The Montana Community Foundation’s (MCF) Community Investment Program (CIP) is now accepting applications for its spring grant cycle, with a deadline of May 1, 2026. Funding is available for eligible nonprofits and government entities serving Rosebud, Custer, and Fallon counties, as well as the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation. With grants of up to $50,000, organizations are encouraged to apply soon to support projects that strengthen their communities.

This spring’s grant cycle marks the sixth round of funding awarded through the Community Investment Program (CIP). Since its launch, the program has supported a wide range of projects — from addressing immediate community needs to advancing long-term planning efforts. Local leaders involved in the grantmaking process have seen the program play a meaningful role in strengthening communities and encourage eligible organizations to apply for this funding opportunity.

Last fall, 17 grants totaling $250,754 were issued across the three counties. Recipients included Keep Miles City Beautiful for $29,650 to improve welcome and directional signage in downtown Miles City. Another $10,000 helped the Fallon County Mental Health Council pay for mental health billboards. Finally, Washington Middle School received $21,456 for playground improvements. Lifetime granting through the Community Investment Program to date is $1.5 million, bringing vital funding to the region.

“The Community Investment Program is a powerful example of what’s possible when communities are trusted to lead,” said Mary Rutherford, President & CEO of the Montana Community Foundation. “These grants are more than financial support—they represent an investment in local priorities, local solutions, and the long-term vitality of the region. We’re proud to help ensure resources are reaching the people and projects that matter most.”

North Plains Connector established the CIP at MCF. North Plains Connector is a 420-mile transmission line that will span three rural counties in Montana (Rosebud, Custer, and Fallon) and connect the electric power grids between eastern Montana and western North Dakota. Prioritizing local stakeholders is core to North Plains Connector’s development. This includes initiatives like the CIP that are designed to support the communities that will host North Plains Connector. 

The CIP holds two annual grant cycles. The first round of grants are due on May 1, 2026, and the second round of grants are due on November 1, 2026. Grants will be up to $50,000. 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. Community Advisory Committees are comprised of local community members. Neither North Plains Connector nor its developer, Grid United, influence the selection of the advisory committee and determination of grant recipients. 

Additional information on the CIP, including the application, 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 Foundation Program Officer Shyanne Wallace at 406-230-2785 or shyanne@mtcf.org. 

About North Plains Connector: North Plains Connector is a 420-mile and up- to- 500- kilovolt high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission line connecting the U.S. eastern and western electric grids in Montana and North Dakota. North Plains Connector will be open to all sources of electrical power generation and will be able to transport power in either direction along the line. For more information, visit www.northplainsconnector.com. 

About Grid United: Grid United is an independent transmission company aiming to modernize the electric power grid to create a more resilient and efficient electric system for the benefit of all consumers. For more information, visit www.gridunited.com.