Missoula County Receives $525,000 Development Grant for Theater Renovations

HELENA, Mont. – The Montana Department of Commerce has awarded a $525,000 grant to Missoula County, aimed at enhancing local economic expansion. Announced on April 16, 2025, the funding comes from the Community Development Block Grant Economic Development Program (CDBG-ED) and will be utilized for renovations at the Missoula Children’s Theater.

Project and Funding Details

• The grant will specifically fund the replacement of the theater’s roof, ensuring safety and continuity in facility operations.
• CDBG-ED grants help local governments provide financial assistance to businesses, offering low-interest loans and beneficial repayment options.
• The program excludes cities such as Billings, Bozeman, Great Falls, and Missoula from direct grant application but assists other regions in Montana.

Mandy Rambo, Acting Director of the Montana Department of Commerce, emphasized the importance of such grants for economic development, particularly in rapidly growing communities. “It’s crucial for Montana’s economy to continue to expand and thrive, especially in communities experiencing significant population growth,” said Rambo.

Mike Morelli, executive director of the Missoula Children’s Theater, expressed gratitude for the support. “The Missoula Children’s Theater is honored to partner with Missoula County and the Montana Department of Commerce. This funding will replace our roof, ensuring safety for our staff and allowing us to continue impacting over 750,000 people annually through our arts education programs,” Morelli stated.

For those seeking more information on the CDBG Economic Development grants and other available support, visit the Department of Commerce’s dedicated program page.