GRANT GUIDELINES

Information on how we can help you preserve Montana History

Grant portal

We are proud to partner with non-profit and tax-exempt organizations throughout the Treasure State to realize projects that bring history back to life. Read through our guidelines below to see if your project is a good fit for a Foundation for Montana History grant.

If you have questions please contact our Grants Manager.

Projects will receive preference that:

  • Address a structure, collection, or community that is endangered or threatened

  • Represent cultural or geographic diversity

  • Provide a direct, rather than a remote, benefit to the local community

  • Demonstrate financial support from the community

  • Show the project will continue after the funding period is complete

  • Will accomplish the work according to professional and historically accurate standards

  • Demonstrate a public benefit and/or provide public accessibility

We Do Not Fund:

  • Grants to individuals, including for dissertation research or student projects

  • General operations such as rents, utilities, or routine maintenance costs

  • Indirect costs, overhead, and/or facilities and administrative fees

  • Speakers, lectures, re-enactments, or other public presentations

  • Travel or entertainment

  • Equipment such as digital scanners, cameras, etc.

  • Sponsorships, including auctions, dinners, tickets, advertising, or fundraising

  • Organizations that, in policy or practice, discriminate against race, ethnic origin, sex, creed, or religion

  • Projects with the purpose to satisfy, fund, or retire loans, debts, or other operational deficits from previous projects or past operations

  • Sectarian or religious organizations seeking funds solely for religious purposes

  • Political action or legislative advocacy

  • Regular staff salaries

Grant Requirements:

  • One application per organization will be accepted in a given funding year, regardless of category (see specific criteria for each grant category).

  • Proposals are invited for projects that will make significant contributions to the preservation and interpretation of Montana's history.

  • The funding period is from May to June of the following year. Projects not completed within the funding period may be required to return all or a portion of the grant.

  • Applicants must be either a non-profit tax-exempt organization (IRS designation) or an exempt governmental unit.

  • Organizations with an open Foundation grant are not eligible to apply.

  • Requests for personnel costs must be for temporary, seasonal, or student/intern staff wages only.

  • Project budgets must include a 1:3 match (25% applicant, 75% The Foundation). Volunteer time may be used in this match and should be calculated at $25/hour.

  • Successful applicants must track all match, in-kind, and cash that is committed to the project as described below. Donated materials and/or volunteer services can count towards the match, along with the actual cash match.