{"url":"https://missoulian.com/news/local/government-politics/article_18f69fb8-1072-4281-8d8d-83390a00f9e8.html#tracking-source=home-top-story","title":"Missoula County opens applications for prevention, assistance grants","domain":"missoulian.com","imageUrl":"https://images.pexels.com/photos/4584832/pexels-photo-4584832.jpeg?auto=compress&cs=tinysrgb&h=650&w=940","pexelsSearchTerm":"Missoula County grants","category":"Politics","language":"en","slug":"43224b97","id":"43224b97-a718-4353-a9e8-4f6c4f516032","description":"Missoula County opened applications for its annual Substance Abuse Prevention Mill Levy and Community Assistance Fund grants.","summary":"## TL;DR\n- Missoula County opened applications for its annual Substance Abuse Prevention Mill Levy and Community Assistance Fund grants.\n- Up to **$384,539** available for substance abuse prevention and **$895,000** for basic needs services like food and shelter.\n- Local nonprofits and government agencies can apply by **May 8, 2026**, to fund youth programs and at-risk support for fiscal year 2027.\n\n## The story at a glance\nMissoula County announced applications are open for two annual grant programs: the Substance Abuse Prevention Mill Levy and the Community Assistance Fund. These funds support local nonprofits and government agencies providing youth prevention services and basic needs assistance to at-risk populations. The announcement came this week, ahead of a pre-application workshop today, April 8, 2026. Both programs stem from long-standing voter-approved levies dating back to 2008 and 1877.\n\n## Key points\n- Applications opened April 1 and close at 11:59 p.m. on **Friday, May 8, 2026**; submit online at missoula.co/grantportal.\n- **Substance Abuse Prevention Mill Levy**: **$384,539** available for FY2027 (July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027); funds coalitions, education, after-school activities, and early intervention for underage alcohol, tobacco, and drug abuse.\n- **Community Assistance Fund**: About **$895,000** available; prioritizes food, shelter, medical services, and emergency transportation for low-income residents.\n- No matching funds required for either program; eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and government agencies serving Missoula County.\n- Pre-application workshop today, April 8 at 1 p.m. via Microsoft Teams; covers portal access, tips, and timelines.\n- Review process: Citizen committee scores in May-June; recommendations to County Commissioners for budget inclusion; awards notified by July if approved.\n\n## Details and context\nThe Substance Abuse Prevention Mill Levy, approved by voters in 2008, targets programs that build healthy youth and families while cutting costs of underage substance abuse. Past recipients include Missoula Public Health, All Nations Health Center, Boys and Girls Club, and others offering proven strategies like supervised activities and family interventions.[[1]](https://www.missoulacounty.gov/news/grant-funding-available-to-support-services-for-at-risk-populations-substance-abuse-prevention)[[2]](https://www.missoulacounty.gov/departments/grants-community-resources/county-funded-grants/substance-abuse-prevention)\n\nThe Community Assistance Fund traces to a 1877 territorial law aiding the poor; today it forms a safety net for fundamental needs, evolving through state law changes but keeping focus on direct aid.[[1]](https://www.missoulacounty.gov/news/grant-funding-available-to-support-services-for-at-risk-populations-substance-abuse-prevention)\n\nAwards follow citizen review and commissioner approval during budget adoption in September; contracts run retroactively from July 1. In FY2026, the prevention levy funded eight projects at $384,539, showing stable annual support adjusted for inflation.[[2]](https://www.missoulacounty.gov/departments/grants-community-resources/county-funded-grants/substance-abuse-prevention)\n\n## Key quotes\nNone reported in available sources.\n\n## Why it matters\nThese grants channel county tax dollars into frontline services that prevent youth substance abuse and meet urgent needs like food and shelter, stabilizing vulnerable families across urban and rural Missoula County. Nonprofits and agencies gain reliable funding without matches, enabling quick program starts for at-risk youth and low-income residents. Watch for award announcements in June or July 2026, though final approval depends on the county budget process.","hashtags":["#missoula","#montana","#government","#grants","#substanceabuse","#prevention"],"sources":[{"url":"https://missoulian.com/news/local/government-politics/article_18f69fb8-1072-4281-8d8d-83390a00f9e8.html#tracking-source=home-top-story","title":"Original article"},{"url":"https://www.missoulacounty.gov/news/grant-funding-available-to-support-services-for-at-risk-populations-substance-abuse-prevention","title":""},{"url":"https://www.missoulacounty.gov/departments/grants-community-resources/county-funded-grants/substance-abuse-prevention","title":""}],"viewCount":3,"publishedAt":"2026-04-08T00:11:17.049Z"}