Important May 1 Grant Deadline for Rosebud, Custer, and Fallon Counties

An important funding opportunity to improve the quality of life in Rosebud, Custer, and Fallon Counties as well as Northern Cheyenne Reservation is closing soon. May 1, 2024 is the deadline to apply for the Montana Community Foundation’s (MCF) Community Investment Program (CIP) grant. Eligible and successful awardees, such as nonprofits or government entities within Rosebud, Custer, and Fallon Counties as well as Northern Cheyenne Reservation, can receive up to $50,000.

“This spring’s grant cycle will be the third installment of grants issued to organizations in Rosebud, Custer, and Fallon Counties, also including the Northern Cheyenne Reservation,” noted Randy Hanson, a Community Advisory Committee member who is involved in making grant decisions. “As a community member in Fallon County, we’re seeing the difference the Community Investment Program is making, from immediate projects to planning projects. Local organizations that are eligible for these funds are encouraged to apply.”

Last fall, 17 grants totaling $254,433 were issued across the three counties. Recipients included the Northern Cheyenne Food Pantry to purchase a vehicle and install additional freezers. One Health to renovate the Milligan Building in downtown Miles City into a patient clinic. It also included the Southeast Montana Area Revitalization Team to create greenspace in Baker’s downtown corridor.

The CIP was established at MCF by the developer of the North Plains Connector, Grid United, an independent transmission company that builds high voltage electric transmission lines. The North Plains Connector is a 415-mile transmission line that will connect the electric power grids between eastern Montana and western North Dakota and runs through three rural counties in Montana: Rosebud, Custer, and Fallon. Grid United’s approach to project development is rooted in prioritizing local stakeholders, including initiatives like the CIP that are designed to support the communities in which the North Plains Connector is being developed.

The CIP holds two annual grant cycles. The second round of grants are due on November 1, 2024. 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 Local Community Foundations Program Officer, Taylor Crowl at (406) 603-4913 or taylor@mtcf.org.