In 2015, the Rural Institute for Inclusive Communities (RIIC) established the Community Investment Fund (CIF). CIF awards support innovative projects or programs that help Montanans with disabilities live, learn, work, and recreate alongside people without disabilities. Consumer Advisory Council (CAC) members developed and regularly update the CIF guidelines and application process; design and disseminate advertising materials through websites, social media, listservs, and public television stations; and use their leadership and advocacy skills to review applications, evaluate proposals, and award funds.
For several years now, Montana’s Children’s Special Health Services has provided additional funding to extend the CIF’s reach and impact.
The 2025 award was given to two recipients:
LIFTT (Living Independently for Today & Tomorrow) will use their award toward their ADA-Accessible All-Inclusive Community Garden. This garden serves aging and disabled individuals, as well as community members without disabilities, fostering inclusion and shared experiences. The garden provides an accessible, welcoming space where everyone, regardless of ability, can engage in gardening, education, and social connection, ensuring full participation in a truly inclusive environment.
Accessible Skies was conceived in 2024. The organization aims to expand drone education and build adaptive devices that allow people with physical disabilities to operate first person view (FPV) drones. According to the founders of Accessible Skies, “Flying a FPV drone is an exhilarating experience with numerous applications.” For example, drone users can view and take pictures of recreation spots, like rivers or hiking trails, that aren’t physically accessible. The drone pilot can use it to check fence lines around their property. They can make social connections through competitive flying in live races or obstacle courses. “These activities can elevate a person’s feeling of engagement and improve mental health through the totally immersive FPV experience, replete with natural adrenaline.”
The 2026 CIF competition opens March 1st.
Since 1978, the University of Montana Rural Institute for Inclusive Communities has worked to improve the skills, abilities, and quality of life of people with disabilities in rural communities, including their families and those who serve and partner with them. Rural Institute initiatives focus on promoting independence, productivity, integration and community inclusion in rural and frontier communities.
For more information, please contact:
Kim Brown, University of Montana Rural Institute
University of Montana
North Corbin 244
University of Montana
32 Campus Drive
Missoula, MT 59812
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 406-243-4852
Webpage: https://www.umt.edu/rural-institute/about/cac/community_invest_fund.php
