The Helena Area Community Foundation (HACF) is pleased to announce our only planned grant cycle for 2025. Funding for 2025 totals $67,750 and is provided by: HACF in the amount of $25,000; Lewis and Clark County in the amount of $23,750; and the City of Helena in the amount of $19,000*. This grant cycle opens on January 27, 2025 and closes on March 7, 2025. Awards will be finalized and announced on or before April 18, 2025.

TRAINING OPPORTUNITY:

HACF will offer a grant writing course on February 20th at 11 a.m., which in part will review the criteria and evaluation of this grant cycle. Please register at https://hacf.networkforgood.com/events/81366-grant-writing-workshop

This training is free, but registration is required.

GRANT INFORMATION:

Grants will be made between $500 and $4000 per nonprofit organization. Grants may be fulfilled from a combination of funding sources. Some of these sources have restrictions that others do not.

The 2025 City of Helena Fund will only be distributed to 501(c)(3) organizations in the greater Helena Area, with a priority given to organizations operating within the Helena city limits.

Lewis and Clark County Funds can be distributed to 501(c)(3) organizations in or outside of Helena, Lewis and Clark County, or in regions that serve residents of Lewis and Clark County. Funds must be used for projects with an expressed public purpose that benefit the residents of the City of Helena or the residents of Lewis and Clark County.

HACF Funds can be distributed to any regional 501(c)(3) organization.

Priorities will be given to nonprofits who demonstrate a meaningful, specific need that can be fulfilled with a small grant.

Please note,  ‘City of Helena’ Funds may not be granted for projects that:
i. Promote or advocate any political or religious belief;
ii. Promote or solicit for:
a. purchase or use of tobacco products;
b. purchase, use or consumption of alcoholic beverages;
c. commercial transactions for pornography or sexually explicit goods or
services;
d. services involving avoidance or termination of pregnancy; and/or
e. advocate violence or discrimination against individuals or groups

Organizations that house some projects that would not be eligible based on these criteria may still apply for projects that meet the above criteria. 

Management and disbursement of  public funds subjects this grant-making program to Montana’s open meetings law. Be aware that any information you share in your application may be discussed publicly in an open meeting and be subject to public comment.

*HACF receives a 5% administrative fee from the City of Helena and Lewis and Clark Counties in exchange for administering this program.

Questions? Please contact: Emily Frazier, HACF Executive Director 406-441-4955 or [email protected].