Administration Grants - Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation
Forecasted
Administration Grants support Montana conservation districts by funding basic operations, administrative costs, and regional or statewide programs that sustain locally led natural resource conservation.
Funder: Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation
Due Dates (Anticipated): May 2027 (Application deadline)
Funding Amounts: Operational funding based on demonstrated need; $3,500 for MACD dues with $500 in non-CDA funding
Summary: Supports Montana conservation district operations and administrative expenses that enable locally led natural resource conservation.
Key Information: Only Montana’s 58 conservation districts may apply, and operational applicants must fully use their regular mill levy authority.
Description
The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), through its Conservation Districts Bureau, provides Conservation District Administrative (CDA) Grants to districts with insufficient resources to cover basic operating costs. Funding comes from Montana Legislature allocations of coal severance tax monies. Supported costs include staff wages and benefits, insurance, office supplies, and equipment, helping districts maintain the capacity to conserve Montana’s natural resources through locally led conservation.
Operational support must connect to conservation priorities identified in district planning documents. The program also offers reimbursement for processing 310 applications, an option to support Montana Association of Conservation Districts (MACD) dues, and funding for statewide or regional affiliate programs serving most Montana conservation districts. Operational awards emphasize demonstrated financial need, with preference for districts with limited resources and constituent-identified priority projects.
