Icon of a clipboard with check marks and a dollar sign, representing a grant opportunity.

Grant Opportunity

Capacity Enhancing Grants

Eligible Uses

Projects must enhance organizational capacity for local or tribal health departments. Priority will be given to projects that address a Foundational Public Health Service (FPHS) area and has been identified as a community or organizational need through one of the following:

  • A formal plan or assessment (e.g., FPHS assessment, Community Health Improvement Plan, Workforce Development Plan, Strategic Plan); or

  • A locally identified priority area, even if not yet documented in a formal plan (e.g., through staff/board discussions, recent community feedback, or emerging public health challenges).

For this funding category, health departments may request up to $15,000 (health departments are eligible for one project per year).

Examples

  • Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) Implementation

  • Workforce Development Planning and / or Implementation

  • Performance Management Development and / or Implementation

  • Quality Improvement Planning and / or Implementation

  • Community Partnership Development (e.g., working with other sectors to advance health in the community)

Timeline

MTPHI accepts applications for capacity enhancing projects on a quarterly basis. Applications will be accepted for the first three weeks in October, January, April, and July. MTPHI will provide a funding decision within 6 weeks of submission.

The winter 2026 application opened on January 2, 2026. Applications will be accepted through January 23, 2026. Funding decisions will be made within 6 weeks (March 6, 2026, or sooner).

Application

Support & Technical Assistance

To help advance equitable public health outcomes, MTPHI is committed to keeping the application process low-barrier, inclusive, and supportive. All applicants will have access to the following resources:

Kickoff Webinar

MTPHI will host a kickoff webinar on January 9th at 10am to introduce the grant opportunity, review eligibility and application requirements, and answer questions. Register for the session here.

Grant Application Office Hours

MTPHI staff will host office hours during the application process where applicants can drop in to ask questions, talk through project ideas, or get feedback before submitting.

Dedicated Staff Support

  • Each applicant will have access to a designated staff member who can provide free technical assistance at every step of the process, including:

    • Idea development and refining project concepts

    • Budget planning and allowable cost guidance

    • Crafting a compelling story of need and impact

    • Understanding the review and reporting process

  • After funding decisions are made, each awarded health department will be paired with a MTPHI staff liaison who will serve as their ongoing point of contact for questions, reporting, and vendor payment logistics.

Eligibility Criteria

These opportunities are open to any local or tribal health department in Montana.

Selection Criteria

MTPHI recognizes that each application is different and reflects the unique needs of each health department. When we review proposals, we look at the overall picture – what’s strong, what might need more support, and what challenges could come up.

When reviewing capacity enhancing grant applications, MTPHI considers whether the proposal:

  • Connects to a foundational public health priority area or plan

  • Advances health equity

  • Aligns with eligible uses of this funding

More information about our selection criteria can be found in the MTPHI Capacity Enhancing Grants Overview document.

Questions & FAQs

MTPHI staff are available to answer questions and/or help health departments with their application. If you have questions or would like to request support, please contact grants@mtphi.org