Rising Together for Hamilton, Ravalli County, and Native Montana Communities
A Montana nonprofit rooted in the belief that sports build character, community nurtures elders, and every family deserves a foundation to rise from.
"This isn't about any one person. It's about all of us — and what we can build together when we invest in every young person and every elder in our community."
Born from the Heart of the Bitterroot Valley
The Bitterroot Valley has always been a place where people show up for each other. Ranchers and teachers, coaches and parents, elders and young athletes — all woven together by a shared pride in this place and a belief that every person here deserves the chance to thrive.
Our Core Belief:
Organized sports are one of the most powerful and underutilized catalysts for youth success in society. A playing field levels every barrier — race, income, family background — and teaches lessons no classroom alone can: resilience, accountability, leadership, and the transformative power of belonging to something greater than yourself.
Salish Rising was founded in 2026 by people of the Bitterroot Valley, for the people of the Bitterroot Valley. Every program we run, every grant we award, every elder we support, and every young athlete we fund is a reflection of this valley's collective spirit.
This isn't about any one person. It's about all of us — and what we can build together when we invest in our own community.
The Catalyst Effect
Research consistently shows that youth who participate in organized sports are more likely to graduate, find stable employment, and give back to their communities. The Bitterroot Valley already knows this — Salish Rising exists to make sure every young person here gets that opportunity.
Discipline & Grit
Sport demands consistent effort and teaches young people that growth comes through discomfort. These lessons follow them into classrooms, careers, and families for life.
Community & Belonging
A team gives young people something to belong to — a tribe. For Native youth caught between two worlds, that sense of identity is profound, stabilizing, and life-changing.
Leadership & Vision
Great athletes become great leaders. Sport cultivates the confidence, communication, and courage that carries youth from Hamilton's fields to futures filled with purpose.
Our Programs
Youth Sports & Recreation
Giving every young person in the Bitterroot Valley the tools, access, and community to discover who they truly are through the power of sport.
- Athletic registration & league fees
- Equipment, uniforms & gear
- Transportation to practices & games
- Coaching & mentorship programs
- Summer sport camps & clinics
Elder Care & Senior Services
Honoring the elders who built this community — ensuring dignity, connection, and quality care in their later years.
- Nursing home & care facility support
- In-home care assistance funding
- Medical transport & wellness visits
- Cultural connection programs
- Family caregiver support resources
Economic Development
Building pathways from poverty to prosperity through workforce training and small business support.
- Vocational & trade training grants
- Small business startup assistance
- Resume & interview coaching
- Apprenticeship program funding
- Financial literacy workshops
Honoring Those Who Came Before Us
In Native Montana communities, elders are the living keepers of language, story, and tradition. They are not a burden — they are a treasure. The Salish Rising Foundation is committed to ensuring that our elders receive the dignity, care, and community connection they have earned through a lifetime of service.
Through our Elder Care & Senior Services program, we provide direct financial assistance to families navigating the high costs of nursing home care, in-home assistance, and medical support — so that no elder is ever forced into poverty or isolation simply because they grew old.
Nursing Home & Care Facility Support
Direct financial grants to help families cover nursing home costs, assisted living fees, and residential care facility expenses for Native and rural Montana elders.
Medical & Wellness Assistance
Support for prescription costs, medical equipment, specialist visits, and transportation to healthcare appointments throughout Ravalli County.
Cultural Connection & Wellness
Funding for cultural programs, language preservation gatherings, and community events that keep elders connected to their heritage and community.
Family Caregiver Support
Resources and respite assistance for family members providing in-home care for aging loved ones, reducing caregiver burnout and financial strain.
Rural Montana seniors face significant gaps in affordable elder care access
Average monthly cost of nursing home care in Montana
Of our elder care grants go directly to families — zero administrative markup
Who Can Apply for Elder Care Support?
- Families throughout Ravalli County and the Bitterroot Valley
- Rural Montana families with limited access to care
- Family caregivers of elders 60 years or older
- Individuals facing nursing home or care facility costs
How to Apply for a Grant
The Salish Rising Community Foundation offers financial grants to eligible individuals and families in Hamilton and Ravalli County. Our process is straightforward, transparent, and designed to get support to those who need it — not to create barriers. Every application receives a personal face-to-face interview and is reviewed by our three-member Board of Directors.
Eligibility Requirements
- → Resident of Hamilton, MT or Ravalli County
- → Native American community member, or rural Montana family in demonstrated need
- → Grant request aligns with Youth Sports, Elder Care, or Economic Development
- → No previous misuse of foundation funds
- → Must be available for a face-to-face interview with the Board
What We Fund
- → Athletic registration, equipment & uniforms for youth
- → Nursing home, assisted living & in-home care costs
- → Medical expenses, prescriptions & transport
- → Tuition, books & vocational training fees
- → Emergency family stabilization support
- → Cultural programs & community events
Application Deadlines
| Deadline | Cycle |
|---|---|
| March 1 | Spring Cycle |
| June 1 | Summer Cycle |
| September 1 | Fall Cycle |
| December 1 | Winter Cycle |
Application Process
Submit Your Application
Complete the grant application form and gather your required documents. Submit by the applicable deadline.
Provide Required Documents
Submit proof of residency, a brief description of your need, supporting documentation (medical bills, enrollment records, care facility quotes), and a personal statement.
Face-to-Face Interview
Every applicant meets personally with a representative of the Salish Rising Foundation. This is not an interrogation — it's a conversation. We want to hear your story and understand your needs directly.
Board Review & Decision
Your application and interview summary are reviewed by all three members of our Board of Directors. A majority vote (2 of 3) is required for approval. All applicants are notified within 14 days of their interview.
Funding Disbursement
Approved grants are disbursed directly to the service provider (care facility, school, athletics program) or to the applicant, depending on the grant type.
Ready to Apply?
Contact us to request an application form or to ask questions about our programs. We are here to help — not to gatekeep.
Contact Us to Get StartedContact Salish Rising
We're a community organization — reach out, ask questions, and let's figure out how we can help.
309 Bailey Ave
Hamilton, MT 59840
We typically reply within 1–2 business days.