The High Stakes Foundation
Accepts applications
The High Stakes Foundation is a private foundation in Missoula, Montana. In tax year 2025 it gave $1.1 million in 62 grants; the typical grant was $20,000 and the largest $40,000. It accepts applications; its filing gives the instructions below.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2025.
- Grants paid, 2025$1.1 million
- Number of grants62
- Typical grant$20,000
- Largest grant$40,000
- Assets$2.5 million
- New grantees44%
Giving in 2025 was down from $1.9 million the year before.
44% of its 2025 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, a sign it is open to new organizations.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $944,220 | 49 | $3.2 million |
| 2024 | $1.9 million | 84 | $1.1 million |
| 2025 | $1.1 million | 62 | $2.5 million |
How to apply
| Contact | Mary Stranahan 129 W Alder, Missoula, MT 59802 |
|---|---|
| Phone or email | (406) 726-2030 |
| What to submit | Completed application form and grant proposal request. See https://highstakesfoundation.wordpress.com/how-to-apply/ for grant application procedures. |
| Deadlines | April 1 and September 1 |
Foundation website IRS filings on ProPublica
What The High Stakes Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 7 states, the most to Montana.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Montana | 52 | $942,337 |
| Colorado | 2 | $55,000 |
| Oregon | 3 | $53,000 |
| Virginia | 1 | $25,000 |
| Idaho | 2 | $20,000 |
| District of Columbia | 1 | $20,000 |
| New Mexico | 1 | $10,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Missoula Interfaith Collaborative | General Operations | $40,000 |
| Common Good Montana | General Operations | $30,000 |
| MAPS Media Institute | General Operations | $30,000 |
| Montana Free Press | General Operations | $30,000 |
| Northern Plains Resource Council | General Operations | $30,000 |
| Prickly Pear Land Trust | General Operations | $30,000 |
| Seeley Lake Community Foundation | General Operations | $30,000 |
| Upper Seven Law | General Operations | $30,000 |
| Western Landowners Alliance | General Operations | $30,000 |
| Montana Wilderness Association dba Wild Montana | General Operations | $30,000 |
| Code Girls United | General Operations | $25,000 |
| Community Food and Agriculture Coalition | General Operations | $25,000 |
| Continental Divide Trail Coalition | General Operations | $25,000 |
| Mainstreet Uptown Butte | General Operations | $25,000 |
| Missoula Institute for Sustainable Transportation (MIST) | General Operations | $25,000 |
| Montana Budget and Policy Center | General Operations | $25,000 |
| Montana Freshwater Partners | General Operations | $25,000 |
| Montana Watershed Coordination Council | General Operations | $25,000 |
| Neighborworks Montana | General Operations | $25,000 |
| Our Childrens Trust | General Operations | $25,000 |
| Producers Partnership Inc | General Operations | $25,000 |
| Nature Conservancy | General Operations | $25,000 |
| The Pulp | General Operations | $25,000 |
| Western Organization of Resource Councils Education | General Operations | $25,000 |
| ACLU Montana | General Operations | $20,000 |
| Big Hole Watershed Committee | General Operations | $20,000 |
| Montana Conservation Corps | General Operations | $20,000 |
| Montana Two Spirit Society | General Operations | $20,000 |
| Park County Community Foundation | General Operations | $20,000 |
| Red Lodge Area Community Foundation | General Operations | $20,000 |
| Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership | General Operations | $20,000 |
| Western Enviromental Law Center | General Operations | $20,000 |
| Winnett ACES | General Operations | $20,000 |
| Women in Ranching | General Operations | $20,000 |
| Friends of Montana PBS Inc | General Operations | $15,000 |
| Friends of Scotchman Peaks | General Operations | $15,000 |
| Glacier-Two Medicine Alliance | General Operations | $15,000 |
| Home Resource | General Operations | $15,000 |
| Missoula Urban Demonstration Project | General Operations | $15,000 |
| Montana Conservation Voters Education Fund | General Operations | $15,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Mary Stranahan
- Molly Stranahan
- Martha Newell
- Page Armstrong
Questions people ask
Does The High Stakes Foundation accept grant applications?
Yes. Its latest IRS filing says it accepts applications, with this on deadlines: April 1 and September 1.
How much does The High Stakes Foundation give?
$1.1 million in tax year 2025, across 62 grants, with a typical grant of $20,000.
Who runs The High Stakes Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Mary Stranahan (Chair), Molly Stranahan (Secretary/Treasurer), Martha Newell (Director) and Page Armstrong (Director).
What does The High Stakes Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly environment and conservation, community development and youth programs.