Criteria for grants

Grant recipients must:

• Be a community or environmental organization with 501(c)(3) status, school, school district, community college or university that is registered in the state of Montana.
• Present an objective and balanced approach to the program categories: education, environment or economic development.
• Present a specific, feasible plan of action to accomplish well-defined objectives and measurable results.
• Provide evidence of a thorough assessment of school or community needs, or local environmental problems.
• Demonstrate broad support from local businesses, communities, public agencies, academic institutions and/or conservation organizations.
• Seek funding of $1,000 to $10,000.
• Give priority to programs that can demonstrate matching funds.

Ineligible categories:

• Individuals, unless under an approved educational scholarship program.
• Religious organizations for religious purposes.
• National health organizations.
• Cities, counties or government agencies.
• Travel expenses for conferences and symposiums.
• General endowment funds.
• Operation expenses for tax-supported groups.
• Sponsorships, auctions, dinners, tickets or advertising.
• Political action or legislative advocacy groups.
• Individual 4-H clubs, FFA clubs, Boy Scouts troops. We suggest these chapters work through their state headquarters.