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Missoula County outlines rural microgrants and impact grants for small community projects
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Summary
Missoula County's grants team described two grant streams—microgrants ($100–$500) and annual impact grants (awards up to about $4,000)—and shared examples of funded projects and application deadlines: microgrants on a rolling monthly basis and impact grants due Feb. 28.
Amanda Peterson of Missoula County's grants and community resources department briefed the Lolo Community Council on the county's Rural Grant Program, which aims to support community-driven projects across rural Missoula County.
Peterson described two funding streams: microgrants intended for smaller projects ($100–$500) that can be completed within 90 days of award, and larger annual impact grants with awards that, in the examples shown, ranged up to about $4,000. She said the microgrant fund for this year holds about $5,000 and that microgrant applications are accepted on a rolling monthly basis (due the last day of each month while funds remain). "Micro grants are designed to be smaller, more straightforward projects that are cost to run, 100 to $500 that can be completed within 90 days of receiving notice of a grant award," Peterson said.
Peterson gave examples of recent awards across the county: $500 to a Potomac community member for ice-skating gear at the Blackfoot River Outpost ice rink; $500 to Clinton PTSA for an after-school bike club; Seeley Community Foundation received $500 for a portable toilet and handwashing station; Bonner Milltown History Center received $5,488 for interpretive signage; Bonner School received $500 for a care closet; Frenchtown athletic improvements received $3,600; Bonner PTA received $4,000 to buy playground equipment; the Upper Swan Valley Historical Society received $4,000 for building preservation work.
Peterson explained that eligible applicants include community councils, schools, special districts, nonprofits and individuals as long as the project demonstrates public benefit, and that applicants can preview application questions and set up an account through the county's grant portal (posted at the county site). She said impact-grant applications are due Feb. 28 and encouraged those with project ideas to pick up flyers and contact staff for help.
Council members asked about the source of funding; a member speculated funding comes from commissioner-designated tax dollars. Peterson did not specify the exact funding line but described the program as administered by Missoula County and invited prospective applicants to the online materials.
