COMMUNITY IMPACT GRANTs

EMPOWERING LOCAL NONPROFITS

Our Community Impact Grants are a vital part of our mission, empowering organizations to implement innovative solutions, deliver impactful programs, and improve the quality of life for our neighbors.

a partnership dedicated to building a thriving community

Greater Gallatin United Way is committed to creating lasting change in our community. Our Community Impact Grants are more than just funding—they represent a partnership dedicated to addressing the most pressing issues in our region. Since 2009, GGUW has invested over $5.5 million in local nonprofits and schools, empowering them to implement innovative solutions and deliver impactful programs.

IMPACT AREAS

Our grants focus on four key areas to ensure comprehensive support for our community.

Mental Health and Well-Being

Enhancing community health through improved individual mental health & well-being.

BASIC NEEDS

Improving quality of life by meeting essential needs.

EARLY LEARNING

Ensuring children are ready to learn when they start school.

YOUTH SUCCESS

Providing children with a strong foundation for success in school, work, and life.

2025-26 GRANT APPLICATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED

GRANT DETAILS

Greater Gallatin United Way’s Community Impact Grants are designed to support nonprofits and schools in addressing our region’s most pressing needs.

If you have any questions, please reach out to Director of Community Impact, Ben Frentsos at
ben@gguw.org or 406-587-2194.

Application Period

June 1 – June 30

Grant Amounts

Grants are accepted up to $15,000.

Eligibility

501(c)3 nonprofits and MT OPI accredited school districts in Gallatin, Madison, Meagher, and Park counties. Proposals must align with one or more of GGUW’s goals and demonstrate measurable outcomes.

How to Apply

Speak with Ben Frentsos, Community Impact Director, to discuss your funding proposal and alignment with GGUW’s Collective Impact Model.

Submit Application

You can submit your application through GGUW’s online grant portal.

Common Agenda for Change

COLLECTIVE

IMPACT

Shared Measurement for Data & Results

COLLECTIVE

IMPACT

Mutuality Reinforcing Activities

COLLECTIVE

IMPACT

Open & Continuous Communication

COLLECTIVE

IMPACT

A "Backbone" Coordinating Organization

COLLECTIVE

IMPACT

COLLECTIVE IMPACT MODEL

Greater Gallatin United Way embraces the Collective Impact Model, which is the collaborative efforts of community partners to solve specific social problems. GGUW unites neighbors, teams of nonprofits and local businesses to establish collaborative, long-term solutions that strengthen the fabric of our community for generations to come. 

Goals, Outcomes, Metrics

GGUW’s collective impact model moves communities toward vitality when Community Impact programs and partnerships align with GGUW’s Goals and Outcomes. Programs and partnerships will address one or more goals, demonstrated by metrics associated with specific outcomes identified by GGUW.

EARLY LEARNING

GOAL 1

School Readiness

All children in Gallatin, Madison, Meagher, Park counties, 3-5 years old, are provided with the opportunity to develop the foundation to start school ready to learn.

Outcome 1: Increasing access of curriculum based childcare programs to underserved communities or low/moderate income families. Outcome 2: Increasing the number of students entering kindergarten with the skills needed to excel. Outcome 3: Expand literacy and increase access to books for children 0-5.

YOUTH SUCCESS

GOAL 1

Thriving Students

All elementary K-8 in Gallatin, Madison, Meagher, Park counties, are provided with the opportunity for whole child development through out-of-school time.

Outcome 1: Increasing access to enrichment based out of school programs in underserved communities and/or low/moderate income families. Outcome 2: Enriching out of school care with evidence-based programming. Outcome 3: Improving students’ social-emotional behavior through out of school time program.

GOAL 2

Academic Achievement

Children K-8 in Gallatin, Park, Madison, Meagher counties will achieve greater academic success.

Outcome 1: Increasing the number of participants who are improving their academic performance.

Outcome 2: Decreasing the amount of learning loss children experience over the summer break.

MENTAL HEALTH & WELL-BEING

GOAL 1

Outcomes + Access

To improve outcomes of and access to mental health and behavioral wellbeing options for Gallatin, Madison, Meagher, and Park.

Outcome 1: Increased access to mental health services. Outcome 2: Improved community mental health and wellbeing. Outcome 3: Increased independence and quality of life.

BASIC NEEDS

GOAL 1

Empowering Families

Empowering families in crisis and providing resources to promote household stability and well-being.

Outcome: Increased access to resources (shelter) and support for families in crisis.

GOAL 2

Sustaining Community

Sustaining community resiliency in preparation for and in response to disaster.

Outcome:Enhance and empower community agencies through training, resource collaboration, and funding.

GOAL 3

Equity

Equity and quality of living for households and families.

Outcome: Provide wrap around services to families that support their overall needs, including food security, and access to community resources

GOAL 4

Independent Living

Increasing independent living – Households improve quality of life through maintaining health and independence at home, work and in the community.

Outcome: Increased quality of life for persons in our community, as well as the caregivers.

GOAL 5

Independent Living

Increasing transparency and cooperation among agencies and non-profits.

Outcome: Training, resources, and/or collaboration that demonstrates collective action among collaborating agencies/non-profits.

WHY PARTNER WITH US

Partnering with Greater Gallatin United Way means more than just receiving a grant. It involves collaboration, volunteer recruitment, event promotion, marketing benefits, and connecting with local businesses. By hosting volunteer projects and participating in our Day of Action, you join a network dedicated to creating a stronger community.

As the garden manager for Farm to School of Park County, I am so grateful to Greater Gallatin United Way for their support and collaboration!

This year we participated in the Day of Action and hosted volunteer groups in two of our learning gardens. Our organization relies on community support to keep our gardens growing, and GGUW connected our organization with new volunteers who helped us weed, harvest, and plant. Thank you, GGUW and volunteers!