Reimagining Rural Awards $107,150 to Support Projects in 15 Montana Communities

From creating gathering spaces to supporting local businesses and celebrating community history, Montana’s small towns are turning residents’ ideas into action. Fifteen communities received a combined $107,150 through Reimagining Rural Next Step grants to advance projects shaped by local priorities.

Led by MSU Extension in partnership with the Montana Community Foundation (MCF) and supported by the Wells Fargo Foundation, Reimagining Rural helps small towns explore possibilities for their future. Next Step grants provide funding to carry those conversations forward through community-led projects.

“Montana’s small towns are full of people with ideas and determination to make their communities stronger,” said Mary Rutherford, President & CEO of the Montana Community Foundation. “We’re grateful for our partnership with MSU Community Vitality and the Wells Fargo Foundation’s generous support for Reimagining Rural grantmaking. Together, we’re helping communities turn locally driven ideas into meaningful projects that build momentum for a vibrant future.”

Local Ideas Taking Shape Across Montana

This year’s awards support a wide range of efforts, reflecting the needs and opportunities residents see in their own communities.

Baker — Welcoming Visitors and Connecting Community Destinations

Award: $7,400

SMART will improve Baker’s visitor experience through wayfinding signs, Baker-branded banners, and maintenance of banner rods. These improvements will help visitors find community destinations and create a more welcoming downtown.

Browning — Celebrating Blackfeet Culture Along Highway 89

Award: $6,375

The Blackfeet Business Council will improve Browning’s Highway 89 scenic corridor through cleanup, wayfinding signs, and murals on existing buildings. The project will highlight Blackfeet culture and history while directing visitors to local businesses, parks, and scenic destinations.

Condon — Helping Seniors Stay Connected

Award: $7,500

Through Tech4Seniors, the Where Curiosity Meets Condon project will improve reliable internet access and provide technology education to help seniors age in place. Shaped by Reimagining Rural community input, the effort will connect older residents with internet services, practical training, and ongoing community support.

Ekalaka — Creating a Main Street Pocket Park

Award: $7,400

The Carter County Museum will develop a pocket park on Main Street as part of its planned expansion and renovation. Identified as a priority through community assessments, forums, planning efforts, and Reimagining Rural discussions, the park will create a new public space in downtown Ekalaka.

Fort Benton — Building a Community Resource Hub

Award: $7,400

Destination Fort Benton will establish a Community Resource Hub and coordinator to help residents, businesses, nonprofits, and local government move community projects forward. The hub will offer centralized resources, grant assistance, project coordination, and connections to funding and community partners.

Forsyth — Honoring Agricultural Heritage Through Public Art

Award: $7,500

Forsyth will install a metal Dogie sculpture downtown to celebrate its agricultural heritage and strengthen community and school pride. The sculpture will complement an existing mural and build on ongoing downtown beautification, wayfinding, and Main Street revitalization efforts.

Fromberg — Bringing Local History to Life

Award: $7,500

The Fromberg Jail Legacy Art Initiative will transform the community’s historic 1910 jail into a highway-facing landmark featuring two hand-painted murals. The project will share local history, increase visibility to travelers along Highway 310, and give an underused structure a new role as a welcoming community asset.

Glendive — Supporting Local Workers and Businesses

Award: $7,500

The Glendive Chamber will offer a quarterly Workforce & Business Development Series addressing needs identified by the community. Training topics will include QuickBooks, hospitality, leadership, financial literacy, and core workforce skills, with ongoing local input helping guide future offerings.

Hardin — Making Progress Through Small Community Projects

Award: $7,500

Honey-Do 22 will bring residents together to identify and complete 22 small improvement projects in Hardin by the end of 2026. Volunteer-supported efforts may include cleanup, repairs, beautification, murals, and other improvements residents would like to see in their community.

Hays — Enhancing a Garden and Gathering Place

Award: $7,500

The Little Rockies People’s Garden and Park project will enhance an accessible community gathering space in Hays. Sheltered seating and gathering areas will support cultural activities, food sovereignty, community events, and connections among residents.

Hysham — Strengthening Downtown Visibility and Community Pride

Award: $7,500

The Hysham Chamber will support downtown revitalization through a heritage-themed mural and prominent gateway signs near the Interstate 94 exit. Both improvements emerged from Reimagining Rural discussions as priorities for celebrating the community, attracting visitors, and increasing Main Street visibility.

Liberty County — Sustaining Community Radio

Award: $7,500

Liberty County Community Radio will strengthen its local station’s ability to provide reliable agricultural, weather, civic, and community information across the Hi-Line. The project will also train residents to sustain local programming and help the station serve future generations.

Lima — Building Connections and Local Capacity

Award: $6,375

The Lima Area Community Foundation will strengthen regional connections, support local businesses, develop digital and leadership skills, and promote tourism and recreation. The effort builds on the Lima Welcome Center and community-identified priorities for revitalization.

Winnett — Adding Capacity to Advance Community Priorities

Award: $7,400

Winnett ACES will use its grant for part-time staff support to advance community priorities in 2027. That added capacity will help move work forward in tourism, rural healthcare, agritourism, childcare, housing, and workforce development.

Worden — Sharing Community Stories and Opportunities

Award: $4,800

Community Project Connection will create a free magazine highlighting local nonprofits, volunteer opportunities, and community contributions. The publication will also share how Beef, Beets & Barley Festival funds are used, helping residents stay informed and encouraging greater community involvement.

Building Momentum for Rural Montana

Communities eligible for this round of Next Step grants participated in the Reimagining Rural Virtual Series earlier this year. The funding helps them build on that experience by investing in projects that strengthen local leadership, enhance downtowns, and create vibrant places to live and work.

“Reimagining Rural is grounded in the belief that Montana’s small towns matter—and are worth investing in,” said Jennifer Anderson, MSU Associate Specialist in Community Vitality. “Next Step Grants help communities turn inspiration into action, building local capacity and making tangible improvements that reflect residents’ vision for their hometowns.”

Together, these 15 projects demonstrate the many ways rural communities are shaping their futures, with local ideas and local leadership guiding the work.

For questions about Reimagining Rural grants, contact MCF Impact Programs Director Peter Baker at peter@mtcf.org or 406-218-6324.

Explore grant opportunities at the Montana Community Foundation.