September Grants for Rural Development: Water, Health, and Economic Opportunity

September brings a cluster of opportunities for rural nonprofits focused on watershed health, community economic development, and access to care. These opportunities span Indiana, Montana, Minnesota, and North Dakota, with deadlines concentrated in the first week of the month. If you're working on rural systems change or filling gaps in underserved communities, the funders below are actively looking.

Indiana Department of Environmental Management: Grant for Nonpoint Source Pollution Reduction Projects

This grant funds projects that reduce nonpoint source pollution in Indiana's lakes, rivers, and streams through watershed management planning, best management practices, and education and outreach. The focus is measurable water quality improvements aligned with Indiana's State NPS Management Plan. Eligible activities include watershed inventories, water quality assessments, and implementation of approved watershed management plans. The award is up to $3 million. Deadline: September 1. Apply here

High Stakes Foundation: Grant for Montana Systems-Change Nonprofits

High Stakes Foundation supports nonprofit organizations in Montana working on systems change across civic engagement, conservation, climate change, social justice, leadership, rural economic development, local food systems, and sustainability. Funding covers general operating expenses for organizations focused on creating equitable, sustainable, and resilient communities. Awards are $30,000. Deadline: September 1. Apply here

Montana Healthcare Foundation: Grant for Rural Community Health Organizations

Small grants designed as a low-barrier opportunity for organizations located in and serving rural Montana. The foundation funds a broad range of health-related issues including mental health, housing, food, child or elder care, public health, and cultural connection. Projects should build relationships, fill unmet needs, and have lasting community impact. Awards are $10,000. Deadline: September 1. Apply here

Indiana Department of Environmental Management and U.S. EPA: Grant for Watershed Management and Nonpoint Source Pollution Reduction

This grant funds projects in Indiana that develop or implement Watershed Management Plans, install best management practices to reduce nonpoint source pollution, conduct water quality monitoring, and carry out outreach and education programs targeting watershed stakeholders. Projects must address identified water quality impairments and follow federal and state nonpoint source management guidelines. Deadline: September 1. Apply here

Foundation for Rural Service: Grant for Rural Nonprofits, Schools, and Community Organizations

Annual grant program supporting rural communities served by NTCA member telecommunications companies. Funds local projects across four categories: Business & Economic Development, Education & Workforce, Health & Well-being, and Public Service & First Responders. Awards are $5,000. Applicants must partner with an NTCA member company to submit. Deadline: September 4. Apply here

NSF AgTech Engine in North Dakota: Grant for Rural AgTech Workforce Innovation Projects

Supports locally led, community-driven projects that advance agricultural technology workforce development in North Dakota. Funded projects may focus on AgTech education, applied learning, workforce-ready communities, or innovation and entrepreneurship. Awards are $7,500 and reimbursement-based, with alignment required to Community Workforce Partnership priorities. Deadline: September 4. Apply here

If you're tracking a relationship with any of these funders or want Funding Findr to keep an eye on a specific funder in rural development, reply and let us know. We're here to help you stay close to the money that moves.

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