To achieve equal access to justice for all Montanans through effective funding and leadership.
Montana Justice Foundation’s largest recent grants center on Montana Legal Services Association, including $616,150 in 2025 for general operating support with staff salaries and $481,150 in 2025 for legal aid. That pairing shows how the foundation backs both the day-to-day capacity of civil legal aid providers and the direct services they deliver. Across the recent grants list, its dollars also reach domestic violence legal services, child advocacy, tribal legal outreach, translation and accessibility support, and mediation. The foundation’s grantmaking is tightly tied to access to justice in Montana. Recent awards support legal aid for low-income people, advocacy for survivors of domestic violence, CASA volunteer recruitment and training, and place-based work with rural and Indigenous communities. It also funds legal assistance infrastructure, such as staff salaries, operating support, court-related costs, and translation services. Awards to organizations in Helena, Missoula, Billings, Butte, Ronan, Thompson Falls, Miles City, and Bozeman show a statewide pattern of support for nonprofit legal service providers rather than a single program or institution. The recurring presence of Montana Legal Services Association, YWCA Billings, Montana Fair Housing, Eastern Montana Casa Gal, and Montana Innocence Project suggests sustained relationships with grantees working on core access-to-justice needs.
Civil legal aid is a central theme. In 2025, Montana Justice Foundation gave $10,000 to Montana Innocence Project to support an implementing staff attorney doing place-based work among rural and Indigenous communities, and $7,500 to Safe Harbor Inc for ongoing free legal assistance to low-income domestic violence survivors. The foundation also supported legal aid infrastructure through awards for staff salaries and operating support. Domestic violence services appear alongside legal representation. YWCA Billings received $10,000 in 2025 for free civil legal consultation, advocacy, and referrals to victims in Billings and the surrounding region. Child advocacy and volunteer-based service delivery are also visible. Eastern Montana Casa Gal Inc received $12,000 for recruitment, travel, training, advocating, and mentoring of CASA volunteers across several judicial districts and for tribal children at Fort Peck. Billings Mediation Center Inc received $7,000 to increase access to alternative dispute resolution, showing that the foundation also supports nonlitigation paths within the justice system.
$1.4M
$6.2M
$2.9M
$1.2M
Most grants fall between $7K and $12K, with a median of $8K.
25th Percentile
$7K
Median
$8K
75th Percentile
$12K
ALISSA CHAMBERS
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Typical awards are small to mid-sized: p25 is $6,750, median is $7,750, and p75 is $12,370. The recent grant list also includes a few much larger operating and legal aid awards, led by the two seven-figure-range grants to Montana Legal Services Association. The pattern suggests a mix of larger anchor support and many smaller project or program awards. Multiple organizations appear in more than one year, including Montana Legal Services Association, YWCA Billings, Montana Fair Housing, Eastern Montana Casa Gal, Safe Harbor, and Billings Mediation Center, indicating recurring support rather than one-off gifts. The foundation uses program grants, special project grants, IOLTA-related funding, and law school loan repayment assistance, and it accepts unsolicited applications for several active programs.
Grants are statewide within Montana, and every listed recipient is in the United States. Recent awards reached Helena, Missoula, Billings, Butte, Ronan, Thompson Falls, Miles City, Bozeman, and Havre. Helena appears frequently through Montana Legal Services Association and the Department of Public Health and Human Services, while Missoula and Billings also recur as recipient cities. The geographic pattern includes rural and reservation-connected work, such as support tied to the Flathead Reservation and Fort Peck, along with services for statewide legal-aid providers and local nonprofit programs.
The foundation funds access-to-justice work in Montana, especially civil legal aid, domestic violence legal services, youth advocacy through CASA, tribal and Indigenous legal outreach, mediation and conflict resolution, and law-related education. Recent grants also support translation and accessibility services, court-related costs, and legal aid staffing and operating support.
Yes. Montana Legal Services Association appears multiple times across 2023, 2024, and 2025, and several other organizations also recur, including YWCA Billings, Montana Fair Housing, Eastern Montana Casa Gal, Safe Harbor, and Billings Mediation Center. That pattern points to continuing relationships with grantees.
Typical grants are modest in size: the p25 is $6,750, the median is $7,750, and the p75 is $12,370. The list also includes larger awards for operating support and legal aid, but the center of the distribution stays in the low-thousands to low-teens range.
Montana Justice Foundation uses program grants, special project grants, law-related education grants, law school loan repayment assistance, IOLTA-related funding, and cy pres awards. It accepts unsolicited applications for several active programs, including special project grants, law-related education grants, and the program-grant tracks.
Its giving is local to Montana. All listed recent grants went to recipients in Montana, with no grants shown outside the state. Recipient cities include Helena, Missoula, Billings, Butte, Ronan, Thompson Falls, Miles City, Bozeman, and Havre.
2025
Source: IRS Form 990-PF, fiscal year 2025.
Current and upcoming funding from Montana Justice Foundation that your nonprofit may be able to apply for.
Who can apply: Qualified nonprofit organizations whose proposals further one or more of MJF’s charitable objectives. Applicants should review the MJF Grant Program Policy to confirm eligibility and alignment with funding priorities.
Deadline: Annual application period usually runs from March 1 through April 30.
Who can apply: Qualifying organizations proposing projects that enhance public knowledge or awareness of the law. Applicants should review the MJF Grant Program Policy. The application requires organization information, a program narrative, budget, project dates, and proof of tax-exempt status or an explanation of tax-exempt status.
Deadline: Applications accepted year-round.
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Most recent grants reported to the IRS.
| Recipient | Location | Amount | Year | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MONTANA LEGAL SERVICES ASSOCIATION | HELENA, MT | $616,150 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT FUNDS INCLUDING STAFF SALARIES. |
| MONTANA LEGAL SERVICES ASSOCIATION | HELENA, MT | $481,150 | 2025 | LEGAL AID |
| DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES | HELENA, MT | $64,664 | 2025 | FUND THE SALARY, BENEFITS AND CELL PHONE REIMBURSEMENT OF THE PROJECT COORDINATOR OF THE SENIOR FINANCIAL SERVICES POSITION FOR ONE YEAR. |
| PARTNERS FOR JUSTICE | BROOKLYN, NY | $30,000 | 2025 | SUSTAIN EXISTING PUBLIC DEFENSE/RESTORATIVE SUPPORT FOR INDIVIDUALS ENTANGLED IN THE CRIMINAL LEGAL SYSTEM OF THE CONFEDERATED SALISH AND KOOTENAI TRIBES ON THE FLATHEAD RESERVATION. |
| HAVEN | BOZEMAN, MT | $25,000 | 2025 | SUPPORT SALARIES FOR TWO LEGAL ADVOCATES. CONTRIBUTION TO A POOL OF TRANSLATION FUNDS FOR LEGAL SERVICES FOR SURVIVORS WITH LIMITED ENGLISH PROFICIENCY AND INTERPRETATION FOR THOSE WHO ARE DEAF OR HARD OF HEARING |
| YWCA BILLINGS | BILLINGS, MT | $15,000 | 2025 | PAY PART OF THE YWCA LEGAL AND VICTIM SERVICES ADMINISTRATOR'S SALARY AND BENEFITS WHOSE TYPICAL CASE LOAD IN 15ACTIVE CASES AT A TIME WITH AN AVERAGE OF 120 VICTIMS ASSISTED ANNUALLY. |
| MONTANA FAIR HOUSING | BUTTE, MT | $15,000 | 2025 | ASSIST VICTIMS OF DISCRIMINATION IN SECURING COUNSEL WITH EXPERTISE IN NON-DISCRIMINATION LAWS WHEN NEEDED. SECURING TRANSLATORS IN COURT CASES WHEN NEEDED. SALARIES FOR PORTIONS OF STAFF SALARY. |
| BILLINGS MEDIATION CENTER INC | BILLINGS, MT | $13,000 | 2025 | TRAINING EXPENSES. SUPPORT FOR 16TH JUDICIAL TRAINEES. CONTRACT FOR ED TO PERFORM CONFLICT RESILIENCE PROJECT TASKS AND COURT SUPPORT. |
| EASTERN MONTANA CASA GAL INC | MILES CITY, MT | $12,000 | 2025 | RECRUITMENT, TRAVEL, TRAINING, ADVOCATING AND MENTORING OF CASA VOLUNTEERS IN THE 7TH, 15TH, 16TH, AND 17TH JUDICIAL DISTRICTS IN ADDITION TO THE TRIBAL FORT PECK ASSINIBOINE SIOUX TRIBAL CHILDREN. |
| EASTERN MONTANA CASA GAL INC | MILES CITY, MT | $12,000 | 2025 | RECRUITMENT/TRAINING AND RETENTION OF NEW AND EXISTING VOLUNTEERS AND PUBLIC SERVICE EVENTS |
| MONTANA INNOCENCE PROJECT | MISSOULA, MT | $10,000 | 2025 | SUPPORT FOR IMPLEMENTING STAFF ATTORNEY TO CONDUCT PLACE-BASED WORK AMONGST MONTANA'S RURAL AND INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES. 10% WILL SUPPORT THE STAFF ATTORNEY'S SALARY. |
| YWCA BILLINGS | BILLINGS, MT | $10,000 | 2025 | FUNDING FOR FREE CIVIL LEGAL CONSULTATION, ADVOCACY, AND REFERRALS TO VICTIMS IN BILLINGS AND THE SURROUNDING REGION (REDUCES WAIT TIME AND NO FEES). |
| MONTANA FAIR HOUSING | BUTTE, MT | $9,999 | 2025 | COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE TRANSLATION OF DOCUMENTS, DISTRIBUTION OF DOCUMENTS AND DEVELOPMENT OF AND DISTRIBUTION OF MATERIALS AND POSTS FOCUSING ON THE MONTANA HUMAN RIGHTS ACT. |
| CASA OF HILL COUNTY INC | HAVRE, MT | $8,000 | 2025 | TRAVEL/MEALS, MATERIALS, REGISTRATION FOR TRAINING NEW AND EXISTING VOLUNTEERS |
| MONTANA INNOCENCE PROJECT | MISSOULA, MT | $8,000 | 2025 | SUPPORT FOR IMPLEMENTING STAFF ATTORNEY TO CONDUCT PLACE-BASED WORK AMONGST MONTANA'S RURAL AND INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES. 10% WILL SUPPORT THE STAFF ATTORNEY'S SALARY. |
| SAFE HARBOR INC | RONAN, MT | $7,500 | 2025 | ONGOING DELIVERY OF FREE LEGAL ASSISTANCE TO LOW-INCOME DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SURVIVORS |
| SANDERS COUNTY COALITION FOR FAMILIES | THOMPSON FALLS, MT | $7,500 | 2025 | COURT FILING FEES, GUARDIAN AD LITEM AND SETTLEMENT MASTER FEES AND COSTS, EXPERT WITNESS FEES AND COSTS, MEDIATION SERVICE FEES, TRANSLATION SERVICE FEES |
| CASA OF MISSOULA | MISSOULA, MT | $7,500 | 2025 | IMPROVE CASA PRESENCE IN IN ALL 4TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURTS. EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR CASA VOLUNTEERS INCLUDING TRAINING. |
| SAFE HARBOR INC | RONAN, MT | $7,500 | 2025 | ASSIST VICTIMS LIVING ON THE FLATHEAD RESERVATION AND LAKE COUNTY IN SECURING LEGAL ASSISTANCE SO AS TO NOT NAVIGATE THE LEGAL SYSTEM ON THEIR OWN. OVERHEAD COSTS OF COURT FEES, SUPPLIES, LODGING FOR VICTIMS PROVIDING TESTIMONY, PRINTING OF DOCUMENTS |
| CASA OF MISSOULA | MISSOULA, MT | $7,500 | 2025 | RECRUITMENT/TRAINING AND RETENTION OF NEW AND EXISTING VOLUNTEERS |
| CENTER FOR RESTORATIVE YOUTH JUSTICE | KALISPELL, MT | $7,000 | 2025 | HIRING OF YOUTH CONFERENCING COORDINATOR. TRAINING AND MAINTENANCE AND EXPANSION OF EXISTING SERVICES. |
| CASA OF YELLOWSTONE COUNTY | BILLINGS, MT | $7,000 | 2025 | FOUR ROUNDS OF EXTENSIVE PRE-SERVICE TRAINING FOR NEW ADVOCATES. |
| CASA OF YELLOWSTONE COUNTY | BILLINGS, MT | $7,000 | 2025 | RECRUITMENT/TRAINING AND RETENTION OF NEW AND EXISTING VOLUNTEERS |
| BILLINGS MEDIATION CENTER INC | BILLINGS, MT | $7,000 | 2025 | INCREASE ACCESS TO ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION |
| CASA OF LAKE & SANDERS COUNTIES | POLSON, MT | $6,200 | 2025 | EXPAND PUBLIC AWARENESS OF CASA SERVICES. CONTINUED COORDINATION WITH STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS TO INCLUDE TRAINING, AND OUTREACH. |
| CASA OF LAKE & SANDERS COUNTIES | POLSON, MT | $5,500 | 2025 | RECRUITMENT/TRAINING AND RETENTION OF NEW AND EXISTING VOLUNTEERS. |
| SANDERS COUNTY COALITION FOR FAMILIES | THOMPSON FALLS, MT | $5,500 | 2025 | FUNDING FOR FEES AND SERVICES NOT COVERED BY OTHER FUNDING SOURCES (DOCUMENT FILING FEES, INTERPRETERS, WITNESS FEES, ETC.) |
| MONTANA LEGAL SERVICES ASSOCIATION | HELENA, MT | $215,000 | 2024 | LEGAL AID |
| TRUST MONTANA | MISSOULA, MT | $13,482 | 2024 | LEGAL AID |
| YWCA BILLINGS | BILLINGS, MT | $10,000 | 2024 | LEGAL AID |
| MONTANA FAIR HOUSING | BUTTE, MT | $7,500 | 2024 | LEGAL AID |
| SAFE HARBOUR INC | RONAN, MT | $7,500 | 2024 | CHILD ADVOCACY PROGRAM |
| CASA FOR KIDS INC | KALISPELL, MT | $7,000 | 2024 | CHILD ADVOCACY PROGRAM |
| CASA OF YELLOWSTONE COUNTY | BILLINGS, MT | $6,000 | 2024 | IMPROVE THE ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE AND ACCESS TO SERVICES FOR CHILDREN IN FOSTER CARE |
| COMMUNITY DISPUTE RESOLUTION CENTER OF MISSOULA COUNTY | MISSOULA, MT | $6,000 | 2024 | EXPANDING ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION SERVICES TO LOW-INCOME MONTANANS |
| CASA OF LAKE & SANDERS COUNTIES | POLSON, MT | $5,000 | 2024 | SUPPORT FOR CASA PROGRAM |
| MONTANA LEGAL SERVICES ASSOCIATION | HELENA, MT | $305,567 | 2023 | LEGAL AID |
| TRUST MONTANA | MISSOULA, MT | $56,250 | 2023 | LEGAL AID |
| UNIVERSITY OF MONTANA FOUNDATION | MISSOULA, MT | $48,750 | 2023 | EDUCATION PROGRAM |
| EASTERN MONTANA CASA GAL INC | MILES CITY, MT | $9,500 | 2023 | RECRUITMENT, TRAINING AND MENTORING VOLUNTEERS FOR CASA PROGRAM |
| YWCA BILLINGS | BILLINGS, MT | $5,625 | 2023 | LEGAL AID |
| MONTANA FAIR HOUSING | BUTTE, MT | $5,500 | 2023 | LEGAL AID |
GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT FUNDS INCLUDING STAFF SALARIES.
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
$64,664FUND THE SALARY, BENEFITS AND CELL PHONE REIMBURSEMENT OF THE PROJECT COORDINATOR OF THE SENIOR FINANCIAL SERVICES POSITION FOR ONE YEAR.
SUSTAIN EXISTING PUBLIC DEFENSE/RESTORATIVE SUPPORT FOR INDIVIDUALS ENTANGLED IN THE CRIMINAL LEGAL SYSTEM OF THE CONFEDERATED SALISH AND KOOTENAI TRIBES ON THE FLATHEAD RESERVATION.
SUPPORT SALARIES FOR TWO LEGAL ADVOCATES. CONTRIBUTION TO A POOL OF TRANSLATION FUNDS FOR LEGAL SERVICES FOR SURVIVORS WITH LIMITED ENGLISH PROFICIENCY AND INTERPRETATION FOR THOSE WHO ARE DEAF OR HARD OF HEARING
PAY PART OF THE YWCA LEGAL AND VICTIM SERVICES ADMINISTRATOR'S SALARY AND BENEFITS WHOSE TYPICAL CASE LOAD IN 15ACTIVE CASES AT A TIME WITH AN AVERAGE OF 120 VICTIMS ASSISTED ANNUALLY.
MONTANA FAIR HOUSING
$15,000ASSIST VICTIMS OF DISCRIMINATION IN SECURING COUNSEL WITH EXPERTISE IN NON-DISCRIMINATION LAWS WHEN NEEDED. SECURING TRANSLATORS IN COURT CASES WHEN NEEDED. SALARIES FOR PORTIONS OF STAFF SALARY.
BILLINGS MEDIATION CENTER INC
$13,000TRAINING EXPENSES. SUPPORT FOR 16TH JUDICIAL TRAINEES. CONTRACT FOR ED TO PERFORM CONFLICT RESILIENCE PROJECT TASKS AND COURT SUPPORT.
EASTERN MONTANA CASA GAL INC
$12,000RECRUITMENT, TRAVEL, TRAINING, ADVOCATING AND MENTORING OF CASA VOLUNTEERS IN THE 7TH, 15TH, 16TH, AND 17TH JUDICIAL DISTRICTS IN ADDITION TO THE TRIBAL FORT PECK ASSINIBOINE SIOUX TRIBAL CHILDREN.
EASTERN MONTANA CASA GAL INC
$12,000RECRUITMENT/TRAINING AND RETENTION OF NEW AND EXISTING VOLUNTEERS AND PUBLIC SERVICE EVENTS
SUPPORT FOR IMPLEMENTING STAFF ATTORNEY TO CONDUCT PLACE-BASED WORK AMONGST MONTANA'S RURAL AND INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES. 10% WILL SUPPORT THE STAFF ATTORNEY'S SALARY.
FUNDING FOR FREE CIVIL LEGAL CONSULTATION, ADVOCACY, AND REFERRALS TO VICTIMS IN BILLINGS AND THE SURROUNDING REGION (REDUCES WAIT TIME AND NO FEES).
MONTANA FAIR HOUSING
$9,999COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE TRANSLATION OF DOCUMENTS, DISTRIBUTION OF DOCUMENTS AND DEVELOPMENT OF AND DISTRIBUTION OF MATERIALS AND POSTS FOCUSING ON THE MONTANA HUMAN RIGHTS ACT.
CASA OF HILL COUNTY INC
$8,000TRAVEL/MEALS, MATERIALS, REGISTRATION FOR TRAINING NEW AND EXISTING VOLUNTEERS
SUPPORT FOR IMPLEMENTING STAFF ATTORNEY TO CONDUCT PLACE-BASED WORK AMONGST MONTANA'S RURAL AND INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES. 10% WILL SUPPORT THE STAFF ATTORNEY'S SALARY.
SAFE HARBOR INC
$7,500ONGOING DELIVERY OF FREE LEGAL ASSISTANCE TO LOW-INCOME DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SURVIVORS
SANDERS COUNTY COALITION FOR FAMILIES
$7,500COURT FILING FEES, GUARDIAN AD LITEM AND SETTLEMENT MASTER FEES AND COSTS, EXPERT WITNESS FEES AND COSTS, MEDIATION SERVICE FEES, TRANSLATION SERVICE FEES
CASA OF MISSOULA
$7,500IMPROVE CASA PRESENCE IN IN ALL 4TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURTS. EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR CASA VOLUNTEERS INCLUDING TRAINING.
SAFE HARBOR INC
$7,500ASSIST VICTIMS LIVING ON THE FLATHEAD RESERVATION AND LAKE COUNTY IN SECURING LEGAL ASSISTANCE SO AS TO NOT NAVIGATE THE LEGAL SYSTEM ON THEIR OWN. OVERHEAD COSTS OF COURT FEES, SUPPLIES, LODGING FOR VICTIMS PROVIDING TESTIMONY, PRINTING OF DOCUMENTS
CASA OF MISSOULA
$7,500RECRUITMENT/TRAINING AND RETENTION OF NEW AND EXISTING VOLUNTEERS
CENTER FOR RESTORATIVE YOUTH JUSTICE
$7,000HIRING OF YOUTH CONFERENCING COORDINATOR. TRAINING AND MAINTENANCE AND EXPANSION OF EXISTING SERVICES.
CASA OF YELLOWSTONE COUNTY
$7,000FOUR ROUNDS OF EXTENSIVE PRE-SERVICE TRAINING FOR NEW ADVOCATES.
CASA OF YELLOWSTONE COUNTY
$7,000RECRUITMENT/TRAINING AND RETENTION OF NEW AND EXISTING VOLUNTEERS
BILLINGS MEDIATION CENTER INC
$7,000INCREASE ACCESS TO ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION
CASA OF LAKE & SANDERS COUNTIES
$6,200EXPAND PUBLIC AWARENESS OF CASA SERVICES. CONTINUED COORDINATION WITH STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS TO INCLUDE TRAINING, AND OUTREACH.
CASA OF LAKE & SANDERS COUNTIES
$5,500RECRUITMENT/TRAINING AND RETENTION OF NEW AND EXISTING VOLUNTEERS.
SANDERS COUNTY COALITION FOR FAMILIES
$5,500FUNDING FOR FEES AND SERVICES NOT COVERED BY OTHER FUNDING SOURCES (DOCUMENT FILING FEES, INTERPRETERS, WITNESS FEES, ETC.)
TRUST MONTANA
$13,482LEGAL AID
YWCA BILLINGS
$10,000LEGAL AID
MONTANA FAIR HOUSING
$7,500LEGAL AID
SAFE HARBOUR INC
$7,500CHILD ADVOCACY PROGRAM
CASA OF YELLOWSTONE COUNTY
$6,000IMPROVE THE ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE AND ACCESS TO SERVICES FOR CHILDREN IN FOSTER CARE
COMMUNITY DISPUTE RESOLUTION CENTER OF MISSOULA COUNTY
$6,000EXPANDING ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION SERVICES TO LOW-INCOME MONTANANS
CASA OF LAKE & SANDERS COUNTIES
$5,000SUPPORT FOR CASA PROGRAM
TRUST MONTANA
$56,250LEGAL AID
EASTERN MONTANA CASA GAL INC
$9,500RECRUITMENT, TRAINING AND MENTORING VOLUNTEERS FOR CASA PROGRAM
YWCA BILLINGS
$5,625LEGAL AID
MONTANA FAIR HOUSING
$5,500LEGAL AID
