Montana · Private State Grant

NorthWestern Energy Charitable Giving

Funding

Varies (part of $2.1M+/yr total giving)

Grade Focus

K-12 and community

Application Due

Rolling — check northwesternenergy.com/community

Level of Gov't

Corporate — NorthWestern Energy

Eligibility

Schools and nonprofits in NorthWestern Energy service areas across Montana. NorthWestern Energy serves a broad swath of central and eastern Montana. Education, STEM, workforce, and community programs are priorities.

Program Goals

NorthWestern Energy supports education, environmental, and community programs in their service territory. K-12 STEM programs, energy literacy, technology education, and workforce readiness initiatives are well aligned with their charitable priorities.

Read the Grant

Application and Distribution

Rolling applications. Check northwesternenergy.com/community-and-environment/charitable-giving for the current application process and guidelines. Contact NorthWestern Energy community relations for guidance.

Cycle Notes

Rolling cycle. Applications reviewed throughout the year. Contact NorthWestern Energy to confirm current priorities and availability.

Grant Award Amount

Award amounts vary by project. NorthWestern Energy distributes over $2.1 million per year across Montana and the region. Check current guidelines for award ranges.

Allowable Purchases

Forward Education Products for This Grant

These kits align to the learning outcomes this program funds.

Smart Solar Energy Kit — build and program a working solar panel to measure real-time power generation and explore renewable energy
Coding for Good Kit — an all-in-one coding, robotics, and AI literacy toolkit using micro:bit for real-world challenges
Climate Action Kit — a beginner-friendly STEM kit combining micro:bit sensors to code solutions for climate change and sustainability
Forward Education Learning Platform — curriculum-aligned STEM lessons, coding tutorials, career profiles, and PD courses

Frequently Asked Questions

Which parts of Montana does NorthWestern Energy serve?

NorthWestern Energy serves a large portion of Montana including central and eastern regions. Check northwesternenergy.com for the service area map.

Is there a formal grant application?

Yes — check northwesternenergy.com/community-and-environment/charitable-giving for the current application form and process.

What types of programs does NorthWestern Energy fund?

Education, energy literacy, STEM, environmental, and community programs in their service territory.

When is the best time to apply?

Rolling — contact NorthWestern Energy community relations to learn about current priorities and timing.

How can Forward Education help?

Our Smart Solar Energy Kit is a natural fit for an energy company's education priorities. We can help frame the project around energy literacy and STEM career pathways.

Grant Support