Free funder guide · Montana · Last checked 27 September 2026
Which Montana environmental funders actually accept applications
Most private foundations in Montana have already told the IRS they won't read your proposal. This page explains how to spot them, and lists 14 secular funders of environmental and conservation work in Montana that do take applications, with what they fund, what they have given, and when they next open.
Several of Montana's largest open foundations are left off because their latest filings include grants to churches, YMCAs or other faith-based groups. Most of this list is public money: state fish, wildlife and water programs, national funders with Montana programs, and community foundations.
From my own read of IRS filings, September 2026
In Montana, 113 of the 173 private foundations with $1 million or more in assets tick the box on their tax return saying they don't accept unsolicited requests. That is 65%.
That leaves 60 larger Montana foundations that say they will read an application. It is a lower share of closed doors than in Idaho (72%, 121 of 167) and Wyoming (68%, 122 of 179), counted the same way.
How I counted: every private non-operating foundation with a Montana address on the IRS Exempt Organizations Master File (September 2026 release) reporting assets of $1 million or more, checked against its most recent e-filed Form 990-PF (tax years 2024 to 2026, almost all 2024 or 2025). Operating foundations, which mostly run their own programs, are left out, as they were for Idaho and Wyoming. Counting them too gives 66% (121 of 184).
What the checkbox means
One small box on the tax return tells you whether to bother.
Every private foundation files Form 990-PF with the IRS each year. Part XIV, line 2 of that return has a checkbox. A foundation that ticks it is telling the IRS, in writing, that it chooses its grantees itself. A proposal sent to it is usually wasted work.
"Check here if the foundation only makes contributions to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds."Form 990-PF, Part XIV, line 2
A foundation that leaves the box empty has to fill in lines 2a to 2d instead: who receives applications, what form they should take, any deadlines, and any limits on who or what it funds. For many small family foundations, those four lines are the only published guidelines they have.
The box does not tell you whether a foundation funds your kind of work. For that, read line 3a, the list of grants it actually paid. Check both before you write a letter of inquiry. Any foundation's return can be read free on ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer.
14 funders
Open to applications, and funding environmental work in Montana.
Every funder below is secular, says it accepts applications (on its website or its tax return), and has paid grants to environmental or conservation groups in its most recent filing. Government programs are the exception: they file no tax return. Community foundations are listed by the program that fits environmental groups. Grant examples come from each funder's latest IRS filing unless the funder's own site is named.
Verified date on the funder's own site on 27 Sept 2026Expected based on last cycle; next not yet postedRolling applications any timeFiling only no website; from the tax return, confirm firstCheck site next date not posted; open their page
Statewide and regional public grantmakers
01
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks: Future Fisheries Improvement Program
Helena · statewide
On-the-ground projects that restore streams, rivers and lakes for wild fish: channel and floodplain restoration, fish passage, riparian fencing and planting, beaver mimicry, water leasing. Any entity with a good project can apply, including watershed groups and other nonprofits. It does not pay for administration, monitoring, design alone or land purchases, and it prefers projects for native fish.
Typical grant
About $1 million a year statewide; no maximum per project, and match makes an application more competitive (its site). Summer 2026 panel recommendations: Cameron Creek beaver mimicry $33,770, Gallatin River restoration $12,500 (partial), Darkhorse Creek fish passage $7,500. The winter 2026 cycle recommended all 10 proposals, $436,417 in total.
Next deadline
Twice a year, May 15 and November 15 (its standing schedule). Next: November 15, 2026 Verified. A citizen panel reviews in mid-December and the Fish and Wildlife Commission decides in February.
How to apply
Talk to your area FWP fisheries biologist first, then email the application form and the program's budget sheet (and a biologist statement if needed) to the Future Fisheries coordinator.
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks: Wildlife Habitat Improvement Program (WHIP)
Helena · statewide
Projects that restore, enhance or manage degraded wildlife habitat, with a focus on species of conservation need. 501(c)(3) nonprofits are eligible alongside agencies, tribes and conservation districts. Ranking favors several funding partners, work across public and private land, public access and a plan to maintain the habitat.
Typical grant
Up to $2 million of Habitat Legacy funds a year for new projects; grants are paid as reimbursement and can run up to five years (its site).
Next deadline
Once a year. The 2026 window ran May 18 to June 19, 2026. Next window about May to June 2027 Expected.
How to apply
Online through FWP's WebGrants system, which moved to WebGrants Cloud (mtfwp.webgrantscloud.com) in September 2026. Read the WHIP guidance document first; a citizen advisory council ranks applications.
Montana Department of Environmental Quality: Nonpoint Source (Section 319) Grants
Helena · statewide
Federal Clean Water Act money for projects that reduce polluted runoff: stream and floodplain restoration, riparian revegetation, and capacity building or education and outreach. Nonprofits must be 501(c)(3) and registered with the Montana Secretary of State, and projects usually need to carry out a DEQ-accepted watershed restoration plan.
Typical grant
About $1.5 million in 2026: recommended requests of $10,000 to $300,000 for on-the-ground projects and $10,000 to $30,000 for capacity building and education. A 10 percent non-federal match is required and 40 percent is recommended (its site).
Next deadline
Once a year, in two phases. The 2026 cycle opened January 5, with draft applications due February 20 and final applications March 13, 2026. Next cycle about January to March 2027 Expected.
How to apply
A draft application reviewed by DEQ staff is required, then the final application through the state's eMACS procurement system. Talk to the Nonpoint Source and Wetlands program staff before the draft.
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks: Recreational Trails Program
Helena · statewide
Federal trail money for building, maintaining and restoring trails and trailheads, trail equipment, and education on trail safety and environmental protection. Nonprofits, clubs and agencies can apply, which makes it a fit for trail, park and open-space groups.
Typical grant
About $1.5 million a year statewide; up to $100,000 per project with a 20 percent match (its site).
Next deadline
The 2026 cycle is closed. The next cycle opens in November 2026, per its page Verified; the closing date is not posted yet.
How to apply
Online through FWP's WebGrants Cloud system (mtfwp.webgrantscloud.com). The State Trails Advisory Committee reviews applications.
National Fish and Wildlife Foundation: Northern Great Plains Program
Washington, DC · eastern Montana grasslands (Northern Great Plains)
Voluntary grassland conservation and restoration with ranchers and tribes: easements, grazing management, fence removal for pronghorn, sage-grouse and grassland bird habitat. 501(c) nonprofits are eligible. The grants are large, but Montana grantees in NFWF's latest filing include small ranch-stewardship groups.
Typical grant
Typically $200,000 to $1.5 million, 15 to 25 grants a year, with 1:1 match encouraged (2026 request for proposals). Montana grants in its filing for the year to September 2025, which does not name the program: Ranchers Stewardship Alliance (Malta) $907,859, Winnett ACES $265,472, Montana Audubon $76,381. Its 2026 grant slate includes Montana Audubon $500,000.
Next deadline
About February 2027 Expected. The 2026 round closed February 25, 2026, after an applicant webinar in November 2025; the 2027 request for proposals is not posted yet.
How to apply
Online proposal in NFWF's Easygrants system, following the request for proposals when it is posted.
Montana Association of Conservation Districts: Education and Outreach Water Quality Mini-Grants
Helena · statewide
Small grants, funded through DEQ's Section 319 program, for local education and outreach on polluted runoff: workshops, field days, watershed tours, videos and signs, or repairing an existing teaching tool. Open to 501(c)(3) nonprofits registered with the Montana Secretary of State, as well as local governments.
Typical grant
Up to $8,000, paid as reimbursement (its site). Past projects on its page include Yaak Valley Forest Council river field days, a Sun River Watershed Group rain barrel workshop and a Big Hole Watershed Committee exhibit at the Montana Folk Festival.
Next deadline
Current round: October 1, 2026 Verified (September 15 was the priority date). Applications after that are held for the next round, which opens February 2027.
How to apply
Signed application form (PDF or online) plus proof of liability insurance, emailed to MACD. It encourages a check-in with staff before submitting.
Montana Watershed Coordination Council: Watershed Fund Capacity Support
Helena · statewide
Small capacity grants for community-based watershed groups, conservation districts, forest collaboratives and other nonprofits using the watershed approach, for staffing, planning, outreach and similar needs. The Fund also makes project and professional development grants when it has funders for them.
Typical grant
Maximum awards of $5,000 to $8,000, depending on funding (its site). Grants in its 2024 filing: Yaak Valley Forest Council $19,371, Bitterroot Water Partnership $13,871, Gallatin River Task Force $11,262, Prickly Pear Land Trust $7,954.
Next deadline
The page still shows the 2025 request for proposals as closed and under review; no new round is posted Check site.
How to apply
Apply to the request for proposals when it opens; MWCC asks applicants to discuss ideas with its executive director first ([email protected]).
National Forest Foundation: Matching Awards Program
Missoula · national forests and grasslands, including Montana's
Community engagement and stewardship projects on national forests and grasslands, or adjacent public land that benefits them: volunteer trail and restoration work, youth crews, weed control. Nonprofits, tribes and universities are eligible.
Typical grant
Requires a 1:1 non-federal cash or in-kind match (its site). Montana grants in its filing for the year to September 2025, which does not name the program: Great Burn Study Group $50,000, Selway-Bitterroot Foundation $40,711, Montana Wilderness Association $34,994, Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation $23,900, Swan Valley Connections $16,889.
Next deadline
Twice a year. Round 2 of 2026 ran May 27 to July 9, 2026 and has closed; dates for the next round are not posted yet Check site.
How to apply
Follow the request for proposals for the open round; application details are in the RFP linked from the program page.
Montana Community Foundation: Charles L. and Polly Anceney Gallatin Valley Fund
Helena · Gallatin Valley (parts of Gallatin, Park, Madison and Meagher counties)
Conservation grants in the Gallatin Valley for biodiversity, habitat restoration and sustainable resource management, including operating support.
Typical grant
2025 grantees (its site): Gallatin Watershed Council $25,000, Montana Raptor Conservation Center $25,000, Gallatin Valley Land Trust $20,000 (operating support), Pheasants Forever $20,000, Montana Trout Unlimited $15,000. Environmental grants in the foundation's filing for the year to June 2025 include Gallatin Valley Land Trust $30,406 and American Prairie Foundation $30,000 (the filing does not say which fund paid them).
Next deadline
The page says plans for the next cycle are being finalized; no date is posted Check site.
How to apply
Through the MCF grant portal once the cycle opens; the page names the Impact Programs director as the contact.
Whitefish Community Foundation: Community Grant Program
Whitefish · Flathead County
One open cycle a year for Flathead County nonprofits, for programs or small capital projects; groups new to the foundation are encouraged to apply. Organizations based in Lincoln or Glacier counties can apply only for health and human services.
Typical grant
Up to $10,000 (its site). 2026 awards included Outdoor Community Partners $10,000, Flathead Rivers Alliance $7,000, Flathead Lakers $5,500 and Whitefish Lake Institute $5,000. Its 2025 filing, which mixes open grants with donor gifts, includes Flathead Land Trust $137,519 and Glacier Institute $103,905.
Next deadline
Once a year. The 2026 cycle ran January 12 to February 19, 2026. Next cycle about January to February 2027 Expected.
How to apply
Online application in its grant portal. A Community Grant is also the first step toward the foundation's Great Fish Community Challenge.
Carbondale, CO · Montana and five other Rocky Mountain states
Small grants to grassroots groups protecting wild lands, rivers, wetlands, biodiversity and public lands. It rarely funds groups with budgets over $1 million and does not fund buildings, recreation facilities or parks, tree planting, recycling or wildlife rehabilitation.
Typical grant
Most awards $1,000 to $5,000 (its site). Montana grants in its 2025 filing include Friends of the Wild Swan, Gateway Conservation Alliance, Great Burn Conservation Alliance, Montana Environmental Information Center, The Salmonfly Project and Yaak Valley Forest Council, $5,000 each, and Craighead Institute $4,000.
Next deadline
Once a year; the 2026 deadline was April 30. Next deadline about April 30, 2027 Expected.
How to apply
New applicants email a brief letter of inquiry first; past grantees send the application form and narrative as two PDFs by email.
San Francisco, CA · national, with several Montana grants
Funds the environment, peace and arms control, reproductive rights and civil rights. Its Montana grants go to wildlands, forest and public-lands advocacy groups. It warns that its budget for new applicants is very limited.
Typical grant
Its 2024 filing shows 92 grants totaling $1,975,000. Montana examples: Wilderness Watch $25,000, Alliance for the Wild Rockies $20,000, Yaak Valley Forest Council $20,000, Northern Plains Resource Council $15,000, Center for Large Landscape Conservation $10,000.
Next deadline
Twice a year, by March 1 and September 1 (its standing schedule) Verified. Next: March 1, 2027.
How to apply
Application form, a narrative of four pages or less (its page also says five in one place), board list, budgets, tax exemption letter and latest annual report or audit, by email.
Grants that help ranchers and farmers in the Northern Great Plains manage land and water well: soil health, native seed, stream and water projects, invasive species, wildlife habitat, succession planning. Its new three-year Rangeland Resilience Initiative seeks nonprofit and agency partners working with producers.
Typical grant
Rangeland Resilience Initiative: up to $150,000 a year across all partners, for one- to three-year grants; short-notice grants up to $5,000 (its site). Montana grants in its 2025 filing: Women in Ranching $62,750, Montana Land Reliance $48,000, Petroleum County Conservation District $22,500, Montana Association of Conservation Districts $11,350.
Next deadline
Rangeland Resilience letters of interest close October 1, 2026, 5 p.m. MT Verified; invited full proposals follow in November, with awards about March 2027. Short-notice grants are taken any time, at least three weeks before the project starts.
How to apply
Talk to the executive director first (required), then send a letter of interest of two pages or less, or the short-notice application form, by email.
No website; everything here comes from its 2025 tax filing. Small general grants, about a third of them to Missoula-area groups, including climate, bird conservation and community farming organizations.
Typical grant
Mostly $1,000 to $4,000. Montana examples: Climate Smart Missoula $3,000, Montana Audubon $2,500, Garden City Harvest $2,000.
Next deadline
None stated Filing only.
How to apply
"Informal letter with budget", mailed to 906 Plain Dealing Farm, Scottsville, VA 24590.
It is not exhaustive and it is not a ranking. Deadlines and guidelines change, so open each funder's own page before you start. Grants are competitive, and past grant sizes describe what a funder gave, not what it will give you. I list secular funders only.
The full version
Want this done for your own organization?
A Funding Roadmap ($1,200, flat fee) gives you ten to fifteen funders matched to your mission, place and size, the grants each one paid to groups like yours, how to apply, and a 12-month grant calendar. Every deadline is labeled the same way as on this page.
Email me your organization's name, rough budget and what you'd like funded. You'll get a written reply within two business days.
You fill in a short intake questionnaire, then answer one round of written follow-up questions.
About three weeks later you get the roadmap, a two-page note on how to use it, and 14 days of email questions.
Everything happens in writing. There are no calls or meetings.