Indigenous Student Rapid Assistance Fund

The Indigenous Student Rapid Assistance Fund provides rapid response grants to Indigenous students to alleviate stressors that, if left unaddressed, may disrupt or halt a student’s educational experience.

Assistance

This fund provides one-time, emergency assistance to Indigenous students experiencing financial hardships while attending postsecondary institutions in Montana.

Assistance Amounts: Typically, between $250 and $1,000 per request, though all requests will be considered.

Spring Cycle: Closed. Funding for this grant cycle has been fully allocated due to strong applicant demand. We expect the next funding opportunity to open this fall.

Eligible Expenses:

  • Emergency food security costs (groceries, meal plans, etc.).
  • Emergency travel costs (vehicle repairs, airfare, gas, etc.).
  • Emergency housing costs (rent, short-term stays, etc.).
  • Emergency healthcare costs (prescriptions, medical or mental health care, etc.).
  • Emergency childcare or dependent costs (fees, food, clothing, etc.).
  • Emergency educational technology (internet, device repair, phone bills, etc.).
  • Other emergency educational costs (books, tools, supplies, etc.).

Important Note

This fund is designed to support students with emergency financial assistance while enrolled in college. It is not a student scholarship and operates separately from MCF’s scholarship program. Applications are accepted year-round for emergency needs.

Additional Considerations:

  • Applications are determined case by case—students may reapply even if they have received previous assistance.
  • Prior awards, request frequency, and available funding will be considered.
  • Requests may be fully or partially funded, or denied, based on a variety of factors.

Eligibility

To be eligible for assistance, applicants must:

  • Be an Indigenous student
  • Be enrolled at an accredited postsecondary institution in Montana

Application Process

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the academic year, including summer terms and holiday breaks.

How to Apply:

  • Through the MCF Scholarship Portal
  • By a third-party advocate (college staff, faculty, high school counselor, teacher, etc.)
  • With assistance from MCF staff (applications may be submitted over the phone)

Note: If a third party is submitting an application, it is strongly recommended that the student be present to ensure accurate information is provided.

Verification Process:

Applicants must provide an email for a faculty or staff member at their college who can verify their need. A verification request will be sent immediately after submission.

Funding Timeline

Applications are reviewed as quickly as possible with funds typically distributed to students within a few days of their application submission, depending on college or university verification, information requested, and the method by which funds are sent (ACH, check, etc.).

Want to support Indigenous students in Montana?

Learn how to donate to this fund

About the Artist

Kieran "Beetle" Robinson (they/he) is a self-employed illustrator who graduated with a BFA in Illustration at California College of the Arts (2025). As a Northern Cheyenne tribal member and nonbinary individual, Robinson works on several projects that celebrate the communities they belong to and highlight other underrepresented people. They like to include funny, spooky, and cute things, especially when they can combine all of them in a project.

Corey Kopp's headshot'

We're Here to Help

For additional help, questions or comments, contact Corey Kopp, Scholarship & Grants Program Officer.

406-262-7711 Email Corey Kopp