A grant opportunity to expand access to mental health services for Indigenous people and communities in Montana is open from September 1, 2025, until October 15, 2025. The Montana Mental Health Access Fund, managed by the Montana Community Foundation (MCF), supports initiatives and organizations working directly with Tribal Nations, on reservations, and those serving urban Indian populations. 

 “Accessing mental health services remains a significant challenge, particularly for tribal communities,” said Mary Rutherford, CEO of the Montana Community Foundation. “The Mental Health Access Fund supports innovative ideas for improving mental health and well-being by leveraging technology and resources to increase access to mental health services to Indigenous people across the state.” 

 The Montana Mental Health Access Fund supports mental health service providers, health clinics, hospitals, social service agencies, nonprofits, schools, and for-profit licensed providers in providing mental health services on Reservations in Montana, including to members of the Little Shell Chippewa Tribe, as well as to Indigenous people living in urban areas. 

 Grants will range from $1,000 to $10,000. Projects eligible for funding include those that:

• Improve or increase access to mental health services, including leveraging technology (i.e., telehealth) and other resources to meet the needs of Indigenous people living across the state.
• Reduce barriers to accessing mental health services, including geographic, demographic, and economic barriers.
• Provide mental health services associated with the grant at no cost to the patient.
• Are long-term and sustainable solutions to increasing access to mental health.
• Evidence-based and demonstrate measurable outcomes.
• Fill a need that other available resources in the community cannot meet.
• Serve an existing client-base with a new type of mental health service (i.e. new technology serving an already served population/community) will not be ranked highly. 
• Create or advance new and substantive partnerships that result in the more efficient and effective use of resources. 

 To apply or learn more about the Montana Mental Health Access Fund, please visit https://mtcf.org/funding/apply-for-a-grant/the-montana-mental-health-access-fund.