Montana · Private State Grant

Steele-Reese Foundation Montana Grants

Funding

Varies

Grade Focus

K-12 and community

Application Due

Rolling — check steele-reese.org

Level of Gov't

Private Foundation — Steele-Reese Foundation

Eligibility

Rural organizations in Montana (and Idaho) — K-12 schools, nonprofits, and community organizations in rural and frontier communities. The foundation specifically prioritizes rural Montana over urban areas. Programs in education, community development, and youth services are supported.

Program Goals

The Steele-Reese Foundation supports rural community wellbeing in Montana and Idaho. Education programs that serve rural youth — including STEM, technology, and outdoor learning — are priorities. The foundation values programs that address the unique challenges of rural and frontier communities.

Read the Grant

Application and Distribution

The Steele-Reese Foundation has an invitation-based application process for some grants and open applications for others. Check steele-reese.org for current guidelines. Initial letters of inquiry are recommended before submitting a full proposal.

Cycle Notes

Rolling cycle. The foundation operates on an ongoing basis. Check steele-reese.org for current application requirements and deadlines.

Grant Award Amount

Award amounts vary by project and community need. The foundation prioritizes meaningful impact in rural Montana communities over fixed award tiers.

Allowable Purchases

Forward Education Products for This Grant

These kits align to the learning outcomes this program funds.

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
Smart Solar Energy Kit — build and program a working solar panel to measure real-time power generation and explore renewable energy
Forward Education Learning Platform — curriculum-aligned STEM lessons, coding tutorials, career profiles, and PD courses

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Steele-Reese Foundation only fund rural Montana schools?

Yes — the foundation specifically prioritizes rural and frontier communities in Montana and Idaho. Urban or suburban programs are generally outside their focus area.

How do I start an application?

Check steele-reese.org for current guidelines. A letter of inquiry is often recommended before submitting a full proposal.

What types of education programs are funded?

Programs serving rural youth — including STEM, technology, outdoor education, and community development. Rural schools with limited STEM access are especially well positioned.

Is my Montana school rural enough to qualify?

The foundation uses a broad definition of rural. Small towns and frontier communities throughout Montana are eligible. Contact the foundation to confirm.