The Community Investment Program (CIP), a program established at the Montana Community Foundation (MCF) by Grid United, is excited to announce the distribution of $254,433 in grants across Rosebud, Custer, and Fallon Counties. Grid United established this program to help address community needs in the counties through which the North Plains Connector – a 400 mile transmission line to connect the U.S. eastern and western electric grids – is being developed. These efforts underscore both Grid United and MCF’s commitment to fostering vibrant and resilient communities in Eastern Montana.

In this round of funding, three projects in Rosebud County receive $26,300. The Bicentennial Library of Colstrip, a branch of the Rosebud County Library, will acquire four hotspots and associated services, thanks to an $800 grant. The Northern Cheyenne Food Pantry secures $19,500 to purchase a vehicle, licensing, insurance, permits, and freezers. St. Labre Indian School Educational Association will enhance its facilities with a $6,000 grant to purchase a commercial cafeteria serving lines.

In Custer County, eight transformational projects receive $143,363. The Custer County Food Bank Inc. received $6,000 to replace carpet, repair drywall, and repaint the shopping center area. Keep Miles City Beautiful will use $18,068 to rehabilitate the historic gazebo and storage shed at Riverside Park. Miles City Convent Keepers secures $18,000 to prep, scrap, paint all windows, and install storm windows. Bighorn Valley Health Center, Inc. dba One Health receives $25,000 to renovate the Milligan Building in downtown Miles City into a patient clinic, integrating primary and preventative health care services.

Additionally, The Outreach Clinic of Miles City secures a $9,150 grant to enhance Parenting Education Classes by providing $2,400 for car seats and $6,750 for training six instructors in Healthy Relationship Education. The Range Riders Museum receives $17,145 to replace the roof on its main log building and entrance, preserving this historical landmark. Walleyes Unlimited of Montana's Miles City Chapter contributes $30,000 to install a restroom at the Hilleman Recreation Area, enhancing community recreational facilities. The WaterWorks Art Museum is awarded $20,000 for concrete repairs and a new roof for the Clean Water Well, ensuring the longevity and accessibility of its cultural exhibits. These grants showcase a collective effort to enrich various aspects of Custer County’s community life.

Continuing the positive impact, six crucial projects in Fallon County receive $84,770. The Baker Baseball Association gets $4,900 for lighting and heating upgrades in their new indoor practice facility. The Eastern Montana Economic Development Authority receives $1,251 for a sound system for the little league baseball park. Friends of FMC Foundation secures $15,512 to purchase new equipment for the Fallon Medical Complex. The Lakeview Ladies Association is granted $25,000 for patio area repairs at the Lakeview Golf Course. O'Fallon Historical Society will utilize $25,157 to procure a Preliminary Architectural Report (PAR) for the O’Fallon Historical Museum. The Southeast Montana Area Revitalization Team gets $12,950 to establish a pocket park, the only green space, in Baker’s downtown corridor.

The next round of grants will be issued in 2024. Eligible applicants must be either a 501(c)(3) nonprofit or government entity. Individuals and for-profit organizations are ineligible; however, individuals and for-profit organizations may apply through a fiscal sponsor that is eligible. Additionally, applicants based outside of these counties are eligible so long as the funding is used for projects benefiting communities in these counties. Grant requests are reviewed by Community Advisory Committees in Rosebud, Custer, and Fallon Counties.

Additional information on the CIP program, including future application dates, can be found on the MCF website at https://mtcf.org/grants/apply-for-a-grant/community-investment-program. For questions, please contact Local Community Foundations Program Officer, Taylor Crowl at (406) 603-4913 or taylor@mtcf.org.