Foundation for Rural Service Community Grant

Welcome to Blackfoot Communications Community Support Portal—powered by Submittable. 

We are proud to support programs and initiatives that align with our mission of connecting people, businesses, and communities. Our application process has been streamlined to make it easier for you to submit community and education-based requests. 

To get started, you’ll need to create a quick Submittable account. This one-time step lets you track your application and easily submit future requests. If this is your first time applying, please create a Submittable account to complete the form (see "Create Your Account" below). For assistance, we’ve provided a helpful video on "How to Use Submittable (for applicants)." Once your account is set up, you can use the same log-in for future requests. If you encounter any issues, please check Submittable’s Help Features.

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Do you have a project that can strengthen your rural community? FRS is offering grants up to $5,000 to support local initiatives that make a lasting impact.

Blackfoot Communications is currently accepting community grant applications for the Foundation for Rural Service (FRS) Community Grant Program. This annual grant program is offered through NTCA members, like Blackfoot Communications, to support local efforts to build and sustain a high quality of life in rural America. 

Grants are awarded each November support a variety of projects concentrated in four major categories: Business and Economic Development; Education and Workforce; Health and Wellbeing; and Public Service and First Responders. 

Is your organization located within one of Blackfoot Communications' rural cooperative service territories below: Alberton, Alta, Arlee, Avon, Charlo, Clinton, Condon, Deborgia, Dixon, Drummond, Elliston, Haugan, Greenough, Hall, Helmville, Noxon, Ovando, Paradise, Philipsburg, Plains, Potomac, Powell-ID, Ravalli, Seeley Lake, St. Ignatius, St. Regis, Superior, Thompson Falls, or Trout Creek.

FRS provides priority to projects that: 1) could be funded by the grant maximum of $5,000 or have at least 75% of the project currently funded; 2) technology and broadband enabled focused projects; 3) have a long-term impact for the community and its residents; 4) promote community participation and engagement; 5) create a more sustainable rural community.

FRS will not fund grants for the following: 1) Overhead Expenses (salaries, rent, utilities, insurance); 2) Individuals; 3) Pass-through funding (scholarships, re-granting); 4) Seed funding or projects that have not yet secured at least 75% of the required funds for completion; 4) Conferences, events, travel, and staff training; 5) Membership or dues-based programs; 6) International organizations; 7) Lobbying and political programming; 8) Religious activities or resources; 9) Infrastructure/building campaigns; 10) Security cameras; 11) Capital campaigns or endowments; 12) Vehicles; 13) Digital signage; 14) Event Sponsorships; 15) Community Food Programs; 16) Debt reduction efforts; or 17) For-profit businesses.

DEADLINE: August 25, 2026

Blackfoot will submit the completed application to FRS by September 2, 2026 (if approved by the Blackfoot Cooperative Board of Trustees review). Grants are a one-time award only and will be awarded in late November.

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Tips for Completing Your Application 

Having trouble submitting your application? Try the following: 

1.  Ensure all mandatory questions (marked with an asterisk) are answered. 
2.  Save your progress. 
3.  Sign out and close your browser. 
4.  Reopen your browser and log back in to Submittable. 
5.  Reopen your application and scroll to the bottom to submit. 

Once submitted, you should receive a confirmation email. If issues persist, contact Submittable Support at: 

     * Submittable Contact 

     * Call Submittable Tech Support at 855-467-8264 Ext. 4 

     * Email: organizationsupport@submittable.com 

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Other Questions? 

For further assistance, please reach out to Blackfoot Communications Community Support Committee at communitysupport@blackfoot.com. 

Together, We Can Boost Our Community  

How to Apply for Blackfoot Community Support 

Welcome

Blackfoot Communications supports communities across western Montana and eastern Idaho by investing in projects that strengthen the places we serve. Guided by our mission of local people with local values delivering secure connectivity and advanced communications services, this Submittable portal is where you can submit your request and tell us how your project will make a positive impact. 

Start Here

New to Submittable? Create an account to complete your application, check your status, view messages and manage future requests. Watch the applicant video or visit the Submittable Help Center for assistance.

Quick Eligibility Check

 Your request may be considered if all of the following apply:

• The applicant is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, civic organization, school, school-based group, or community group.
• The request serves people within Blackfoot's service areas in western Montana or eastern Idaho.
• The request supports a community-based initiative and aligns with one or more of the focus areas below.   

Community Support Focus Areas

• Arts and culture
• Health, wellness, and families
• Education
• Veterans and military
• Community service activities
• Fundraisers benefiting the broader community 

Funding Guidance

Most approved requests range from $250 to $1,500. Requests up to $5,000 may be considered for projects with exceptional community benefit. Applicants are encouraged to request only what is needed so funding can reach more organizations across our service areas.

How Requests Are Considered

Blackfoot reviews requests based on alignment with our values, service areas, community impact, visibility, transparency, and available funding. 

Requests Not Typically Supported

• Religious or political purposes
• Sports Uniforms
• Requests from umbrella organizations that redistribute funds
• Requests for individuals rather than community-based initiatives

Event Sponsorship Terms

Approved event sponsorships may include confidentiality, first right of refusal, and promotional rights terms. Blackfoot may also request event photos or videos for promotional use.

4-H Club Community Project Grant Program

Blackfoot supports 4-H Clubs in its rural cooperative service areas through grants for community projects focused on healthy living, citizenship, leadership, or community service.

Before You Submit

• Complete every required question marked with an asterisk (*).
• Describe the community need, who will benefit, and how the support will be used.
• List confirmed sponsors and their contribution levels.
• Review contact information carefully. Application updates will be sent to the email address provided.

What Happens Next

Blackfoot will review your application and respond by email. Watch for messages from @email.submittable.com, and check your Junk or Spam folder if you do not receive a confirmation or update.

Application Troubleshooting

For the best experience, use Google Chrome on a Mac or Windows computer. If your application will not submit:

• Confirm all required fields are complete.
• Save your application, sign out, and close your browser.
• Reopen your browser, log back in, and reopen the application.
• Select Submit and watch for a confirmation email.

Still Need Help?

• For technical support with the application portal, contact Submittable or call 855-467-8264, ext. 4. 
• For questions about Blackfoot Community Support, email communitysupport@blackfoot.com or call 406-541-5443.

Thank You

Thank you for thinking of Blackfoot for your community support request. While funding is not guaranteed, the strongest applications clearly show community need, local impact, and alignment with Blackfoot’s support priorities.