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Protect & Preserve Montana’s Cultural Trust (HB 9)
Every legislative session, the Montana Legislature votes on House Bill 9 (HB 9)—the bill that funds local arts, historic preservation, and community projects using interest earned from Montana’s Coal Severance Tax. No state general fund tax increases required.
Where the Money Goes
Cultural & Aesthetic (C&A) grants deliver essential funding directly to communities across Montana for:
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Historic Preservation: Restoring local history, archives, and historic properties.
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Community & Youth Arts: Supporting local theater, writing programs, art centers, and school projects.
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Capital Upgrades: Improving equipment and renovating community centers and halls.
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Statewide Access: Bringing traveling exhibits and performing arts directly into rural towns.
The Rural Ripple Effect
In Montana’s smallest communities, a "small" grant acts as vital seed money that keeps doors open, hires local talent, and unlocks matching donations. HB 9 grants create a huge economic ripple effect across rural Main Streets.
Take Action: Make Your Voice Heard
We need advocates across Montana to contact their legislators or submit brief comments during the session.
Learn more:
3-Step Advocate Messaging Guide
Keep your call, email, or comment simple:
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Identify Yourself: "My name is [Name], and I live in District [##]."
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Share Your Local Connection: "My family and community benefit directly from [Name of Local Arts/History Program]."
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Connect to the Trust: "This program is possible thanks to the Montana Cultural Trust and funding through HB 9."
The Core Message:
"Public funding for the arts through the Cultural Trust delivers positive results for our kids, our families, and our local economy."
Sample Letter Template:
Community & Business Champions
Subject: Protecting Montana’s Cultural Trust & Local Economy
Dear Representative / Senator [Legislator’s Last Name],
My name is [Your Name], and I am a business owner / employer living and working in [City/Town] (District [##]).
As a local business leader, I am writing to ask for your support for House Bill 9 to protect the Montana Cultural Trust. In our community, vibrant arts and cultural programs directly benefit our local economy. When organizations like [Name of local organization/program] hold events, our local businesses see a direct boost in foot traffic, sales, and community activity.
Beyond immediate economic activity, a thriving arts scene is essential for attracting and retaining qualified employees, keeping downtowns vibrant, and maintaining Montana's quality of life. Furthermore, because the Cultural Trust is funded through coal tax interest rather than state taxpayer dollars, cutting this program saves zero dollars while forfeiting federal matching funds that support our local community.
Public investment in culture is a proven public-private partnership that strengthens small businesses and honors local heritage. Please support HB 9 and the economic vitality of [City/Town].
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title / Business Name, e.g., Owner, Main Street Cafe / President, Community Bank]
[Your City/Town, MT]
Sample Letter Template: Community Member
Subject: Support H.B.9 - Montana’s Cultural Trust
Dear Representative / Senator [Legislator’s Last Name],
My name is [Your Name], and I am a constituent living in [City/Town] (District [##]).
I am writing to ask for your support for House Bill 9 to protect the Montana Cultural Trust. In our community, these grants directly support [Name of local organization/program], allowing us to [brief impact: e.g., serve 300 students / boost downtown foot traffic].
For small and rural towns across Montana, these grants have a huge ripple effect—leveraging local dollars, supporting local jobs, and preserving our heritage.
Arts funding provides positive opportunities for our kids, enriches families, and strengthens local economies. Please support HB 9.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your City/Town, MT]
Support Federal Funding for the NEA & NEH
Congress recently passed a Continuing Resolution (CR) that keeps most federal agencies funded through December 11, maintaining current budget levels at $207 million each for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH).
Following the November election, strong constituent advocacy will be essential to ensure both the NEA and NEH continue to receive stable, flat-level funding. Advocates are asking Congress to approve $209 million each for the NEA and NEH for Federal Fiscal Year 2027 to protect public arts and humanities investments across Montana.
Why Federal NEA & NEH Funding Matters to Montana
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The 100% Federal Match ("Magic Pennies"): Federal NEA funding provides a direct 100% match for Montana’s State General Fund arts allocation (~$688,000). Every state dollar invested is effectively doubled by federal funds and distributed across Montana.
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$1.1 Million+ Statewide Footprint: Montana receives over $1.1 million annually in total NEA support through state partnership grants and direct awards.
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Serving Rural & Tribal Communities: Federal grants support touring performances in rural areas, tribal culture experiences, Shakespeare in the Schools, and small rural museums.
Take Action: Contact Montana’s Congressional Delegation
Reach out to Montana’s U.S. Senators and Representatives to urge their support for $209 million each for the NEA and NEH in FFY27.
Learn more:
3-Step Advocate Messaging Guide
Keep your call, email, or letter focused and concise:
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Identify Yourself: "My name is [Name], and I live and work in [City/Town], Montana."
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Share Your Local Connection: "Federal funding supports essential local programming in our area, such as [Name of Local Festival / School Performance / Museum / Humanities Program]."
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Connect to Federal Policy: "Following the Continuing Resolution through Dec 11, please support funding the NEA and NEH at $209 million each for FFY27 to protect the matching dollars that serve Montana."
The Core Message:
"Federal funding for the NEA and NEH doubles Montana’s public arts investment, delivering essential matching dollars that support rural businesses, engaging school programs, and local community heritage across our state."