Charitable Programs, NorthWestern Energy is Giving Back to our Communities

$1.8 million in contributions in 2021

$454,500

in donations

$579,200

in sponsorships

$279,600

in economic development

While we seek to support a wide range of community activities, donations will generally be made to those non-profit groups that have the greatest opportunity for positively affecting the communities we serve and are focused in one of the following categories:

EDUCATION: Donations to education will primarily be made through university system foundations and scholarship programs. Donations will also be made in support of local colleges, and special primary and secondary education programs in the fields of science, technology, math, and youth leadership.
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES: Donations will be considered for organizations serving human needs such as the United Way, youth homes and special community health and safety needs. Donations will generally not be made to national health organizations or for medical equipment or research funds.
CIVIC AND COMMUNITY: Donations will be considered for civic improvement, special events, and youth and senior citizen organizations.
CULTURE AND THE ARTS: Donations will be considered for local museums, libraries, cultural centers and the performing arts.
RESOURCE CONSERVATION: Donations will be considered for requests regarding environmental preservation including habitat, fish and wildlife protection.

Energy Assistance is Available

Many people are struggling to pay rent, energy and utility bills, but assistance is available.

Payment Assistance

Fill out our Charitable Giving Application

We encourage qualified nonprofit organizations that operate within our service territory to apply for donations through our NorthWestern Energy Charitable Giving program. Our local committees review requests year-round and determine funding.

Apply online

Charitable Giving FAQs

What are NorthWestern Energy’s Donation Guidelines?

Donations will not be made to, for, or on behalf of:
- National organizations, but may be made to local affiliates providing services within our communities
- Support political activities or organizations established to primarily influence legislation
- Religious purposes, although academic non-religious learning activities or sporting events provided at private schools may be considered
- Donations will not be made to, or on behalf of, individuals
- Generally will not be made in support of fraternal, service, veteran, social groups or sporting events. These may be considered for discretionary giving
Should generally be monetary only. In limited instances, non-monetary gifts may be considered. We will not fund multi-year requests
While we seek to support a wide range of community activities, donations will generally be made to those nonprofit groups that have the greatest impact.
Organizations must submit requests each time they wish to be considered. The company will not donate annual, automatic contributions to any organization.

When can I expect to hear back about a grant application?

Applicants may expect a response within approximately 12 weeks (quarterly).

What qualifications does NorthWestern Energy consider when reviewing grant applications?

Geographic location – is the recipient in the geographic area served by the company or where the company has a significant business operation?
Previous history of contributions.
The perceived effectiveness of the organization, the need for the activity or facility relative to other organizations in the Community or region.
The level of support being received by the organization from the area in which it operates and from other sources. Generally, we do not wish to provide the sole funding for a project.

What is required in the application?

Qualified nonprofit organizations must submit an application or written request with proof of tax exemption under Section 501(c)(3) or Section 170(c)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code to be eligible for consideration.

How do I apply for a Charitable Contribution Grant from NorthWestern Energy?

Our charitable contribution application is available here.

Additional Questions?

If you have questions about our charitable giving program, or you have problems downloading the guidelines or application form, e-mail us via our inquiry form or contact your local Community Relations Manager below.