The Community Investment Program (CIP), a program at the Montana Community Foundation (MCF) supported by North Plains Connector, is excited to announce the distribution of $230,230 in grants across Rosebud, Custer, and Fallon Counties. North Plains Connector established this program to help address community needs in the counties through which the North Plains Connector project – a 420-mile transmission line to connect the U.S. eastern and western electric grids – is being developed. These efforts underscore both North Plains Connector’s and MCF’s commitment to fostering vibrant and resilient communities in Eastern Montana.

“The funds granted to us through the Community Investment Program demonstrate a strong commitment to the Colstrip community,” stated Kayla de la Ossa with the Schoolhouse History & Art Center (SHAC). “This support will enable the Schoolhouse History & Art Center to make vital improvements, preserving the historic building's integrity while also enhancing the experience for everyone who visits and uses the space.”

In this round of funding, two important projects in Rosebud County received $55,000. 

• $50,000 to the Schoolhouse History & Art Center to restore flooring and replace siding on the historic building, which is an arts center offering exhibits, classes, and community events. 
• $5,000 to the Forsyth Golf Foundation for landscaping at the Forsyth Golf Club, which will enhance the look of the golf course for visitors and community members. 

In Custer County, seven transformational projects receive $74,000. 

• $3,000 to Custer County Firefighters Association for a rope rescue kit, which will allow firefighters to better serve the public particularly for low-angle rescue emergencies. 
• $8,000 to Custer County Food Bank to remodel a storage room into a packaging room, allowing the food bank to accept and repackage additional donations. 
• $8,000 to Custer County Sheriff’s Office Protective Association for search and rescue tracks for a UTV, which will enhance response times in challenging terrains. 
• $25,000 to Miles City Area Chamber of Commerce to complete two murals in downtown Miles City, increasing public art to attract both residents and visitors. 
• $10,000 to Miles City Public Library to create a dynamic area for teens to engage in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) activities.
• $12,300 to Miles City Youth Soccer Association to purchase a shed to store field and maintenance equipment, allowing this organization to better serve 440 kids each year. 
• $7,700 to Range Riders Museum to remove and upgrade carpeting, which will improve the look of this important tourist attraction in the area. 

In Fallon County, four impactful projects received $101,230.

• $10,000 to Baker Chamber of Commerce & Agriculture for “Insight Baker,” a program that will use data to understand the 52,000 visitors in Baker each year and how local businesses can use this information. 
• $34,317 to Elizabeth Scott Wellness Initiative to replace the HVAC and plumbing and repair the roof of the Elizabeth Hospital building, which will be used to host wellness activities for the community. 
• $27,367 to O’Fallon Historical Society to purchase a trackless train, which will enhance the O’Fallon Historical Museum’s programming and be available at community events. 
• $29,546 to Southeast Montana Area Revitalization Team (SMART) to conduct a preliminary architectural report on a historic building to determine whether it can be rehabilitated into a theater for Baker. 

"This partnership with North Plains Connector exemplifies the power of community-driven philanthropy,” said MCF President & CEO, Mary Rutherford. “We are not only addressing immediate needs but also advancing our vision of ensuring that every community in Montana has the resources they need to thrive. These grants are an investment in the people and places that make Eastern Montana vibrant, helping to build a stronger future for all."

The next round of grants will be issued in 2025. Applications will be due on May 1 and November 1. 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. North Plains Connector does not determine grant awardees. 

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.