PROGRAM/PROJECT GRANTS (formerly Special Projects)

Definition and Purpose: Program/Project Grants provide funding that enables an organization to carry out a specific project, program or campaign. 

Priority for Program/Project Grants will be given to projects that align with the Cinnabar Foundation's priorities and advance the Foundation's strategic vision and conservation goals. 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 — or have a 501(c)(3) fiscal agent. If the latter, a letter from the fiscal agent confirming sponsorship of the project and 501(c)(3) status must accompany the application.
  • Applicants must operate effective programs that serve Montana or the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.
  • 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 disclosed in 2024 Interim/Final Reports.  
  • ​An applicant organization that received a grant in 2024 must submit an interim / final report describing the progress made toward achieving the purposes outlined in the applicant's 2024 grant application and detailing expenditures made from the granted funds (see Grant Report Guidelines). To be eligible for a 2025 grant, this report must be submitted by January 31, 2025. Please send your report via the Cinnabar Foundation's online portal HERE.
  • Special Eligibility Requirements for multi-year grants: The Cinnabar Foundation will only accept multi-year grant applications for a specific program, project or campaign that will take more than one-year to complete and requires a multi-year funding commitment in order to be viable. Examples include — but are not limited to — a land acquisition or conservation easement project requiring more than one-year to consummate, a project with distinct multi-year phases, or a multi-year campaign to achieve an identifiable goal. 
  • Applications for multi-year funding will be accepted after staff approval only. Contact the Cinnabar Foundation at [email protected] to inquire.

Funding Amounts: Applicants seeking Special Project support are advised that grant amounts will not exceed 50% of the total project budget, or $15,000, whichever is less.

When To Apply: 2025 Program/Project Grant applications will be accepted TBD

How To Apply:
  • Review the grant application form and instructions (both linked below) to get an idea of what you will be asked to provide.​  
  • The link to apply can be found at 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.