Combined Grant Cycle 2026

The Helena Area Community Foundation (HACF) is pleased to announce our grant cycle for 2026. Funding for 2026 totals $69,750 and is provided by: HACF in the amount of $25,000; Lewis and Clark County in the amount of $23,750; the City of Helena in the amount of $19,000*, and $2000 “Inspired by you” Grant sponsored by Valley Bank. This grant cycle opens on September 2, 2026 and closes on October 2, 2026. Awards will be finalized and announced on or before November 17th, 2026. 

The evaluation session and board ratification will both be open meetings. Details and log in information will be on the HACF website at least one week prior to meetings. The evaluation meeting will be held the week of October 26, and the board ratification is scheduled for November 10th. 

SCORING: 

Grants are scored based on the following criteria:

• Application is complete (Yes / No)
• The project need is immediate in the community (Score 1-5)
• The application describes a measurable program or project. (Score 1-5)
• The project need is specific  (Score 1-5)
• Grant project will serve an appropriate number of clients  (Score 1-5)
•  Projected budget is specific  (Score 1-5)
•  Projected expenses are reasonable  (Score 1-5)
• (If applicable) Organization has demonstrated successful implementation of previous HACF grants (Yes / Partial / No) *