Missoula County is now accepting Impact Grant applications and is continuing to accept Micro Grant applications to support community-driven projects that enhance the quality of life in rural areas of Missoula County.
Individuals, nonprofit organizations, citizen groups, community councils, schools and special districts are encouraged to learn more and apply online at http://missoula.co/ruralgrant.
The Rural Grant Program, which the Missoula County commissioners initiated in 2023, includes two unique funding opportunities: Micro Grants, with awards between $100 to $500, and Impact Grants, with awards from $501 to $4,000. The awards are designed to support community projects within the county but outside Missoula city limits.
The Micro Grant is open on a rolling monthly basis. It’s intended to be used for smaller community projects that can be completed within 90 days. Applications for the first round of 2025 funding are due Friday, Jan. 31. Funding will be distributed in February. Ongoing Micro Grant applications are due by the last day of the month and will be considered for distribution the following month. Recipients are eligible to receive one micro grant per calendar year.
The Impact Grant application is open once a year. These grants are intended for larger community projects that may take longer than 90 days to implement but can be completed by the end of the year. The deadline for 2025 Impact Grant applications is Friday, Feb. 28.
Applicants must describe how the project meets a demonstrated need or demand, provides a community benefit and has community support. Expenditure and reimbursement reports and project reports are required for both grants. Grant awards depend on funds available in the budget, and no applicants are guaranteed funding. Additional guidelines and requirements are available at http://missoula.co/ruralgrant.
Impact Grants awarded in 2024 supported several projects throughout the county, including playground equipment in Seeley Lake, a native plant garden in Bonner and a program that hosts interpretive demonstrations from Indigenous historians and artisans in Lolo.
2024 Micro Grants supported projects such as hygiene kits at Bonner School, “litter grabbers” for clean-up events along the Bitterroot Trail, and archery equipment for Swan Valley School. The complete list of awardees for both grants is online.
For more information, contact Grants Administrator Heidi West at hwest@missoulacounty.us or 405-747-9158.
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