The Missoula Downtown Foundation enhances and promotes the Spirit and Heritage of the greater Downtown Missoula area, now and for future generations.  

The Arts & Culture Impact Grant Program utilizes private resources to support the beautification, historical preservation, and general livability of Downtown Missoula. The Missoula Downtown Foundation supports placemaking projects that celebrate Downtown Missoula as the cultural center of our community.  

Focus

Placemaking projects reimagine public spaces and contribute to an inviting, healthy, vibrant community. The Foundation’s Arts & Culture Impact Grants aim to create connectivity to Downtown, capitalize on community assets, and create bonds among residents, visitors, and Downtown Missoula.  Placemaking projects can transform identified spaces in Downtown Missoula and strengthen the connection people have with the Missoula community. The Foundation supports public and private entities, organizations, groups, and or individuals that:

• Make Downtown Missoula even better for future generations
• Support the cultural, social, and economic uniqueness that is Downtown Missoula
• Create long-lasting positive change in Downtown Missoula
• Complete projects within six months
• Complete projects that are inclusive of all individuals

The Foundation will consider impactful and sustainable projects that focus on:

a) Heritage and historic preservation

b) Arts & culture

c) Safety, livability, walkability

d) Alley Activation

e) Compliance with the goals of the Downtown Master Plan, the North Riverside Parks & Trails Plan, or the Heritage Interpretive Plan  

Available Funding

The MDF Board of Directors is dedicated to ensuring the Foundation’s resources will have a significant impact on small-scale projects for Downtown Missoula. MDF will allocate $15,000 each year to fund individual projects up to $7,500 per project, per year.

Artists are encouraged to submit proposals with accurate projected costs even if those costs exceed the $7,500 available funding from the MDF. Although not guaranteed, building owners are often enthusiastic to provide additional matching funds to activate their spaces.  

Application Period

Grant applications are reviewed in the beginning of each year to prep for implementation during the summer. Applications for 2025 should be submitted no later than Friday, February 28th.  

A determination on an application will be decided within two months after the application period has closed. Selected applicants will be invited to present their project to the MDF Board of Directors.  

Evaluation Criteria

The MDF Board of Directors will review submitted applications for:

1) Artistic quality and merit of the project

2) The extent to which the project leverages investment in the MDF mission and Downtown priority projects

3) Alignment with current Downtown Master Plans, priorities, and focus areas

4) Sustainability of the completed project

5) Applicant qualifications  

Contact Information  Grant program questions can be directed to: Jack Hall, Finance Director: jack@missouladowntown.com or (406) 543-4238