Eligible nonprofits and government entities in Rosebud, Custer, and Fallon counties, as well as the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation, can apply now for up to $50,000 in funding for innovative projects that enhance quality of life while strengthening communities in this corner of Eastern Montana.

Montana Community Foundation’s Community Investment Program is accepting applications for its fall grant cycle, with a deadline of November 1, 2026. Montana Community Foundation (MCF) awarded $130,350 to 12 projects this spring through the Community Investment Program (CIP). 

The spring awards marked the seventh round of funding through the CIP. MCF has awarded $1,593,711 to projects serving eastern Montana since the CIP started in 2023.

The CIP is intentionally broad, allowing communities to seek support for projects that address their unique priorities. Funding can support efforts ranging from purchasing equipment for childcare and emergency-response organizations, to improving schools, parks, and other community facilities.

“The Community Investment Program is truly that—an investment in keeping rural communities vibrant” said Mary Rutherford, President and CEO of the Montana Community Foundation. “From improving essential services and community facilities to expanding opportunities for youth, each project responds to a distinct local need. We are proud to help turn these community-driven ideas into action so eastern Montana communities can continue to flourish.”

The 2026 spring grants included:

• $75,250 for seven projects in Rosebud County
• $84,770 for five projects in Fallon County

Spring recipients included:

• Rosebud Community Park Association, which received funding to restore and protect the Rosebud Cemetery.
• Rosebud County Search and Rescue, which received support for building repairs and emergency-response equipment.
• Boys and Girls Club of the Northern Cheyenne Nation, which received funding for safety and playground improvements at its Lame Deer facility.

Other funded projects will improve physical education equipment at Baker Public Schools, update the Forsyth High School gym, and bring free Montana Shakespeare in the Parks performances and educational programming to Rosebud County.

The town of Plevna, population 209, reinstated its football team in 2023 and built a new football field the following year. But the rural Eastern Montana town didn’t have bleachers and needed to borrow them, when available, from the county or ask people to bring their own seating. With a $26,400 CIP grant, the school purchased bleachers that will soon be installed.

 “It’s going to be fabulous when they get here and we put them together,” said Superintendent Penny Benner. “We thought about what would benefit not just the school but the whole community.”

 Benner said the bleachers will provide seating for football games and other events on the field, including elementary school play days. They will also give older community members a place to sit without having to carry their own chairs.

MCF administers the program in partnership with North Plains Connector and local community advisory committees. Neither North Plains Connector, nor its developer Grid United, determine grant recipients. Community members serving on the advisory committees review requests and help ensure funding responds to local priorities. Facilitating programs like this advances MCF’s mission to cultivate a culture of giving so Montana communities can flourish.

Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations or government entities. Individuals and for-profit organizations are not eligible to apply directly but may work with an eligible fiscal sponsor. Organizations based outside the eligible region may apply when the requested funding will support projects benefiting communities within the three counties or the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation.

Applications for the fall grant cycle are due November 1, 2026. Program details, historical grant recipients, and application materials are available at https://mtcf.org/funding/apply-for-a-grant/community-investment-program. For questions about the Community Investment Program, contact Peter Baker at 406-218-6324 or peter@mtcf.org. 

MCF is hosting an informational session about the fall grant cycle for the CIP on October 1, 2026, at 11 a.m. via Zoom. Staff will be able to answer any questions you have about the program or application process. Please register here to attend.

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About Montana Community Foundation: 

At the Montana Community Foundation, we help you shape Montana’s future through giving. Founded in 1988, MCF manages more than $247 million in assets and administers more than 1,988 philanthropic funds and planned gifts. Since its founding, MCF has reinvested more than $137.5 million in Montana through scholarships, grants, and programs. Learn more at www.mtcf.org. 

About North Plains Connector: North Plains Connector is a 420-mile, up-to-525-kilovolt, high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission line connecting the U.S. eastern and western electric grids in North Dakota and Montana. North Plains Connector will transport electrical power of all generation sources and bidirectionally move power along the line in response to demand. For more information, visit www.northplainsconnector.com. 

About Grid United: Grid United is an independent transmission development 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.