this funding program to invest in local initiatives that enhance quality of life and strengthen long-term community resilience in eastern Montana, specifically within Rosebud, Custer, and Fallon Counties and the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation. The primary purpose of the Community Investment Program is to fund innovative, community-driven projects that address local challenges while fostering economic and social development. The program emphasizes initiatives that create measurable improvements in quality of life for a broad segment of the population. Priority is given to projects that demonstrate creativity, responsiveness to emerging needs, and the ability to leverage additional funding or community support. The program also seeks to encourage community engagement and participation in addressing shared issues, making collaboration and inclusivity key evaluation components. Funding is available in grant amounts of up to 50000 dollars per project. While this represents the standard maximum award, applicants with funding needs exceeding this amount are encouraged to directly contact the program officer to discuss potential opportunities. The funding is intended to support projects that contribute to community development, economic growth, and problem-solving initiatives. Allowable uses are not explicitly restricted in detail, but must align with the program’s emphasis on innovation, broad community impact, and responsiveness to local needs. Eligibility for the program is primarily limited to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and government entities, including local governments, tribal governments, and school districts. Organizations that do not have 501(c)(3) status may still be considered eligible upon consultation with the program officer. Individuals and for-profit entities are not eligible to apply independently; however, they may participate through a qualified fiscal sponsor that meets eligibility requirements. Applicants are not required to be physically located within the eligible counties, but all funded activities must directly benefit communities within Rosebud, Custer, or Fallon Counties or the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation. Only one application per organization is permitted per cycle, although organizations may apply in future cycles for different phases of the same project. The application process is conducted through two competitive cycles each year. For 2026, application deadlines are May 1 and November 1. The program does not indicate a separate pre-application requirement such as a letter of intent. Applicants must submit a full proposal that outlines project goals, community impact, funding needs, and alignment with program priorities. While specific application components are not detailed, proposals are evaluated based on their ability to demonstrate broad impact, community engagement, innovation, and responsiveness to local challenges. Evaluation criteria emphasize projects that serve a significant number of community members, address pressing issues, and encourage collaboration and additional investment. Projects that introduce creative solutions or respond to changing community conditions are particularly competitive. The program also values initiatives that strengthen economic and community development in sustainable ways. While award notification timelines and performance periods are not explicitly stated, the structured biannual cycle suggests a recurring funding opportunity with consistent review intervals. For assistance, applicants are encouraged to contact Shyanne Wallace, the program officer, who serves as the primary point of contact for eligibility clarification and funding inquiries. She can be reached via phone at 406-230-2785 or email at Shyanne@mtcf.org. The Montana Community Foundation also provides general contact support through its main office. The program is recurring, with two application opportunities annually, making it a reliable funding source for organizations seeking to implement phased or multi-stage community projects.

Projects with broad impact, creative solutions, and community involvement are prioritized.