Capacity-Building Project Grants for nonprofits available through the Big Sky Institute

The Big Sky Institute for the Advancement of Nonprofits will award grants of up to $5,000 through its Montana Nonprofit Connections program (MNC). MNC funding helps grantees engage a consultant to build capacity through activities such as organizational planning, fundraising, financial management or leadership development for board, staff or volunteers.

Only organizations that have done a comprehensive assessment and set organization priories within the last 12 months can apply. Eligible assessments can be done either through Montana Nonprofit Connections (through a separate grant process) or through a similar comprehensive review, such as through the Montana Nonprofit Association’s Principles and Practices for Nonprofit Excellence in Montana. We recommend that an outside facilitator help with the assessment to ensure that the grant project will have the greatest impact.

Organizations must also meet other grant requirements, including:

• a demonstrated track record of service,

• existence as a 501(c)3 for at least 3 years;

• be based in Montana;

• providing at least 50% of their services within the state;

• have engaged in other capacity-building activities in the last 12 months.

To request an application packet, email Ned Cooney, Project Director, at [email protected]. If the organization meets the eligibility criteria, we will schedule a required pre-screening phone interview. Send questions to [email protected].

MNC’s purpose is to strengthen the capacity and capabilities of Montana-based nonprofit organizations so they will become more effective and efficient in managing their internal operations, and better serve their clients, supporters, and communities.

The deadline for applications is Friday, June 11, and decisions will be made by mid-July, 2010. Funded capacity-building projects will need to be completed by May of 2011.