Improve the quality of life in Central Montana by managing permanent endowments, donor-advised funds, scholarships and grantmaking to support local healthcare, essential services, education, civic, cultural and recreational projects.
Central Montana Foundation’s giving is anchored in local capital projects: a $3.4 million grant to Century Companies for Town of Winifred projects, a $2.9 million award to Petroleum County Community Center for construction, and multi-million dollar support for Central Montana Medical Center in Lewistown. Those large awards sit alongside a broad mix of smaller grants for schools, fire relief, community halls, stockyard improvements, and recreation facilities across Central Montana. The foundation’s stated purpose is to improve quality of life in Central Montana through permanent endowments, donor-advised funds, scholarships, and grantmaking. That shows up in recent grants to Winifred School District for improvements, Denton Fire Relief-Fcdrf for fire relief, and Pccc Youth Center for youth programs. Its portfolio also includes rural endowment programs for places such as Petroleum County, Roy, Hobson, Grass Range, Wheatland County, and Judith Basin, which support local community needs and civic projects. Scholarships are a separate and substantial part of the organization’s work, administered through a central application for students in the region.
Healthcare is a major part of the foundation’s local grantmaking. Central Montana Medical Center in Lewistown received $2.65 million in 2025 for capital improvements, education, and equipment, after a $1.96 million grant in 2024 for equipment and the cancer center. Education and youth enrichment also appear repeatedly. Winifred School District received $919,534 for improvements, and Pccc Youth Center in Winnett received $235,000 for youth programs. Community infrastructure is another clear theme. Petroleum County Community Center in Winnett received $838,250 for construction, while Petroleum County also received $74,000 for road improvements in 2025. Recreation and public gathering spaces show up too, including $82,875 to Winnett Pool and School for pool renovation and $69,578 to Lewistown Pickleball.
Typical grant sizes cluster around local project funding rather than very small awards: the 25th percentile is $10,000, the median is $24,000, and the 75th percentile is $68,789. Recent patterns show both one-time capital grants and repeated support for some recipients across multiple years, including Central Montana Medical Center, Petroleum County Community Center, and Denton Fire Relief-Fcdrf. The foundation is a public charity and also manages donor-advised funds, scholarships, and permanent endowments. It accepts unsolicited applications in several active programs, including the central grant program and multiple rural community endowments.
$9.8M
$66.7M
$29.9M
$11.7M
Most grants fall between $10K and $69K, with a median of $24K.
25th Percentile
$10K
Median
$24K
75th Percentile
$69K
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Grant recipients are entirely in Montana, with 100% of grants going to recipients in MT. Lewistown and Winnett appear repeatedly among the larger awards, and Winifred is another frequent destination through school, municipal, and construction-related projects. Other recipient places include Denton, Hilger, Jordan, and Great Falls. The foundation gives locally rather than nationally, and its active endowment programs are organized around places such as Petroleum County, Grass Range, Roy, Wheatland County, Hobson, and Judith Basin.
Its active programs and recent grants point to healthcare, education, essential services, civic projects, culture, recreation, and scholarships. Recent awards include capital improvements at Central Montana Medical Center, improvements for Winifred School District, youth programs at Pccc Youth Center, and road improvements for Petroleum County.
Yes. Several active programs list unsolicited applications, including the central grant program and rural community endowments such as Petroleum County, Grass Range, Roy, Wheatland County, Hobson, and Judith Basin.
The grant-size distribution centers on modest local awards and larger project grants: p25 is $10,000, the median is $24,000, and p75 is $68,789. Recent grants also include multimillion-dollar capital awards for community infrastructure and medical facilities.
Yes. The foundation’s geographic scope is local, and 100% of grants in the dataset go to recipients in Montana. Active programs are organized around Central Montana and specific places such as Petroleum County, Grass Range, Roy, Wheatland County, Hobson, and Judith Basin.
Yes. It administers a universal scholarship application for graduating seniors and post-secondary students in Central Montana, with awards from CMF and Area Scholarship Clearinghouse funds. The scholarship program is separate from its community grant programs.
2025
Source: IRS Form 990-PF, fiscal year 2025.
Current and upcoming funding from Central Montana Foundation that your nonprofit may be able to apply for.
Who can apply: Local Hobson projects eligible under the community endowment committee's guidelines.
Deadline: Applications due May 1 and September 1.
Who can apply: Local Denton projects eligible under the community endowment committee's guidelines.
Deadline: Applications due Nov. 1.
Who can apply: Local Moore projects eligible under the community endowment committee's guidelines.
Deadline: As needs arise throughout the year.
Who can apply: Projects serving Grass Range and meeting community foundation criteria.
Deadline: Reviewed quarterly or as needs arise.
Who can apply: Only nonprofit or tax-exempt organizations registered and in good standing with the Montana Secretary of State and located in Fergus, Garfield, Judith Basin, Petroleum and Wheatland Counties. CMF does not fund individuals, political or religious organizations, or organizations whose primary purpose is to influence legislation or political campaigns.
Deadline: Minor grants: 10th of each month (postmarked). Major grants: April 1 (annual).
Who can apply: Local Winifred projects eligible under the community endowment committee's guidelines.
Deadline: Once per year in the early fall.
Who can apply: Local Roy projects eligible under the community endowment committee's guidelines.
Deadline: Once per year in November.
Who can apply: Local Judith Basin projects eligible under the community endowment committee's guidelines.
Deadline: Once per year in November.
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Create a free accountDeadlines and eligibility are summarized from public sources and may change — always confirm the details on the funder's official application page before applying.
Most recent grants reported to the IRS.
| Recipient | Location | Amount | Year | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CENTURY COMPANIES | LEWISTOWN, MT | $3,416,470 | 2025 | TOWN OF WINIFRED PROJECTS |
| CENTRAL MONTANA MEDICAL CENTER | LEWISTOWN, MT | $2,651,360 | 2025 | CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS, EDUCATION, EQUIPMENT |
| WINIFRED SCHOOL DISTRICT | WINIFRED, MT | $919,534 | 2025 | IMPROVEMENTS |
| CARR CONSTRUCTION | WINIFRED, MT | $626,053 | 2025 | WINIFRED SCHOOL HOUSING |
| GRIFFITH CONTRACTING |
| LEWISTOWN, MT |
| $593,226 |
| 2025 |
| TOWN OF WINIFRED PROJECTS |
| PETROLEUM COUNTY COMMUNITY CENTER | WINNETT, MT | $259,341 | 2025 | OPERATIONS, UPGRADES |
| SMITH CONSTRUCTION | WINIFRED, MT | $225,448 | 2025 | TOWN OF WINIFRED PROJECTS |
| JLW ARCHITECTURE | LEWISTOWN, MT | $207,768 | 2025 | TOWN OF WINIFRED PROJECTS |
| NB CONSTRUCTION | LEWISTOWN, MT | $178,380 | 2025 | TOWN OF WINIFRED PROJECTS |
| CRABTREE FENCING | HILGER, MT | $87,531 | 2025 | WINIFRED STOCKYARD IMPROVEMENTS |
| PETROLEUM COUNTY | WINNETT, MT | $70,000 | 2025 | ROAD IMPROVEMENTS |
| GREYN SCALE CO | GREAT FALLS, MT | $69,985 | 2025 | WINIFRED STOCKYARD IMPROVEMENTS |
| AM ENGINEERING | BOZEMAN, MT | $64,500 | 2025 | TOWN OF WINIFRED PROJECTS |
| STAHLY ENGINEERING & ASSOCIATES | HELENA, MT | $54,907 | 2025 | TOWN OF WINIFRED PROJECTS |
| AGDATA SOURCE | WINIFRED, MT | $38,693 | 2025 | TOWN OF WINIFRED PROJECTS |
| WINNETT ACES INC | WINNETT, MT | $34,400 | 2025 | EQUIPMENT |
| LEWISTOWN PARK AND RECREATION | LEWISTOWN, MT | $31,824 | 2025 | SWIM PASSES, EQUIPMENT, OPERATING EXPENSES |
| SMILES | LEWISTOWN, MT | $30,500 | 2025 | PROGRAM EXPENSES |
| FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH | LEWISTOWN, MT | $23,660 | 2025 | UPGRADES |
| TOWN OF WINNETT | WINNETT, MT | $23,650 | 2025 | MISSIONS, HELP FOR NEEDY |
| ST JAMES EPISCOPAL CHURCH | LEWISTOWN, MT | $20,000 | 2025 | OPERATION EXPENSES |
| BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF LEWISTOWN | LEWISTOWN, MT | $17,200 | 2025 | BUILDING IMPROVEMENTS |
| FERGUS HIGH SCHOOL | LEWISTOWN, MT | $16,800 | 2025 | UPGRADES, SCHOOL TRIPS |
| STANFORD OPEN | STANFORD, MT | $15,000 | 2025 | FAIRGROUND IMPROVEMENTS |
| HERITAGE AND CULTURAL FOUNDATION OF GARFIELD COUNTY | SAND SPRINGS, MT | $15,000 | 2025 | CONSTRUCTION PROJECT |
| HEATH RURAL FIRE DISTRICT | LEWISTOWN, MT | $12,500 | 2025 | FIREHALL UPGRADES |
| UNITED METHODIST CHURCH | LEWISTOWN, MT | $12,356 | 2025 | GENERAL BUDGET |
| RURAL BEHAVIORAL HEALTH INSTITUTE | BOZEMAN, MT | $10,000 | 2025 | PROGRAM EXPENSES |
| TOWN OF WINIFRED | WINIFRED, MT | $9,450 | 2025 | OPERATING EXPENSES |
| YOUR NEIGHBOR CARES OF CENTRAL MONTANA | LEWISTOWN, MT | $7,466 | 2025 | PROGRAM EXPENSES |
| SAVING ANIMALS FROM EUTHANASIA | LEWISTOWN, MT | $6,500 | 2025 | PROGRAM EXPENSES |
| STANFORD BEAUTIFICATION PROJECT INC | STANFORD, MT | $6,144 | 2025 | PARK EQUIPMENT, FLOWERS |
| CENTRAL MONTANA SHOOTING COMPLEX | LEWISTOWN, MT | $6,021 | 2025 | COMPLEX IMPROVEMENTS |
| SAMARITAN PURSE MINISTRIES | BOONE, MT | $6,000 | 2025 | PROGRAM EXPENSES |
| LULU'S CONCRETE | HILGER, MT | $5,904 | 2025 | WINIFRED STOCKYARD IMPROVEMENTS |
| MOORE SCHOOL | MOORE, MT | $5,400 | 2025 | SCHOOL TRIPS |
| CENTRAL MONTANA MEDICAL CENTER | LEWISTOWN, MT | $1,963,974 | 2024 | EQUIP, CANCER CENTER |
| PETROLEUM COUNTY COMMUNITY CENTER | WINNETT, MT | $838,250 | 2024 | CONSTRUCTION OF COMM |
| PCCC YOUTH CENTER | WINNETT, MT | $235,000 | 2024 | YOUTH PROGRAMS |
| DENTON FIRE RELIEF- FCDRF | DENTON, MT | $175,582 | 2024 | FIRE RELIEF |
| HILGER COMMUNITY HALL | HILGER, MT | $140,000 | 2024 | CD |
| SHOOTING COMPLEX | — | $138,269 | 2024 | IMPROVEMENT PAYMENT |
| HILGER RURAL FIRE DEPARTMENT | — | $134,000 | 2024 | BUILDING REMODEL |
| PETROLEUM COUNTY | WINNETT, MT | $74,000 | 2024 | ROAD REPR/ COMM CENT |
| LEWISTOWN PICKLEBALL | — | $69,578 | 2024 | — |
| ST PAUL LUTHERAN CHURCH | LEWISTOWN, MT | $68,000 | 2024 | — |
| WINNETT ACES | WINNETT, MT | $56,000 | 2024 | IMPROVEMENTS |
| WINNETT POOL AND SCHOOL | — | $52,476 | 2024 | POOL RENOVATION |
| LEWISTOWN SOCCER CLUB | LEWISTOWN, MT | $52,232 | 2024 | SOCCER FIELD |
| LEWISTOWN ART CENTER | LEWISTOWN, MT | $39,799 | 2024 | OPERATIONS |
CENTURY COMPANIES
$3,416,470TOWN OF WINIFRED PROJECTS
CENTRAL MONTANA MEDICAL CENTER
$2,651,360CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS, EDUCATION, EQUIPMENT
WINIFRED SCHOOL DISTRICT
$919,534IMPROVEMENTS
CARR CONSTRUCTION
$626,053WINIFRED SCHOOL HOUSING
GRIFFITH CONTRACTING
$593,226TOWN OF WINIFRED PROJECTS
PETROLEUM COUNTY COMMUNITY CENTER
$259,341OPERATIONS, UPGRADES
SMITH CONSTRUCTION
$225,448TOWN OF WINIFRED PROJECTS
JLW ARCHITECTURE
$207,768TOWN OF WINIFRED PROJECTS
NB CONSTRUCTION
$178,380TOWN OF WINIFRED PROJECTS
CRABTREE FENCING
$87,531WINIFRED STOCKYARD IMPROVEMENTS
PETROLEUM COUNTY
$70,000ROAD IMPROVEMENTS
GREYN SCALE CO
$69,985WINIFRED STOCKYARD IMPROVEMENTS
AM ENGINEERING
$64,500TOWN OF WINIFRED PROJECTS
STAHLY ENGINEERING & ASSOCIATES
$54,907TOWN OF WINIFRED PROJECTS
AGDATA SOURCE
$38,693TOWN OF WINIFRED PROJECTS
LEWISTOWN PARK AND RECREATION
$31,824SWIM PASSES, EQUIPMENT, OPERATING EXPENSES
SMILES
$30,500PROGRAM EXPENSES
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
$23,660UPGRADES
TOWN OF WINNETT
$23,650MISSIONS, HELP FOR NEEDY
ST JAMES EPISCOPAL CHURCH
$20,000OPERATION EXPENSES
FERGUS HIGH SCHOOL
$16,800UPGRADES, SCHOOL TRIPS
STANFORD OPEN
$15,000FAIRGROUND IMPROVEMENTS
HERITAGE AND CULTURAL FOUNDATION OF GARFIELD COUNTY
$15,000CONSTRUCTION PROJECT
HEATH RURAL FIRE DISTRICT
$12,500FIREHALL UPGRADES
UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
$12,356GENERAL BUDGET
TOWN OF WINIFRED
$9,450OPERATING EXPENSES
YOUR NEIGHBOR CARES OF CENTRAL MONTANA
$7,466PROGRAM EXPENSES
SAVING ANIMALS FROM EUTHANASIA
$6,500PROGRAM EXPENSES
STANFORD BEAUTIFICATION PROJECT INC
$6,144PARK EQUIPMENT, FLOWERS
CENTRAL MONTANA SHOOTING COMPLEX
$6,021COMPLEX IMPROVEMENTS
LULU'S CONCRETE
$5,904WINIFRED STOCKYARD IMPROVEMENTS
MOORE SCHOOL
$5,400SCHOOL TRIPS
CENTRAL MONTANA MEDICAL CENTER
$1,963,974EQUIP, CANCER CENTER
PETROLEUM COUNTY COMMUNITY CENTER
$838,250CONSTRUCTION OF COMM
PCCC YOUTH CENTER
$235,000YOUTH PROGRAMS
DENTON FIRE RELIEF- FCDRF
$175,582FIRE RELIEF
HILGER COMMUNITY HALL
$140,000CD
SHOOTING COMPLEX
$138,269IMPROVEMENT PAYMENT
HILGER RURAL FIRE DEPARTMENT
$134,000BUILDING REMODEL
PETROLEUM COUNTY
$74,000ROAD REPR/ COMM CENT
LEWISTOWN PICKLEBALL
$69,578ST PAUL LUTHERAN CHURCH
$68,000WINNETT ACES
$56,000IMPROVEMENTS
WINNETT POOL AND SCHOOL
$52,476POOL RENOVATION
LEWISTOWN SOCCER CLUB
$52,232SOCCER FIELD
LEWISTOWN ART CENTER
$39,799OPERATIONS
