Applications Open for Missoula County’s 2026 Rural Grant Program
Posted on January 05, 2026
Missoula County is now accepting Impact Grant applications and is continuing to accept Micro Grant applications to support community-driven projects that enhance the quality of life in rural areas of Missoula County.
Individuals, 501 (c)3 nonprofit organizations, citizen groups, community councils, schools and special districts are encouraged to learn more and apply online at http://missoula.co/ruralgrant.
The Rural Grant Program was initiated by the Missoula Board of County Commissioners in 2023 and includes two unique funding opportunities: Micro Grants, with awards between $100 to $500, and Impact Grants, with awards from $501 to $4,000. The awards are designed to support community projects within the county but outside Missoula city limits.
2025 Impact Grant awardees included the Bonner-Milltown Community Council, which hosted a community clean-up, the Frenchtown Football Club, which upgraded Frenchtown’s soccer fields, the Swan-Mission Academic Art Athletic Resource Team, which offered journalism and graphic design clubs for kids in Condon, and others.
"In the past few years since launching these grants, we've seen our rural communities come together to pitch creative, grassroots projects that are all worthy of funding," said Missoula County Commissioner Josh Slotnick. "We're excited to kick off another round of these and see what projects we can help get off the ground this year."
The Micro Grant is open on a rolling monthly basis. It is intended to be used for smaller community projects that can be completed within 90 days. Applications for the first round of 2026 funding are due Saturday, Jan. 31. Funding will be distributed in February. Ongoing Micro Grant applications are due by the last day of the month and will be considered for distribution the following month. Recipients are eligible to receive one micro grant per calendar year.
The Impact Grant application is open once a year. These grants are intended for larger community projects that may take longer than 90 days to implement but can be completed by the end of the year. The 2026 Impact Grant applications are open from Jan. 5 to Feb. 28.
Applicants must describe how the project meets a demonstrated need, be of community benefit and have community support.
Expenditure and reimbursement reports and project reports are required for both grants. Grant awards depend on available funds in the budget, and no applicants are guaranteed funding. Additional guidelines and requirements are available at http://missoula.co/ruralgrant. For more information, email [email protected] or call 406-258-4657.
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