From Playgrounds to Workforce Development, the Community Investment Program Fuels Local Impact

Helena, Montana, July 2, 2025 – The Montana Community Foundation's (MCF) Community Investment Program (CIP) has announced the latest grant recipients in its fifth round of funding, distributing more than $310,000. This initiative aims to enhance the quality of life in Rosebud, Custer, and Fallon Counties, as well as the Northern Cheyenne Reservation.

The developer of North Plains Connector, Grid United (GU), an independent transmission company that builds high voltage electric transmission lines, established the CIP at MCF. North Plains Connector is a 420-mile transmission line spanning three rural counties in Montana: Rosebud, Custer, and Fallon, that will connect the electric power grids between eastern Montana and western North Dakota. Prioritizing local stakeholders is core to North Plains Connector’s development.

Since its inception in 2023, more than $1.28 million ($1,283,052) has been granted out through CIP. The fifth round of grants supports a wide range of projects that reflect local priorities – from expanding workforce training programs to upgrading search and rescue equipment to revitalizing community spaces. Each grant was recommended by a Community Advisory Committee made up of local residents who understand the unique needs of their county. This community-led approach ensures funding reaches projects that will make the greatest difference on the ground.

Miles Community College (MCC) received a $50,000 grant for its Accelerating Credentials Initiative, which will equip high school students with credentials in healthcare, transportation, and career readiness. “With the generous support of the CIP grant, MCC is able to break down barriers to career education in rural Montana by providing accessible pathways for students to earn industry-recognized credentials,” said Erin Niedge, Vice President of Enrollment Management and Educational Support Services. “The Accelerating Credentials Initiative not only addresses critical workforce shortages but also fosters economic growth and opportunities for families across Custer, Fallon, and Rosebud Counties.” 

Rosebud County Grants
$75,250 in Rosebud County to 6 projects.

• $18,000 - Forever Forsyth Inc.

  Funding to implement comprehensive wayfinding signage in Forsyth. 

• $3,150 - Forsyth Area Chamber of Commerce & Agriculture

  Funding to expand the Riverside disc golf course in Forsyth. 

• $5,000 - Friends of Montana Shakespeare in the Parks

  Funding for community and school performances in Rosebud County. 

• $1,600 - Mountain Health Gives

  Funding for glasses and lenses for Little Peeps Mobile Eye Exams in Rosebud County.

• $45,000 - Rosebud Search and Rescue

  Funding to upgrade and replace essential search and rescue equipment. 

• $2,500 - St. Labre Indian School Educational Association, Inc.

  Funding for the “Inchy’s Bookwork” Pre-K – 4th grade reading initiative.

Custer County Grants
$150,639 in Custer County to 10 projects.

• $7,365 - Highland Park School

  Funding to renovate an early childhood and special needs playground.

• $15,095 - Keep Miles City Beautiful

  Funding to enhance the appearance and functionality of the underpass in Miles City.

• $5,225 - Kinsey Irrigation District

  Funding to convert the historic Kinsey Scale House into a free, public museum.

• $12,164 - Miles City Area Chamber of Commerce

  Funding for a pigeon mitigation project.

• $3,790 - Miles City Convent Keepers

  Funding to replace the sidewalk outside the property.

• $7,000 - Miles City Public Library

  Funding to complete a Preliminary Architectural Report (PAR) for future renovations. 

• $50,000 - Miles Community College

  Funding for the Accelerating Credentials Initiative, which will equip high school students with credentials in healthcare, transportation, and career readiness, helping address regional workforce shortages.

• $7,000 - Milestown Community Improvement, Inc. 

  Funding for an assessment of the Frog Pool and Splash Pad to address maintenance issues.

• $8,000 - Range Riders Museum

  Funding to upgrade the security system at the museum.

• $35,000 - Sacred Heart School

  Funding for exterior door replacement. 

Fallon County Grants
$84,770 in Fallon County to 5 projects.

• $6,600 - City of Baker

  Funding for RV wastewater dump station at Steven Mclain / Walt Kreager Park

• $21,225 - Elizabeth Scott Wellness Initiative

  Funding for roof, windows, and electrical at Elizabeth Scott Hospital in Baker.

• $10,000 - Fallon County

  Funding to equip Fallon County EMS with advanced training devices, including instructor kits, manikins, and simulators to enhance the skills of its EMTs and paramedics.

• $23,473 - Plevna School

  Funding to construct an ADA-accessible restroom in the north hallway of Plevna School to meet the needs of special education students

• $23,472 - Willard Community Club 

  Funding for the Willard Community Club to restore Willard Hall.

The CIP holds two annual grant cycles. The second round of grant requests are due on November 1, 2025. 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 the North Plains Connector project team, nor 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 Community & Economic Vitality Program Officer, Taylor Crowl at (406) 603-4913 or taylor@mtcf.org.