GENERAL OPERATING GRANTS

Definition and Purpose: General Operating Grants are unrestricted funds that enable an organization to carry out its mission. Funding awards are intended to underwrite an organization's administrative and  infrastructure costs, assist with strategic financial and organizational capacity, and/or help maintain core programs and essential staff. Prior to making application, organizations are encouraged to review the Cinnabar Foundation's Funding Priorities.

Eligibility Criteria: 

• Applicants must be established, well managed 501(c)(3) organizations that operate effective conservation programs serving Montana or the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.
• Applicants must receive an invitation from the Foundation to apply for a General Operating Grant.  
• Organizations are not required to match Cinnabar funding.  However, you are welcome to use this funding and the Cinnabar Foundation name in order to leverage further funding for your organization or program/project.  As your partners, we would appreciate an acknowledgment in your outreach efforts, and we have provided language for you to use here.  Leveraged funds are to be disclosed in Interim/Final Reports.  
• An applicant organization that received a Cinnabar Foundation grant in 2025 must submit an interim / final report describing the progress made toward achieving the purposes outlined in the applicant's grant application and detailing expenditures made from the granted funds. This grant report is due on January 31, 2026. Please upload your report via the Cinnabar Foundation's online portal HERE.

Funding Amounts: Applicants seeking General Operating support are advised that grant amounts will will range from $5,000 - $20,000, and not exceed 10% of an organization's budget, whichever is less.

When To Apply: 2026 General Operating Grant applications will be accepted from Jan 12-Feb 20, 2026.

How To Apply: 

• If your organization is invited to submit an application for a General Operating Grant, please follow this link to apply www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=cinnabargrants.
• If you have any questions, please contact Joshua Bernard, Grants Management Officer, at [email protected].
• Only online applications will be accepted.

Funding Decisions are generally announced by May 31 each year.