Montana Grants for Nonprofits
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Giving Trends in Montana
Montana is one of the least densely populated states in the U.S., with a population of only about 1.1 million spread across a large swath of land. Given this, it is unsurprising that philanthropy in Montana occurs on a smaller scale than in more populous Northwestern states such as Washington. Despite its population size, Montana philanthropy is growing. According to Candid, more than 2,000 grantmakers collectively gave over $378 million in grants for Montana in 2018.
Philanthropy Northwest, a network of grantmakers, share information and insights about giving in the region. Grantmakers in Montana tend to prioritize education, while the environment, animals and wildlife also reflect patterns in giving, as well as health. Philanthropy Northwest reported in Trends in Northwest Giving 2019. That said, a lot of major funding that is directed to organizations in Montana come from outside of the state from regional funders.
The top Montana funders include a mix of private and family foundations, community foundations, corporate funders, and health conversion foundations. Funders include the Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation, Gianforte Family Foundation, National Forest Foundation, Whitefish Community Foundation, Montana Healthcare Foundation, Montana Community Foundation, Yellowstone Club Community Foundation, Headwaters Foundation, First Interstate BancSystem Foundation, M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust, William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, and Gilhousen Family Foundation.
