The Foundation provides grants to nonprofit organizations and qualifying government entities such as schools and libraries in the greater Big Sky region.

The Foundation's grant funding prioritizes investment in addressing critical needs in the focus areas of livability, health& wellness, environment, arts, and education. Funds are available to support nonprofit programs, capital projects, and capacity building.

We encourage any interested organization to review the application information provided. Inquiries may be directed to Yellowstone Club Community Foundation staff. ‍

Fall Community Grant Cycle
Application Open- October 23, 2023
Application Due- December 1, 2023
Awards Distributed by January 15th.
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Apply Here

A PDF copy of the grant application can be found here.
A PDF copy of the grant guidelines can be found here.
To view the Foundations 2023 Fall Grant Webinar click here.
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Application Information

All applicants must apply through the grant portal found here.
‍A PDF copy of the grant application can be found here.
A PDF copy of the grant guidelines can be found here.
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‍Please be prepared to submit the following information:

A description of the organization, its purposes, programs, staffing, and governing board.
The organization’s latest financial statements.
A description of how grant funding would be used for the proposed project and justification for its funding.
An itemized project budget, including other existing or expected sources of support.
Evidence from the IRS of the organization’s tax-exempt status and that the applying organization itself is not a private foundation. Proposals not accompanied by a current IRS determination letter will not be considered.
If applying for a new or repeat grant, the organization’s grant report from the previous application must be completed and received prior to submitting a new application.

Evaluation Criteria & Awards

Each application will be reviewed by members of the Foundation staff and the Board of Directors. The Board makes final decisions regarding awards.
Criteria include the clarity of the application, along with the applicant’s track record, organizational capacity, professionalism, and community impact.
Additional beneficial factors for grants include the ability to provide metrics on the grant’s impact, evidence of collaboration with other nonprofits, and commitment to continuous improvement.
Grants are competitive; there is no guarantee that an applicant will receive a grant.

Frequently Asked Grant Questions:

‍What kinds of organizations does the Foundation support?

The Foundation supports the greater Big Sky region through grants and sponsorships to eligible locally-based nonprofit organizations that help solve the critical issues of livability, health and wellness, environment, education and arts and culture. The Foundation also supports qualified government entities such as schools and libraries.

What are the Foundation's funding priorities?

The Yellowstone Club Community Foundation prioritizes giving within its five focus areas.

Health and Wellness
Montana is consistently one of the top states in the nation where rates of depression, substance abuse and suicide are the highest. When we normalize struggles, we can create new ways of connecting with one another. The Foundation provides critical funding to partners creating a culture of care with increased counseling services, referral pathways, inclusive programming, recreational opportunities, and no cost barriers to accessing care in the greater Big Sky region.

Arts & Culture
The Foundation is proud to support programs that promote the arts and culture as a means for individuals to engage in shared experiences, form connections, celebrate diversity, express themselves creatively, and cultivate a sense of pride and belonging in the greater Big Sky region.

Education
The Foundation invests in the future by providing local students with scholarship opportunities and funding organizations that support quality and inclusive education in safe learning environments for our youngest community members.

Livability
As the local cost of living climbs within our region, the Foundation provides funding to partners who help solve critical issues and provide valuable resources to the community in the form of affordable housing, childcare, transportation, scholarships and more.

Environment
Abundant wilderness, miles of river, and snow-capped peaks are a few of the features that make this region such a magical place to live or visit. The Foundation is proud to support local nonprofits working to protect this wild and wonderful place for generations to come.

How can nonprofits apply for grants?

Application information can be found here. The application deadline is December 1^st. Applications must be submitted through the Foundation's grant portal. No mailed or emailed applications will be accepted.

How much money can I request?

Each grant cycle, the Foundation funds one gift of up to $100,000 for a capital campaign, and the average grant award amount is $25,000. Please detail your organizational needs in the application.

How can I recommend an organization for a grant?

You may direct the organization to our website to learn more about guidelines and the grant process. You are encouraged to provide a letter of recommendation to accompany their application.

What is the criteria for awarding grants?

The review team takes into consideration the track record of the applicant, its organizational capacity, professionalism, and its community impact. Additional beneficial factors for grants include the ability to provide metrics on the grant’s impact, evidence of collaboration with other nonprofits, and commitment to continuous improvement.

Grants are competitive and there is no guarantee that an applicant will receive a grant.

When are grant applications due?

Grant applications are due December 1^st and you can apply through the Foundation's grant portal. Applicants are notified regarding the status of their application within 4-6 weeks of the application due date.

Who makes decisions regarding grant allocation?

The Foundation has a clearly established process for awarding grants to eligible community-based nonprofit organizations. Applications are reviewed by Foundation staff and Board of Directors. The Board, comprised of Yellowstone Club members, governs the Foundation and makes final decisions on grant awards. A full list of Board Members can be found here.

When are awards disbursed?

If a grant is approved, payment will be provided by check within two weeks of the Board’s approval, approximately four to six weeks after the application deadline.

Grants

Frequently Asked Grant Questions:

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