Earlier this month, the Montana Community Foundation awarded $1.5 million in grants to 26 Montana nonprofits through the Otto Bremer Trust Community Responsive Fund. Of these 26 organizations, four are based in Helena, receiving a combined total of $282,682 in grant funding.
- Florence Crittenton Home & Services – $75,000 towards programs to support early intervention for young families, helping parents achieve education, stable housing, and recovery while reducing recidivism.
- Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies- The Montana Coalition – $57,682 to expand access to essential safety equipment and education for Montana families, with a focus on children with disabilities and special healthcare needs. The project will provide portable cribs, car seats—including specialty models—and safe sleep kits, while offering caregiver education and maintaining statewide resource guides.
- Helena Indian Alliance – $75,000 to renovate 2,600 sq ft of underused space to expand behavioral health services. The updated unit will include 10 offices, a play therapy room, group therapy space, and culturally designed features. Upgraded HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems will support expanded care. Once complete, the center will grow from Level 1 to Level 2.1 outpatient services, increasing access by 150–300 visits and 30–60 new patients annually.
- Intermountain Deaconess Children’s Services – $75,000 to support Intermountain’s Residential Treatment Program provides 24/7 therapeutic care for children ages 4–13 facing severe emotional and behavioral challenges. As Montana’s behavioral health system strains under workforce shortages and group home closures, Intermountain has doubled capacity to meet rising need.
“We are honored to continue our work with the Otto Bremer Trust in supporting the health and well-being of Montana communities,” said Mary Rutherford, President & CEO of the Montana Community Foundation. “With more than $3.3 million in requests this year, it’s clear that there is a real need in our state. We are grateful to do our part and know we all have more to do to support Montana communities and strengthen Montana for the future.”
Otto Bremer’s 2025 focus areas include literacy, adoption and foster care services, children’s health, mental health, and capital projects for rural healthcare. MCF opened a pre-application for the program in April and received over 68 pre-applications, totaling more than $3.3 million in requests from organizations across the state.