The High Stakes Foundation
High Stakes Foundation is a Missoula, MT private foundation that provides grants to visionary people and organizations across Montana working on local food systems, conservation, climate, civic engagement, leadership, social justice, and sustainability. The website publishes application/LOI materials, funding categories, contact details, and leadership information.
Source: Website · Mar 2026
Ideal Applicant
Small-to-medium Montana organizations working on local food systems, conservation, climate, civic engagement, leadership, social justice, or sustainability seeking general operating support and willing to submit an LOI.
Good Fit
- • Primary program activity or measurable impact in Montana.
- • Work aligns with conservation, local food systems, climate, civic engagement, or social justice.
- • Requesting general operating or program support in the typical $5k–$60k range.
- • Ability to submit a timely LOI and follow published application guidance.
Geography
The foundation is strongly Montana-focused: about 85% of 2024 dollars went to Montana organizations, and most grants (87% by count) were in-state despite awards appearing in a handful of other states.
Recipient Variety
The most recent year funded 84 distinct recipients and across three years the foundation funded dozens of independent organizations, with 52 new grantees in 2024 and 32 repeat recipients observed across years.
New Applicants
Direct evidence of openness includes published application/LOI materials, a LOI email and phone contact, set deadlines, and a high share of first-time grantees in 2024 (about 62%), all suggesting unfamiliar applicants can realistically enter the portfolio.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
