Community Grants
The Red Ants Pants Foundation is seeking applications for projects that support our mission pillar of enriching and promoting rural communities. The following criteria are intended to provide guidance on the Foundation's funding priorities and a brief understanding of the application process.
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Eligible Applicants
Applications are open to nonprofit organizations, LLC or businesses, and in some cases, individuals. Eligible individuals or organizations must be seeking funds for a project that aligns with the mission and values of the Red Ants Pants Foundation and demonstrate that the grant award will be used in a way that furthers the mission and values of the Red Ants Pants Foundation.
The Foundation will not fund political organizations, events or candidates. The Foundation does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations.
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Priority Area - Enrich and promote rural communities
We believe in the value of rural communities, because in small towns, we need each other, and we maintain the personal connection.
Proposed projects should:
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Primarily serve rural areas in the state of Montana
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Demonstrate community support via financial or in-kind donations, matches, volunteers, partnerships etc
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Be spearheaded by competent individuals and/or organizations that demonstrate strong leadership capacity and the ability to leverage resources
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Demonstrate an impact on the quality of life through tangible effects on the local community
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Preference will be given to projects that meet the above criteria and also align with Red Ants Pants Foundation's other mission pillars:
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To develop and expand leadership roles for women.
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To preserve and support working family farms and ranches.
Examples include but are not limited to:
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Community educational resources such as libraries, museums
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Community gatherings or events
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Public gathering spaces - bring back the dance halls!
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Community cultural education sessions, gatherings, or organizations
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Training for local leaders
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Agricultural or civic organizations with programs or resources that support rural areas
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Other projects that are important in your community
Annual Timeline
Our grant application process occurs in two phases.
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​Letters of intent:
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​​​​Accepting LOIs: January 15th - February 15th​
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​Grant Applications:
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By invitation only: Due March 15th
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Grantmaking Meeting: Early April
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Grants Funded: Mid-April
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Note: All applicants will be notified of the status of their LOI or application by the first Monday of the month following the application period.
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Capital Improvements and Campaigns
The Red Ants Pants Foundation will consider grants for capital improvements for existing or building new structures. However due to the limited funds, grants for capital projects are generally only made when a substantial portion of the required funds is already in hand.
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General Operating Funds
The Foundation will consider applications for general operating funds, as well as specific projects
Grant Amounts
Please visit our previous grant awards pages to see what the Foundation has funded in the past. Grants range from $500 - $5,000 with an average of $1,000.
Grant Award Timeline
All projects must be completed and a final grant report submitted by one year of award date.
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Consecutive/Multi-Year Funding
Due to the increased interest in our Community Grants program, the Foundation typically does not grant to the same organization for consecutive years. After reviewing the outlined process, if you have any questions or would like clarification regarding if your project would align with our funding priorities - please contact us.
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