History foundation awards grants to Northwest Montana projects

The Foundation for Montana History has awarded its largest ever grant-making cycle providing more than $240,000 to communities across Montana. 

Grants were awarded to three different organizations in Northwest Montana.

The foundation is a nonprofit based in Helena that raises funds and makes grants for community-based history initiatives. Since starting the grant program in 2012, it has placed over $1.7 million into history and preservation projects.  

“Working with communities to save and share history is the core of our mission,” says Foundation President/CEO Charlene Porsild. “Topping our funding total from previous years is testament to the generosity of our donors across the country who support preservation of Montana’s rich and enduring past.”

The foundation grants up to $10,000 per project. This year, funding supports projects from Carter to Lake Counties and includes a first-time foundation grant recipient in Treasure County. 

A $10,000 grant went to the Bigfork Art & Cultural Center, for constructing an interactive display for a permanent exhibit showcasing its underwater discoveries during archeological surveys in the vast waterways of Northwest Montana. Learn more about the organization at https://baccbigfork.org. 

The Columbia Falls Historical Society received $10,000 for its “Oral Histories.” The Columbia Falls Historical Society will hire a videographer and interns to edit, transcribe, and share 16 oral history interviews from members of the community. Results will be shared on the Montana History Portal. Learn more about the organization at https://columbiafallshistoricalsociety.org. 

The Flathead Land Trust received $2,680 for historical interpretive panels. The Flathead Land Trust will create an interpretive panel displaying the indigenous influence and history of the Bigfork Harrell Forest. Learn more at https://www.flatheadlandtrust.org.