Search Grants Awarded - Montana Healthcare Foundation

Domestic Violence Shelter Expansion Planning Grant

Abbie Shelter serves victims and survivors of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) in the Flathead Valley and northwestern Montana. This grant will support planning to expand their current IPV shelter facility, which is almost always full and running a waitlist. With this planning grant, Abbie Shelter will establish a facility expansion committee, solicit an architect through a request for proposal (RFP) process, develop a community engagement strategy, and create the infrastructure for a capital campaign. MTHF’s funds will go toward the staff salaries while they lead this work, and a contract with an architect to lead the design planning process. Abbie Shelter has established partnerships with the Blackfeet Domestic Violence Program located in Browning, MT, as well as law enforcement agencies in Flathead Valley, Kalispell, Whitefish, and Columbia Falls.

Grant Amount

$25,000

Term

12 month

2026

First Church Resiliency Project

Billings First Congregational Church (First Church) is a community-oriented nonprofit that provides a range of community services. First Church is planning to renovate its building to address mechanical and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) access and has taken the additional step of using the opportunity to work with community partners to determine how the renovation can maximize space to meet community health needs. The project will increase space for offices and meeting rooms for support and recovery groups, and shelter for unhoused individuals. Grant funds will be used to develop architectural and engineering plans to accomplish this. The Billings Community Foundation serves as a fiscal sponsor for this project.

Grant Amount

$50,000

Term

12 month

2026

Increasing Clinical Recovery Residences in Cascade County

Dynamic Recovery is a Great Falls-based organization that provides substance use and mental health treatment and recovery services in Yellowstone, Lake, Hill, Cascade, and Missoula Counties. Dynamic Recovery provides counseling services to eight Certified Recovery Residences across Montana and on the Flathead Reservation. This project will add up to 20 clinically supported beds in Great Falls that combine safe housing with intensive daily treatment. Dynamic Recovery received a provisional license to provide these services; they are in the process of purchasing a building in downtown Great Falls to house current outpatient programming on the main floor, including offices, group rooms, 24/7 crisis support, and a drop-in center, as well as residential space for sober living on the second floor. Grant funds will support a nighttime staff member during the startup phase, as well as supplies and materials for the recovery residence. Confirmed partners include Recovery Access Montana, Toro Medical College, NeighborWorks Montana, Job Service, and Clearwater Credit Union.

Grant Amount

$100,000

Term

24 month

2026

Implementing Youth Maternity Home Medicaid Residential Funding Source

Florence Crittenton Family Services is a youth maternity home located in Helena that provides shelter and supportive services to young and expecting mothers aged 12-21 and their children aged 0-5 in a trauma-responsive, family-centered environment. The grant will support implementation of their recently approved Therapeutic Youth Group Home license, and work to establish Medicaid reimbursement rates that will support this newly approved Medicaid service. Grant funds will support additional residential staff to meet licensing requirements as well as participation in statewide outreach efforts to inform partner agencies of the new services.

Grant Amount

$100,000

Term

24 month

2026

Better Together: Reimagining Community Health and Access Through YMCA Partnership in Helena

The Greater Missoula Family YMCA is a community center serving Missoula County through programming in youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. This grant supports a collaborative effort between the Missoula and Helena YMCAs to stabilize and strengthen Helena YMCA programming by providing operational support, capacity-building for local staff, facility assessments, and a due diligence process for a potential merger of the organizations. Funds from MTHF will be used to support the formal exploration of a partnership model between the respective organizations, including staffing, facility assessments, consulting fees, and other planning costs. Partners include the Missoula and Helena YMCA’s and Helena community members who will provide feedback throughout the process.

Grant Amount

$50,000

Term

12 month

2026

Montana Immunization Coalition

The Montana Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (MTAAP) is the state professional association for Montana pediatricians. MTAAP will incubate a coalition to work with communities to address questions and improve rates of vaccination for serious vaccine-preventable diseases. MTAAP has taken initial steps to plan this coalition and engage stakeholders across the state with funding from the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) and other foundations. MTHF grant funds will support a strategic consultant to lead facilitation, stakeholder analysis, and the development of tools and infrastructure necessary to ensure long-term success. Primary partners are the DPHHS Immunization Program, Montana Medical Association, Montana Primary Care Association, Montana Hospital Association, Montana Public Health Institute, Confluence Public Health, the University of Montana School of Public and Community Health Sciences, and providers and organizations working with Native American tribal partners, among others.

Grant Amount

$50,000

Term

12 month

2026

Launching the Montana Community Health Worker Association

The Montana Office of Rural Health and Area Health Education Center will initiate the transition of the Montana Community Health Worker Association (MTCHWA) from an unincorporated group to an independent nonprofit to support and advance the Community Health Worker (CHW) workforce and expand access to care statewide. The goal of this project is to build the structure and capacity to operate as an independent, sustainable 501(c)(3) organization. CHWs play a critical role in addressing the health challenges Montanans face while reducing costly use of emergency systems. Grant funds will support a portion of part-time project staff, travel, professional services for nonprofit formation, the annual CHW Summit, and leadership development for board members. Key partners include the Montana Public Health Institute; the Center for Children, Families and Workforce Development; the Montana Health Research and Education Foundation (MHREF) within the Montana Hospital Association; the Montana Primary Care Association; and the Montana Health Network.

Grant Amount

$50,000

Term

12 month

2026

Aging in Carbon County: A plan to address the livability of seniors in rural areas

The Red Lodge Area Community Foundation (RLACF) is a non-profit organization dedicated to building thriving communities in Carbon County. This project will identify a plan to address barriers that can prevent Carbon County seniors from safely remaining in their homes and community. RLACF will work with area senior centers to collect data on the needs of county residents. The grantee will partner with Allies in Aging to scale proven urban resources of in-home care into rural areas, and Carbon County Public Health to integrate a new approach in educating the public about the barriers to aging in Carbon County. Funds from MTHF will be used to support planning and staffing that will broaden stakeholder coalitions, directly engage seniors to inform decision-making, develop evaluation metrics and data collection protocols, and adapt urban solutions to the rural community.

Grant Amount

$49,988

Term

12 month

2026

The Balance Project: A Therapeutic Skateboard Group for Youth Ages 8-12

Serious JuJu Skateworks operates Montana’s only indoor skatepark and serves as a trusted community hub for young people and families across Flathead Valley. This project seeks to address behavioral health needs and create programming to improve youth outcomes. This project will design a sustainable, prevention-focused mental health model integrating evidence-based therapy and physical activity to expand early intervention access for youth ages 8-12 who face barriers to care. Grant funds will support contracted clinical and program experts, partnership development, and evaluation design to ensure quality implementation and long-term sustainability. Partners for this project include the Kalispell School District, local outpatient behavioral health providers, and the Flathead Valley Community College.

Grant Amount

$49,700

Term

12 month

2026

The Missoula Recovery Community Center Planning Initiative

The Fourth D Club, a peer-run, recovery organization serving the great Missoula area, will develop an implementation plan for a Recovery Community Center. This grantee hopes to use this plan to create a peer-run, community-responsive center that supports individuals with behavioral health challenges. The Fourth D Club will work with recovery organizations and other community partners to craft a viable and sustainable implementation plan. Grant funds will be used for stakeholder engagement, data collection, and the development of a sustainable, diversified funding and implementation plan. The project partners include Recovery Access Montana, Beautiful Minds Recovery Montana, and Crosswinds Recovery, each contributing expertise in recovery support and community engagement, with technical assistance provided by Faces & Voices of Recovery.

Grant Amount

$10,000

Term

12 month

2026

Voluntary Overnight Respite Services for At-Risk Families

Watson Children’s Shelter (WCS) is located in Missoula and provides shelter, safety, and stability for children impacted by abuse, neglect, and abandonment across Montana. WCS plans to pilot voluntary overnight respite care (VORC) to provide temporary, safe care for children aged 0-14 whose families live with limited resources. VORC is an evidence-based practice that allows caregivers to voluntarily place their child(ren) in the care of WCS for a temporary period without involving Child and Family Services (CFS). This planning project will pilot the VORC model with ten families, providing positive, safe experiences for 10-25 children. Grant funds will be used to cover a portion of personnel salaries dedicated to implementation activities for the 1-year planning grant. WCS aims to collaborate with partners across the state on this pilot. This project will rely on referral partners from Mountain Home, Montana, Partners for Children, Friends of the Children - Western Montana, and the YWCA.

Grant Amount

$50,000

Term

12 month

2026

The Merger for a Mission Project

The Adult Resource Alliance is a nonprofit organization that has served seniors in Yellowstone County since 1975. Their mission is to provide effective services and lead collaborative efforts to ensure seniors remain independent with the highest possible quality of life. This grant will support planning for a merger between Adult Resource Alliance and Big Sky Senior Services (which also serves seniors in Yellowstone County), with the goal of providing more comprehensive and efficient services to address the needs of seniors in the community. The boards of both organizations have agreed to partner to complete this merger. The merger project requires a thorough due diligence process, legal compliance work, human resources integration, and operational strategy development to build a foundation for successful implementation. Grant funds will be used for consulting services and staff time to plan for a successful merger.

Grant Amount

$50,000

Term

12 month

2025

Psych on Peds: Program Development

The Benefis Health System Foundation provides resources to support and enhance care for patients and families throughout north central Montana and beyond. Through this grant, Benefis will develop and pilot Psych on Peds, a new service at Benefis Health System that will provide case management and psychotherapy services to children with acute psychiatric needs who are admitted to the inpatient medical unit (including children in psychiatric boarding). The goal of this program is to increase continuity of care across medical and psychiatric service systems, thereby shortening hospitalization stays. Grant funds will be used for staff time on the project, clinical training and consultation, and incentives to support stakeholder engagement in needs assessment and quality improvement tasks. The primary partner is Shodair Children's Hospital in Helena.

Grant Amount

$50,000

Term

12 month

2025

National Accreditation for a Tribal College Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program

The Blackfeet Community College provides higher education opportunities for the Blackfeet Nation. Blackfeet Community College has created a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program and is now preparing to seek national accreditation with the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. Accreditation will involve a site visit by peers and an in-depth evaluation of the curriculum and training to ensure the program meets national standards for content and quality. The Montana Board of Nursing conducted a site visit in March 2025 and provisionally approved the program through 2025. The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education's process will specify any additional requirements and recommendations that must be met and implemented for national accreditation. Grant funds will be used to hire a nursing education accreditation consultant and implement any specific requirements identified through the national accreditation process.

Grant Amount

$50,000

Term

12 month

2025

Building Sustainable Veterans Support Services

Great Plains Veterans Services Center (GPVSC) is a nonprofit founded by veterans in 2015 to address the pressing needs of American Indian Veterans in Montana’s most isolated communities. GPVSC serves Rocky Boy, Blackfeet, and Fort Belknap reservations and both Native and non-Native veterans in Hill, Chouteau, Glacier, and Blaine counties. The goal of this project is to create a comprehensive sustainability plan that strengthens GPVSC’s Veteran Support Services, enhancing mental health care and partnerships for lasting community impact. GPVSC will hire a consultant to complete strategic planning, feasibility analysis, and sustainability planning. Funds will be used for consultant salary, travel, and meetings. The primary partner is the Great Falls Vet Center.

Grant Amount

$50,000

Term

12 month

2025

Occupational Therapy Assistant Program

Helena College is a two-year institution within the Montana University System offering 28 degrees and certificates with nearly 1,500 students enrolled. This grant will enable Helena College to establish an Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) training program. The OTA program will help meet a growing demand for qualified occupational therapy professionals, equipping graduates with the skills to work in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, school districts, pediatric clinics, and other health care settings. To develop this program, Helena College will upgrade classrooms with the necessary technologies to teach occupational therapy skills and add an academic fieldwork coordinator and full-time faculty member. Grant funds will support staff salaries, equipment, and supplies. Confirmed partners, including Intermountain, the Helena School District, Rocky Mountain College and University of Montana, Helena OT Specialists, and Rosebud Healthcare Center, will offer students valuable learning environments and mentorship.

Grant Amount

$100,000

Term

24 month

2025

Assessing Critical Needs for Crisis Preparedness and Mental Health Resources

The Montana School Counselor Association (MSCA) promotes professionalism and ethical practices while empowering and advocating for all school counselors. The goal of the project is to study the current roles school counselors play in addressing student behavioral health and crisis response and to use this information to guide the development of training and resources for school counselors and schools across the state. MSCA will work with the American Institutes for Research (AIR) to review current state-wide data and develop a survey, administer the survey, conduct a needs assessment, analyze the data from the survey, share the results, and develop action plans. Grant funds will be used towards MSCA staff salaries, consultants with AIR, and travel. Confirmed partners include the Montana Small School Alliance, AIR, and School Administrators of Montana. They have a strong network that includes several other partners.

Grant Amount

$50,000

Term

12 month

2025

Acute Intervention Medical Clinic

Emma’s House is a nationally accredited Children’s Advocacy Center in Ravalli County, serving as a resource for children and adolescents who have experienced abuse. Through this grant, Emma’s House will plan and begin to implement acute medical exams for child and adolescent victims of sexual and physical assault and drug endangerment. The grant will allow Emma’s House to obtain additional equipment, training, and certification to conduct acute exams within 72 hours of incidents of abuse. Grant funds will support a portion of project staff time, contracts for on-call providers, training, and a limited pharmacy license. The project relies on and benefits from partnerships with Bitterroot Health, FirstSTEP Resource Center, Sapphire Community Health, Ravalli County Attorney and Sheriff’s Office, DPHHS Child and Family Services Division, and Bitterroot Drug.

Grant Amount

$35,840

Term

12 month

2024

Establishing Youth Maternity Home as a Licensed Medicaid Residential Setting

Florence Crittenton provides trauma-responsive care, family-centered support, and services to parents and children throughout Montana. Through this grant, it will work to improve Medicaid reimbursement for their youth maternity home, which serves young mothers aged 12-21 and their children. Establishing a reliable funding source will allow Florence Crittenton to fund these services and expand the number of clients the program can serve. The grant will support staff time to carry out the analysis required to establish a new Medicaid rate and engage DPHHS and critical partners in serving this population. Primary partners include the DPHHS Child and Family Service Division, the Early Childhood Services Bureau, the Montana Board of Crime Control, and Youth Courts and Juvenile Probation.

Grant Amount

$50,000

Term

12 month

2024

The Resilience Lab

Helena Indian Alliance will partner with Helena High School to plan and pilot the “Resiliency Lab,” an innovative solution to the growing mental health crisis among Montana youth. The project will create a trauma-informed eight-week curriculum for staff, weekly educational offerings, and evidence-based therapeutic modalities for students. The project is coordinated with a new school-based health center run by Helena Indian Alliance. The Resiliency Lab program will help the school implement supports that benefit all students, allowing the clinic to focus on students needing a higher level of care. The project aims to improve academic and health outcomes across the student body. Grant funds will be used for staff salaries, supplies, travel, contracts, and communications. The partner for this project is Helena School District, specifically Helena High School.

Grant Amount

$50,000

Term

24 month

2024

Willard Alternative High School Recovery Program

Willard School in Missoula County Public School District is an alternative school that serves over 240 at-risk students. The goal of the project is to establish a school-based recovery program for students struggling with substance use disorders. They will do this by embedding addiction counseling within the academic day, allowing students to receive therapeutic support while pursuing their education. Grant funds will be used for staff time on the project, travel for meetings and a conference, and supplies. Partnership Health Center will provide behavioral health services for the recovery program, and the Missoula Youth Court has also agreed to coordinate with the district.

Grant Amount

$49,325

Term

12 month

2024

Warrior Bridge Native Partnership Initiative

Veterans Navigation Network (VNN) is a statewide nonprofit facilitating smooth transitions from military service to civilian life. Through this planning grant, VNN aims to foster health improvement and strong partnerships across eight tribes and five urban Indian organizations in Montana. Specifically, the project will allow VNN to explore with these communities how to help Native veterans navigate and access military benefits in a culturally responsive manner. Partners include the Office of American Indian Health at the Department of Public Health and Human Services and Riverstone Health. Grant funds will support staff time and travel expenses.

Grant Amount

$46,437

Term

12 month

2024

Scaling up Staffing for Womens’ SUD Recovery Home

The Butte SPIRIT Center provides recovery housing and services to those recovering from substance use disorders. This grant will allow the organization to expand on the success of the Butte SPIRIT Home for Men by opening its second recovery home, the Butte SPIRIT Women’s Home. This will be the first licensed recovery home for women with substance use disorders in the Butte area. Grant funds will offset the new home's initial staffing costs (for a residence manager and Licensed Addictions Counselor) until it obtains state certification and can start billing for services. This project builds on a successful planning grant for the women's home, through which Cascadia Management Group facilitated strategic planning and developed an operating plan and budget for the new home. Local partners include the Montana Chemical Dependency Center, Southwest Montana Community Health Center, Action Inc., Montana’s Peer Network, and representatives from existing women’s facilities.

Grant Amount

$100,000

Term

24 month

2023

Gallatin Regional Day Treatment School

Gallatin County used this grant to develop a business plan for a regional day treatment school serving young people in need of intensive behavioral health services throughout the school day, particularly those residing in rural communities where treatment services are scarce. The grantee hired contractor, who collaborated with regional public schools to understand their needs and constraints, as well as the student population being served. The project resulted in a comprehensive business plan that defined program goals and potential outcomes, articulated cost considerations, and provided a roadmap for implementation. It also addressed details such as location, site renovations, target student population, eligibility process, funding, contracting, and transportation considerations. Additional materials were created to help communicate findings with a broader audience and raise awareness about the need to expand the county’s youth behavioral health services. The coalition is now in the process of determining next steps based on the report and will seek funding to support project implementation. This could include school requests for funding through bonding, county or city requests for funding through levies or bonds, or other fundraising or financial investments.

Grant Amount

$50,000

Term

12 month

2023

Exploratory Behavioral Health Collaboration for Reentering Community Members

The Montana Innocence Project (MTIP) works with clients released from prison to support a successful return to society. MTIP used this grant to fund an innovative pilot project that placed two University of Montana School of Social Work students in practicum service to two MTIP clients and one client of Welcome Back, a partner organization. The goal was to improve the behavioral and physical health outcomes and overall quality of life for reentering community members and to develop a model that could be replicated by other organizations that serve this population. Under the supervision of MTIP and the University of Montana, students held conversations with clients, conducted a needs assessment, developed case plans, and connected clients with the community resources they needed. Resources included health care services, financial assistance, Medicare payment relief, and SNAP, or food stamp, benefits. Students also participated in other activities, including undertaking a holiday card drive for clients, conducting presentations on wrongful convictions, participating in conferences, and completing the Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training. MTIP obtained funding from a private donor to support a half-time social services advocate on staff and a six-month stipend for one student. It’s still seeking a partner organization to provide ongoing support for this project.

Grant Amount

$50,000

Term

12 month

2023

Establishment of the University of Montana Eating Disorder Training Clinic

The Department of Psychology at the University of Montana in Missoula is establishing a multidisciplinary eating disorder training center to increase the number of behavioral health providers in Montana trained to treat eating disorders. This project will improve access to eating disorder care in Montana, including rural regions of the state. The training center will emphasize early intervention with services targeted at pediatric and young adult patients. It will train licensed behavioral health clinicians and student trainees by offering an online training curriculum, weekly session-by-session guidance, multidisciplinary treatment team meetings, group supervision, and ongoing consultation. MHCF funding will support salaries and fringe benefits for faculty who will teach the coursework and Graduate Research Assistants who will assist in recruiting trainee participants, preparing training materials, and delivering training. Primary partners include the UM Clinical Psychology Center, Curry Health Center and Curry Counseling Services, and Providence Women’s Care and Family Wellness.

Grant Amount

$50,000

Term

12 month

2023

Peer Support Program

Valley Felon-Aid (VFA), a nonprofit in Ravalli County providing services to ensure a successful reentry to the community following incarceration, used this grant to implement a peer support program. The goal was to provide returning citizens a new resource to overcome the barriers and stigma of reentry and avoid reincarceration. VFA used funds to hire four peer support specialists who help connect clients to community partners for housing, health care, jobs, education, and basic needs. The specialists receive training in peer support education, CPR, trauma-induced care, and more. VFA also hired a family peer support coordinator. Peer support teams meet with clients four days a week and meet one day a week with a clinical supervisor who reviews daily reports for each client. So far, none of its clients have returned to incarceration. Finding housing for clients has been one of the biggest challenges, so the VFA has referred a few clients to the reentry programs in neighboring counties. VFA is working on this issue with its partners. It’s also working on securing sustainable funding, including pursuing community block grants and Medicaid reimbursement opportunities. VFA continues to hold fundraisers to provide clients with food, clothing, and personal hygiene products, and it’s collaborating with Recovery Residences of Montana and WRAP for additional support.

Grant Amount

$50,000

Term

12 month

2023

Building a Sustainable Future for Montana Veterans

The Veterans Navigation Network (VNN) serves Montana’s veterans by facilitating the smooth transition from military service to civilian life through one-on-one resource counseling, case management, peer mentorship, and advocacy. VNN used this grant to develop a business and sustainability plan for expanding its services to more veterans and their families statewide. VNN surveyed the more than 80 service partners it works with, veterans, and family members to gather ideas about expansion and sustainability. It also contracted with Cascadia Management Group to work with the VNN board of directors and executive director to develop the strategic plan and hold two focus groups. Throughout this project, VNN worked to strengthen its partnerships and reach out to more organizations serving underserved and Native communities, including Native American Tribes and Urban Indian Health Centers across Montana. VNN’s peer mentor program successfully guided 61 veterans through their transition process last year, leveraging the volunteers’ shared military experience to foster trust and support. VNN is exploring ways to diversify its revenue streams through increased fundraising efforts, building partnerships, and other funding opportunities.

Grant Amount

$20,000

Term

12 month

2023

Behavioral Health, Substance Abuse & Targeted Case Management Capacity Building and Revenue Expansion Initiative

YWCA Missoula used this grant to explore the feasibility of and develop a plan for expanding the services it provides to families and survivors of domestic violence at its family housing facility. The goal is to add mental health, substance use, and case management to the housing and supportive services it currently provides through the receipt of Medicaid reimbursement. Grant funds were used to hire a consultant, who helped define service delivery models, assess the mental health services needed, prepare a policy and procedures manual, and develop two viable paths forward. YWCA is evaluating whether to collaborate with a Partnership Health Center or become a standalone Community Mental Health Center. It plans to continue working with the consultant as it decides which option to pursue and begins the implementation process.

Grant Amount

$47,663

Term

12 month

2023

Peer Advocate Model – Train, Pilot, and Transition

The Bitterroot Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) recruits and trains volunteers to advocate for children's best interests in court and help reduce the trauma they might experience. This grant created a Peer Advocate Model (PAM), which utilizes seasoned volunteer advocates to train, coach, and supervise new CASA volunteers. The goal is to offer improved support to new volunteers, increase the retention of volunteers, and serve more children in need. Two seasoned peer advocates supported 17 new CASA volunteers, providing their knowledge and expertise about court processes, how to appropriately communicate with children and families, and how to interact with Child and Family Services. The peer advocates were able to provide more intensive support to new volunteers than was previously offered, including attending meetings with them, helping them create action plans, and providing supervision until the volunteers were confident enough to work on their own. This support has led to a significant increase in the number of volunteer hours served and the amount of engagement with children and families. Previously, CASA's executive director had to spend 80% of her time providing training and supervision. Now, she has the time to focus on community awareness, legislative advocacy, fundraising, and program development. This has led to CASA being awarded $1 million in TANF funds to support the expansion of its programs.

Grant Amount

$17,266

Term

12 month

2022

Women’s Substance Use Disorder Recovery Home Planning

The Butte SPIRIT Center (BSC) used this grant to develop a business and operations plan for a residential treatment home providing housing and supportive services to women recovering from substance use in Silver Bow County. BSC operates by providing an accessible drug and alcohol-free environment, supporting and encouraging fellowship, and building partnerships among the recovery community. This project builds on the successful planning and implementation of a men's home, which is now fully operational and sustainable. BSC and its coalition of partners worked with Cascadia Management Group to design and administer a survey of existing women's homes across Montana to gather information, produce financial models, and develop an operating plan. Through this process, it was decided to serve individual women first and then open another home for women and children in the future. The project also produced a pro forma budget for the women's home operations. This grant helped BSC secure $386,276 in funding for the women's home from various donors; other grant applications are pending.

Grant Amount

$25,000

Term

12 month

2022

Planning for the Financial Sustainability of LiveWell49

LiveWell49 (LW49) is a community coalition focused on improving Park County residents' health and well-being. Its key stakeholders include Livingston HealthCare, Community Health Partners, Livingston School District, Park County Community Foundation, Park County Health Department, and city and county commissions. LW49 used this grant to fund a full-time program assistant who was integral in strengthening the organization and setting it up for long-term sustainability. With the help of this employee, LW49 was able to secure additional funds from a variety of organizations, establish itself as a backbone organization that facilitates community conversations around health improvement, and align and unite community partners.

Grant Amount

$25,000

Term

12 month

2022

Establishing Connections in Eastern and Central Montana: A Planning Grant for the Institute for Neurodiversity and Applied Behavior Analysis

The Montana Center for Inclusive Education (MCIE) at Montana State University Billings will work with partners in Eastern Montana to develop a plan to help rural providers effectively serve children with mental, social, and behavioral differences associated with autism spectrum disorders, developmental disabilities, and mental health disorders. Through this grant, MCIE will develop remote training opportunities for providers and establish a pipeline for referrals of young children who would benefit from telehealth applied behavioral analysis therapy. Applied behavioral analysis therapy helps kids with autism learn skills and lessen problematic behaviors like self-harm. Funding will be used for staffing, supplies, and travel.

Grant Amount

$25,000

Term

12 month

2022

Transgender Community Support and Wellness Project

The Montana Gender Alliance (MGA) is a fiscally sponsored Montana Human Rights Network organization. The grant funded MGA to address mental health risks among transgender Montanans, a population that has an elevated risk of social isolation and mental health challenges. MGA conducted a needs assessment and developed training for health care providers to address these risks. MGA conducted in-person and online support groups to address social isolation, connected people with resources, and developed and delivered training focused on mental health for 50 providers.

Grant Amount

$25,000

Term

12 month

2022

Strategic Planning of Additional Hospital-Based Medical-Legal Partnerships

The Montana Legal Services Association (MLSA) is a nonprofit law firm that provides free legal information, advice, and other services to low-income people. Through previous MHCF funding, MLSA has built and now sustains work with the Montana Primary Care Association, seven federally qualified health centers, and Providence St. Patrick Hospital to address the health-harming legal needs of patients to achieve better health outcomes. The organization used this most recent grant to create and implement a strategic plan for expanding its successful medical legal partnerships (MLPs) to include more patients and health care providers throughout Montana. The overarching goal is to create a system where civil legal assistance in hospital settings is a standard patient intervention. Funds were used to hire Health Management Associates (HMA), a national expert in MLPs, to develop outreach materials, provide sample contracts, compile data, and coordinate meetings. HMA set up meetings with three hospitals and one health service provider across the state and explained the costs associated with the program, the legalities, and the privacy issues related to this type of project. HMA also connected MLSA with the Montana Hospital Association, a statewide nonprofit that every acute care hospital in the state is a member of. While MLSA had not yet formalized partnerships with the four health care providers by the end of this grant (primarily due to the costs associated with having an attorney on staff) it did secure a $214,000 federal grant to expand MLPs to two urban Indian health clinics with the support of a $25,000 matching grant from our Early Explorations initiative in late 2023.

Grant Amount

$25,000

Term

12 month

2022

Indigenous Foundations in Systems of Education: Shifting the Academic, Holistic Health, And Behavioral School Supports Provided to Montana’s American Indian Students

The Montana Office of Public Instruction (OPI) will work to improve American Indian student academic and wellness outcomes by adjusting its support for academics, holistic health, and behavioral health. OPI serves as the state education authority in Montana and acts as the state-level governmental organization for education. OPI has incorporated Native American knowledge within its Tribal Relations and Resiliency Unit. Through this project, OPI will contract with the Elder and Cultural Wisdom Council to provide training to additional units within the organization. The units include American Indian Student Achievement, Coordinated School Health, and Indian Education for All. Each team will update its strategic plans and implement policies and practices to create necessary changes in the services offered to districts. Grant funds will support the consultant, cover the strategic planning efforts, and travel for meetings.

Grant Amount

$48,430

Term

12 month

2022

Partnering to Provide Equitable Care to Unhoused Individuals Impacted by Opioid Use Disorder

Montana State University College of Nursing (MSU CON) partnered with the Open Aid Alliance (OAA) to pilot a medication-based treatment program for opioid use disorder among unhoused clients who face many barriers to accessing this lifesaving treatment. With the support of nursing, social work, and pharmacy students, MSU and OAA conducted interviews with 110 unhoused individuals with opioid use disorders to better understand what accessible, client-centered treatment would look like to them. The interviews revealed that syringe service programs (SSPs) would be an acceptable treatment provider, so the project contacted SSPs in Polson, Kalispell, Butte, and Billings. Following several strategic meetings, MSU, OAA, and the SSPs submitted a proposal to the Community Partnerships to Advance Science for Society (ComPASS) program. It received a $6 million grant over five years. The project will use these funds to continue utilizing a community-engaged approach to SSP-based, nurse-led, and peer-supported medications for opioid use disorder.

Grant Amount

$23,057

Term

12 month

2022

Improving Mountain Home’s Continuum of Care for Indigenous Women and Children

Mountain Home Montana provides shelter for young mothers who need support to create safe, stable, and nurturing homes. Through this project, Mountain Home also sought to improve its programming for Native women and families. It used this planning grant to hire a current staff member as a mental health center administrator to coordinate the referral process, provide timely follow-up to referred families, and improve waitlist management. This helped build trust in general, and in several cases, provided safe and effective removal of Native women from human trafficking situations. Mountain Home partnered with All Nations Health Center to hold weekly office hours on-site for its human trafficking task force, Project Beacon, and it developed connections with Native individuals and coalitions located within the Confederated Salish Kootenai Tribe. Mountain Home trained staff on culturally informed doula and mental health practices and improved the cultural competency of childcare programming. To overcome transportation challenges, Mountain Home partnered with Native communities and organizations across the state to grow its referral connections and get transportation assistance when needed. Through this work, Mountain Home increased the rate of Native residential enrollment from 16% to 38%. This grant also helped the organization secure additional funding from long-time funders and new funders, including a Maternity Group Home grant of $250,000 per year for three years from the Family Youth Services Bureau.

Grant Amount

$25,000

Term

12 month

2022

Postpartum Doula Project

Roots Family Collaborative, an organization working to connect families to the support they need from pregnancy to parenthood, used this planning grant for its Postpartum Doula Project, which will provide free or sliding-scale postpartum doula services to families in Gallatin and surrounding counties during the critical developmental stage following birth. The overarching goal is to ensure that all families have access to high-quality postpartum doula care, regardless of their socio-economic background or ability to pay. With the help of a contracted project manager and an outside consultant, Roots Family Collaborative evaluated the staffing capacity needed to manage the strategic planning and program implementation; identified new and existing strategic partnerships; created an advisory council to help develop the strategy and guide decisions; and created a comprehensive handbook to use during program implementation. It has increased its fundraising efforts to support the program and continues to work toward long-term financial sustainability. The team is now ready to launch the project, starting with a two-year pilot phase.

Grant Amount

$20,000

Term

12 month

2022

St. John’s United Workplace Integrative Behavioral Health Initiative

St. John's United (SJU), a senior living provider with campuses in Billings, Laurel, Red Lodge, and Hamilton, used this planning grant to develop a primary care clinic model to be used within its retirement communities. The goal is to address the physical and mental well-being of both employees and residents, which will lead to reduced rates of anxiety and depression, better health outcomes, lower staff turnover, fewer hospital admissions, and improved life satisfaction. The SJU team conducted a thorough baseline wellness assessment of residents and staff members. Results from the employee survey showed a need for services and support in the areas of stress and anxiety, tobacco use, sleep, blood pressure, and weight. Results from the resident assessment showed a need for mental health support services. The team decided the optimal intervention would be to hire a full-time mental health clinician to provide on-site mental health services, psychoeducational groups, mindfulness training, and referrals. The SJU human resources director developed a position description for the behavioral health provider. The team is prepared to launch a comprehensive marketing strategy to encourage employees and residents to engage with the new mental health provider and participate in psychoeducational groups.

Grant Amount

$24,500

Term

12 month

2022

Engaging Private Sector Building Industry Professionals in Partnerships to Develop Permanently Affordable Homes for Montanans

Trust Montana used this grant to explore ways to increase the availability of permanently affordable homes by forming partnerships between community land trusts (CLTs) and private sector building industry professionals. This project encouraged affordable home development by leveraging private developer construction financing, nonprofit grant acquisition expertise, land donations, charitable tax benefits, and the growing public and government support for CLTs. Trust Montana created outreach and educational materials targeted to various stakeholders, including builders, engineers, architects, planners and municipalities. It conducted in-person presentations to explain the CLT model and how it works. Trust Montana has now brought several new housing projects towards completion, including Deer Lodge, Lockwood, Roberts, and Missoula projects. It continues to be approached by private builders wishing to partner in developing permanently affordable homes. Additionally, it has developed fee structures for consulting, stewardship, and technical assistance to diversify its organizational operations and rely less on philanthropy.

Grant Amount

$95,604

Term

24 month

2022

Becoming an ARC-Informed Agency

Youth Dynamics (YDI) provides family-focused behavioral health treatment in 30 locations throughout the state. Nearly 90% of the youth it works with have experienced severe trauma and have problematic behaviors associated with that trauma. YDI used this grant to implement the attachment, regulation, and competency (ARC) framework to provide more effective interventions for youth who have been traumatized and reduce the number of young people sent to out-of-state facilities. Grant funds were used to hire an ARC consultant for several assessments, provide training, and conduct team consultations for the first year of implementation. YDI incorporated the ARC framework model into its services and culture. Its accomplishments include training staff so that ARC principles were reflected in their direct work with clients, updating organizational procedures and processes to use ARC language, integrating ARC principles into youth satisfaction surveys to ensure client feedback addressed the new approaches, and redesigning the individual treatment plan template to use the ARC strength-based trauma-informed care approach. Certain staff members were designated as ARC champions to promote ARC principles among staff and ensure the ARC language used was culturally appropriate for YDI clients. YDI also introduced the ARC framework and key concepts to families and community partners.

Grant Amount

$34,050

Term

24 month

Priorities

Years

42 results

Domestic Violence Shelter Expansion Planning Grant

Grant Amount

$25,000

Term

12 month

2026

First Church Resiliency Project

Grant Amount

$50,000

Term

12 month

2026

Increasing Clinical Recovery Residences in Cascade County

Grant Amount

$100,000

Term

24 month

2026

Implementing Youth Maternity Home Medicaid Residential Funding Source

Grant Amount

$100,000

Term

24 month

2026

Better Together: Reimagining Community Health and Access Through YMCA Partnership in Helena

Grant Amount

$50,000

Term

12 month

2026

Montana Immunization Coalition

Grant Amount

$50,000

Term

12 month

2026

Launching the Montana Community Health Worker Association

Grant Amount

$50,000

Term

12 month

2026

Aging in Carbon County: A plan to address the livability of seniors in rural areas

Grant Amount

$49,988

Term

12 month

2026

The Balance Project: A Therapeutic Skateboard Group for Youth Ages 8-12

Grant Amount

$49,700

Term

12 month

2026

The Missoula Recovery Community Center Planning Initiative

Grant Amount

$10,000

Term

12 month

2026

Voluntary Overnight Respite Services for At-Risk Families

Grant Amount

$50,000

Term

12 month

2026

The Merger for a Mission Project

Grant Amount

$50,000

Term

12 month

2025

Psych on Peds: Program Development

Grant Amount

$50,000

Term

12 month