Montana report highlights risks of federal funding cuts

Federal funding cuts could jeopardize Montana’s economy and essential services, according to a March 2025 report by the Montana Nonprofit Association. The report found that federal funding contributed over $14 billion to Montana in fiscal year 2024 and accounted for 43% of the state’s total revenue. Nonprofits, which provide nearly 12% of Montana jobs, face significant risk, with 64% of grant-funded organizations vulnerable to financial instability, according to the report. Cuts could also affect tribal nations, rural communities, local governments, public lands and essential services such as healthcare, housing and education. The report warned that reductions in federal support would disproportionately impact Native and rural communities, which already receive limited philanthropic funding. Native Americans would be particularly affected by cuts to veterans’ services and health care, as they serve in the military at rates five times the national average, according to the report.