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    5. Heart of the Rockies Foundation
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    Heart of the Rockies Foundation

    ActiveEnvironment
    MISSOULA, MTWebsite4066402816

    About Heart of the Rockies Foundation

    To ensure connected habitat and working lands for people and wildlife by increasing the pace of durable conservation in the Transboundary Rocky Mountains of North America.

    Focus Areas

    Private land conservationWildlife connectivityWorking lands and agricultural land protectionCarnivore conflict reduction (bear conflict prevention, range riding, carcass management, electric fencing)Rural community development and capacity buildingGrant administration and donor intermediary services

    Who They Fund

    high-conservation-value lands/ecosystemswildlife species and habitatsconservation organizations/land trusts (operational staff)

    Funding Style

    capacity building (program operations and staff support)

    About Heart of the Rockies Foundation

    Heart of the Rockies Foundation centers its grantmaking on durable conservation in the Transboundary Rocky Mountains, with a strong emphasis on private land protection, wildlife connectivity, and working lands. Recent awards show that pattern clearly: Montana Land Reliance received $602,000 in 2024 to protect lands of high conservation value, while Five Valleys Land Trust received $331,600 for the same purpose. The foundation also backs projects that reduce conflict between people and carnivores, including non-lethal prevention tools such as electric fencing, range riding, carcass management, and bear-resistant infrastructure. A 2024 grant of $212,300 to The Vital Ground Foundation and a 2024 grant of $200,000 to Bitterroot Land Trust both fit that broader conservation approach. The organization operates as a mixed community foundation with a regional giving scope, and its recent portfolio includes both land trusts and conservation intermediaries. Grants are directed to organizations working on land acquisition, habitat preservation, protected area management, and related conservation support across Montana and neighboring states.

    What Heart of the Rockies Foundation Funds

    Private land conservation is a central theme. Montana Land Reliance received $250,000 in 2023 and $602,000 in 2024 to protect lands of high conservation value, showing repeated support for land-protection work. Wildlife connectivity and habitat protection are also visible in awards to The Nature Conservancy, including $260,600 in 2024 and $202,205 in 2023 for protecting lands of high conservation value. Working lands and agricultural land protection appear in grants to the Wyoming Stock Growers Land Trust for $250,000 in 2024 and to Bear River Land Conservancy for $80,000 in 2024. The foundation also supports conservation organizations’ operational capacity: Heart of the Rockies Initiative received $62,698 in 2025 for program operations.

    How Heart of the Rockies Foundation Gives

    Typical awards are mid-sized to large: the p25 is $52,500, the median is $148,255, and the p75 is $250,000. The recent grant list shows repeat recipients across multiple years, including Montana Land Reliance, The Conservation Fund, The Nature Conservancy, Bitterroot Land Trust, and The Vital Ground Foundation, which points to ongoing relationships rather than one-off grants. The foundation is classified as a mixed community foundation and includes grant administration and donor intermediary services in its work. Several active programs are structured as reimbursement-based or administered opportunities, and at least one active program accepts unsolicited requests.

    Financial Snapshot

    Annual Giving

    $4.9M

    Total Assets

    $2.3M

    Total Revenue

    $1.4M

    Total Expenses

    $775K

    Typical Grant Size

    Most grants fall between $53K and $250K, with a median of $148K.

    25th Percentile

    $53K

    Median

    $148K

    75th Percentile

    $250K

    Geographic Reach

    Regional6 states funded

    About 48% of grants go to recipients in VA.

    Funding intensity
    Low
    High
    Headquarters

    Leadership

    JIM OWENS

    Accepts unsolicited proposals

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    Privacy PolicyTerms of ServiceSystem Status
    EIN: 86-3893685
    3 filings on record
    direct service (land protection/acquisition)
    restricted/project support (specific conservation projects)
    operations/salary funding

    Topics

    land acquisition for conservationhabitat preservationbiodiversity protectionprotected area management/maintenanceconservation easements/land trusts

    Where Heart of the Rockies Foundation Makes Grants

    Grantmaking is regional, with 48% of grants going to recipients in Montana. The top state by grant count is Virginia, and recipient locations in the recent grants include Arlington, Helena, Missoula, Kalispell, Bozeman, Hamilton, Boise, Spokane, Logan, Cheyenne, Pocatello, and Sandpoint. Outside the United States, the recipient country distribution shows 100% of grants going to U.S. organizations. The pattern reflects a core Montana base alongside conservation partners in Idaho, Wyoming, Utah, Washington, and Virginia.

    Frequently Asked Questions About Heart of the Rockies Foundation

    What kinds of projects does Heart of the Rockies Foundation support?

    Its active programs and recent grants point to land conservation, wildlife connectivity, working lands protection, and carnivore conflict reduction. Supported work includes protecting lands of high conservation value, range riding, carcass management, electric fencing, bear-resistant infrastructure, and land trust capacity building.

    How large are Heart of the Rockies Foundation grants typically?

    Typical grant size is $52,500 at the 25th percentile, $148,255 at the median, and $250,000 at the 75th percentile. Recent grants also include larger awards such as $602,000 to Montana Land Reliance and $331,600 to Five Valleys Land Trust.

    Does Heart of the Rockies Foundation fund the same organizations more than once?

    Yes. Several recipients appear in multiple years, including Montana Land Reliance, The Conservation Fund, The Nature Conservancy, Bitterroot Land Trust, and The Vital Ground Foundation. That suggests an ongoing relationship with selected conservation partners.

    What geography does Heart of the Rockies Foundation prioritize?

    The foundation gives regionally, with 48% of grants to recipients in Montana. Recent recipient cities also include Missoula, Helena, Kalispell, Bozeman, Hamilton, Boise, Spokane, Logan, Cheyenne, Pocatello, and Sandpoint, showing a broader Transboundary Rocky Mountains footprint.

    Does Heart of the Rockies Foundation accept unsolicited requests?

    Yes, several active programs are marked as accepting unsolicited requests, including Carnivore Conflict Reduction support, Keep It Connected, the Montana Community-Bear Conflict Prevention Efforts Fund, and the Regional Conservation Partnership Program-related carnivore conflict prevention opportunities.

    Latest 990 Filing

    2025

    Source: IRS Form 990-PF, fiscal year 2025.

    Open Grant Opportunities

    Current and upcoming funding from Heart of the Rockies Foundation that your nonprofit may be able to apply for.

    Open nowRolling / open intakeAward: Varies

    National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) - Carnivore Conflict Prevention (administered by Heart of the Rockies Initiative)

    grizzly bear conflict preventioncommunity-based wildlife conflict reductionbear-resistant garbage infrastructure+4 more

    Who can apply: Best for community groups and organizations aiming to implement conflict prevention programs or Bear Smart and bear-resistant garbage initiatives. Projects must support grizzly bear conflict prevention. Matching funds are required.

    Deadline: Initial contracts began in November 2024 for existing partners; applications are accepted on a rolling basis and evaluated quarterly when open. An additional RFP period may open in spring/summer 2026.

    View & apply
    Opening soon

    Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) - Carnivore Conflict Prevention

    carnivore conflict reductionrange ridingcarcass management+2 more

    Who can apply: Tribes, agricultural producers and landowners, community/watershed groups, and any groups or individuals responsible for implementing carnivore conflict prevention activities are eligible to receive financial and technical assistance. The NRCS enrollment period is not currently open; a future sign-up period may open in October 2027.

    Deadline: Future sign-up period may open in October 2027.

    View & apply

    Track these deadlines, get reminders, and see how well your nonprofit fits — free with a Kindora account.

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    Deadlines and eligibility are summarized from public sources and may change — always confirm the details on the funder's official application page before applying.

    Recent Grants

    Most recent grants reported to the IRS.

    RecipientLocationAmountYearPurpose
    THE VITAL GROUND FOUNDATIONMISSOULA, MT$162,2092025PROTECT LANDS OF HIGH CONSERV VALUE
    THE CONSERVATION FUNDARLINGTON, VA$75,0002025PROTECT LANDS OF HIGH CONSERV VALUE
    NATURE CONSERVANCYARLINGTON, VA$70,0002025PROTECT LANDS OF HIGH CONSERV VALUE
    HEART OF THE ROCKIES INITITIAMISSOULA, MT$62,6982025Program Operations
    MONTANA LAND RELIANCEHELENA, MT$50,0002025PROTECT LANDS OF HIGH CONSERV VALUE
    SAGEBRUSH STEPPE LAND TRUSTPOCATELLO, ID$45,0002025PROTECT LANDS OF HIGH CONSERV VALUE
    WOOD RIVER LAND TRUSTHAILEY, ID$30,0002025PROTECT LANDS OF HIGH CONSERV VALUE
    FLATHEAD LAND TRUSTKALISPELL, MT$10,0002025PROTECT LANDS OF HIGH CONSERV VALUE
    MONTANA LAND RELIANCEHELENA, MT$602,0002024PROTECT LANDS OF HIGH CONSERV VALUE
    FIVE VALLEYS LAND TRUSTMISSOULA, MT$331,6002024PROTECT LANDS OF HIGH CONSERV VALUE
    FLATHEAD LAND TRUSTKALISPELL, MT$275,0002024PROTECT LANDS OF HIGH CONSERV VALUE
    NATURE CONSERVANCYARLINGTON, VA$260,6002024PROTECT LANDS OF HIGH CONSERV VALUE
    THE CONSERVATION FUNDARLINGTON, VA$250,0002024PROTECT LANDS OF HIGH CONSERV VALUE
    WYOMING STOCK GROWERS LAND TRCHEYENNE, WY$250,0002024PROTECT LANDS OF HIGH CONSERV VALUE
    TETON REGIONAL LAND TRUSTBOISE, ID$237,0002024PROTECT LANDS OF HIGH CONSERV VALUE
    THE VITAL GROUND FOUNDATIONMISSOULA, MT$212,3002024PROTECT LANDS OF HIGH CONSERV VALUE
    INLAND NORTHWEST LAND CONSERVSPOKANE, WA$200,0002024PROTECT LANDS OF HIGH CONSERV VALUE
    BITTERROOT LAND TRUSTHAMILTON, MT$200,0002024PROTECT LANDS OF HIGH CONSERV VALUE
    GALLATIN VALLEY LAND TRUSTBOZEMAN, MT$148,2552024PROTECT LANDS OF HIGH CONSERV VALUE
    BEAR RIVER LAND CONSERVANCYLOGAN, UT$80,0002024PROTECT LANDS OF HIGH CONSERV VALUE
    SAGEBRUSH STEPPE LAND TRUSTPOCATELLO, ID$55,0002024PROTECT LANDS OF HIGH CONSERV VALUE
    HEART OF THE ROCKIES INITITIAMISSOULA, MT$28,0442024KIC SALARIES
    WOOD RIVER LAND TRUSTHAILEY, ID$18,8502024PROTECT LANDS OF HIGH CONSERV VALUE
    MONTANA LAND RELIANCEHELENA, MT$250,0002023PROTECT LANDS OF HIGH CONSERV VALUE
    THE CONSERVATION FUNDARLINGTON, VA$250,0002023PROTECT LANDS OF HIGH CONSERV VALUE
    NATURE CONSERVANCYARLINGTON, VA$202,2052023PROTECT LANDS OF HIGH CONSERV VALUE
    PRICKLY PEAR LAND TRUSTHELENA, MT$128,9152023PROTECT LANDS OF HIGH CONSERV VALUE
    BITTERROOT LAND TRUSTHAMILTON, MT$105,0002023PROTECT LANDS OF HIGH CONSERV VALUE
    GALLATIN VALLEY LAND TRUSTBOZEMAN, MT$75,0002023PROTECT LANDS OF HIGH CONSERV VALUE
    TETON REGIONAL LAND TRUSTBOISE, ID$74,2002023PROTECT LANDS OF HIGH CONSERV VALUE
    ROCKY MOUNTAIN ELK FOUNDATIONMISSOULA, MT$50,0002023PROTECT LANDS OF HIGH CONSERV VALUE
    FLATHEAD LAND TRUSTKALISPELL, MT$50,0002023PROTECT LANDS OF HIGH CONSERV VALUE
    BEAR RIVER LAND CONSERVANCYLOGAN, UT$50,0002023PROTECT LANDS OF HIGH CONSERV VALUE
    KANIKSU LAND TRUSTSANDPOINT, ID$30,0002023PROTECT LANDS OF HIGH CONSERV VALUE
    JACKSON HOLE LAND TRUSTJACKSON, WY$21,0002023PROTECT LANDS OF HIGH CONSERV VALUE

    THE VITAL GROUND FOUNDATION

    $162,209
    MISSOULA, MT2025

    PROTECT LANDS OF HIGH CONSERV VALUE

    THE CONSERVATION FUND

    $75,000
    ARLINGTON, VA2025

    PROTECT LANDS OF HIGH CONSERV VALUE

    NATURE CONSERVANCY

    $70,000
    ARLINGTON, VA2025

    PROTECT LANDS OF HIGH CONSERV VALUE

    HEART OF THE ROCKIES INITITIA

    $62,698
    MISSOULA, MT2025

    Program Operations

    MONTANA LAND RELIANCE

    $50,000
    HELENA, MT2025

    PROTECT LANDS OF HIGH CONSERV VALUE

    SAGEBRUSH STEPPE LAND TRUST

    $45,000
    POCATELLO, ID2025

    PROTECT LANDS OF HIGH CONSERV VALUE

    WOOD RIVER LAND TRUST

    $30,000
    HAILEY, ID2025

    PROTECT LANDS OF HIGH CONSERV VALUE

    FLATHEAD LAND TRUST

    $10,000
    KALISPELL, MT2025

    PROTECT LANDS OF HIGH CONSERV VALUE

    MONTANA LAND RELIANCE

    $602,000
    HELENA, MT2024

    PROTECT LANDS OF HIGH CONSERV VALUE

    FIVE VALLEYS LAND TRUST

    $331,600
    MISSOULA, MT2024

    PROTECT LANDS OF HIGH CONSERV VALUE

    FLATHEAD LAND TRUST

    $275,000
    KALISPELL, MT2024

    PROTECT LANDS OF HIGH CONSERV VALUE

    NATURE CONSERVANCY

    $260,600
    ARLINGTON, VA2024

    PROTECT LANDS OF HIGH CONSERV VALUE

    THE CONSERVATION FUND

    $250,000
    ARLINGTON, VA2024

    PROTECT LANDS OF HIGH CONSERV VALUE

    WYOMING STOCK GROWERS LAND TR

    $250,000
    CHEYENNE, WY2024

    PROTECT LANDS OF HIGH CONSERV VALUE

    TETON REGIONAL LAND TRUST

    $237,000
    BOISE, ID2024

    PROTECT LANDS OF HIGH CONSERV VALUE

    THE VITAL GROUND FOUNDATION

    $212,300
    MISSOULA, MT2024

    PROTECT LANDS OF HIGH CONSERV VALUE

    INLAND NORTHWEST LAND CONSERV

    $200,000
    SPOKANE, WA2024

    PROTECT LANDS OF HIGH CONSERV VALUE

    BITTERROOT LAND TRUST

    $200,000
    HAMILTON, MT2024

    PROTECT LANDS OF HIGH CONSERV VALUE

    GALLATIN VALLEY LAND TRUST

    $148,255
    BOZEMAN, MT2024

    PROTECT LANDS OF HIGH CONSERV VALUE

    BEAR RIVER LAND CONSERVANCY

    $80,000
    LOGAN, UT2024

    PROTECT LANDS OF HIGH CONSERV VALUE

    SAGEBRUSH STEPPE LAND TRUST

    $55,000
    POCATELLO, ID2024

    PROTECT LANDS OF HIGH CONSERV VALUE

    HEART OF THE ROCKIES INITITIA

    $28,044
    MISSOULA, MT2024

    KIC SALARIES

    WOOD RIVER LAND TRUST

    $18,850
    HAILEY, ID2024

    PROTECT LANDS OF HIGH CONSERV VALUE

    MONTANA LAND RELIANCE

    $250,000
    HELENA, MT2023

    PROTECT LANDS OF HIGH CONSERV VALUE

    THE CONSERVATION FUND

    $250,000
    ARLINGTON, VA2023

    PROTECT LANDS OF HIGH CONSERV VALUE

    NATURE CONSERVANCY

    $202,205
    ARLINGTON, VA2023

    PROTECT LANDS OF HIGH CONSERV VALUE

    PRICKLY PEAR LAND TRUST

    $128,915
    HELENA, MT2023

    PROTECT LANDS OF HIGH CONSERV VALUE

    BITTERROOT LAND TRUST

    $105,000
    HAMILTON, MT2023

    PROTECT LANDS OF HIGH CONSERV VALUE

    GALLATIN VALLEY LAND TRUST

    $75,000
    BOZEMAN, MT2023

    PROTECT LANDS OF HIGH CONSERV VALUE

    TETON REGIONAL LAND TRUST

    $74,200
    BOISE, ID2023

    PROTECT LANDS OF HIGH CONSERV VALUE

    ROCKY MOUNTAIN ELK FOUNDATION

    $50,000
    MISSOULA, MT2023

    PROTECT LANDS OF HIGH CONSERV VALUE

    FLATHEAD LAND TRUST

    $50,000
    KALISPELL, MT2023

    PROTECT LANDS OF HIGH CONSERV VALUE

    BEAR RIVER LAND CONSERVANCY

    $50,000
    LOGAN, UT2023

    PROTECT LANDS OF HIGH CONSERV VALUE

    KANIKSU LAND TRUST

    $30,000
    SANDPOINT, ID2023

    PROTECT LANDS OF HIGH CONSERV VALUE

    JACKSON HOLE LAND TRUST

    $21,000
    JACKSON, WY2023

    PROTECT LANDS OF HIGH CONSERV VALUE