[Montana Fish & Wildlife Conservation Trust](https://mtconservationtrust.org)

January 2026 (Proposal window opens) | April 2026 (Applications due)

Annual funding pool varies with Trust investment performance; typical project duration is up to 2 years.

Supports projects that restore habitats, conserve fish and wildlife, and enhance public access and recreation opportunities in Montana.

--- ## Description This annual grant program from the Montana Fish & Wildlife Conservation Trust supports projects that restore and conserve fisheries, wildlife, and riparian habitats, as well as initiatives that enhance public hunting, fishing, and recreational opportunities, and improve public access to Montana’s public lands. The Trust’s mission is to fund projects with tangible conservation outcomes and increased public access, with a strong emphasis on land acquisition, conservation easements, and access easements. Infrastructure projects are only considered if they are integral to the acquisition of publicly accessible lands or interests in land. Projects funded by the Trust must be completed within two years of award, with the possibility of a one-year extension. Funds are retained by the Trust until project completion. The Trust gives preference to projects that leverage matching funds and address high-priority conservation or access needs. --- ## Due Dates - **Proposal window opens (anticipated):** January 2026 - **Applications due (anticipated):** April 2026 (postmarked no later than this date) *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - The total funding available each year is determined by the Trust’s annual investment performance. - There is no published maximum or minimum award; awards are made based on project merit and available funds. - Projects must be completed within two years of funding commitment (with a possible one-year extension). --- ## Eligibility - Eligible applicants include organizations, agencies, and individuals involved in conservation and public access projects in Montana. - Projects must focus on: - Restoring/conserving fisheries, wildlife, or riparian habitat - Enhancing public hunting, fishing, or recreational opportunities - Improving public access to public lands - All projects must have a public access component. - Not more than 50% of annual funding may be used outside the Missouri River watershed (from Holter Dam upstream to the confluence of the Jefferson, Gallatin, and Madison Rivers). - Infrastructure is only funded if essential for land or easement acquisition. --- ## Application Process - Download the current application and instructions (available in [PDF](https://mtconservationtrust.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Application-and-Instructions-2025.pdf) or [Word](https://mtconservationtrust.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Application-and-Instructions-2025.docx) formats). - Submit completed applications by mail; all materials must be postmarked by the anticipated April deadline. - Applicants are encouraged to contact the Trust for guidance or to request application materials. - All proposals are reviewed by the Citizens Advisory Board, with final funding decisions made by the Joint State Federal Board. --- ## Additional Information - Unused funds from incomplete projects are returned to the Trust for future use. - The Trust may, in rare critical cases, consider proposals outside the regular annual cycle. - Matching funds and collaboration with other organizations strengthen proposals. - Public comment is solicited annually prior to final funding decisions. --- ## External Links - [Montana Fish & Wildlife Conservation Trust Grants Page](https://mtconservationtrust.org/grants/) - [Trust Plan and Objectives](https://mtconservationtrust.org/trust-plan/) - [2025 Application and Instructions – PDF](https://mtconservationtrust.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Application-and-Instructions-2025.pdf) - [2025 Application and Instructions – Word Doc](https://mtconservationtrust.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Application-and-Instructions-2025.docx) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Email | Phone | Address | |------------------------|-----------------------------------------|---------------|--------------------------------| | General Inquiries | [fwctrust@mtoutdoorlegacy.org](mailto:fwctrust@mtoutdoorlegacy.org) | 406-461-9524 | P.O. Box 1993, Helena, MT 59624 | | Alternate Contact | [deb@mtoutdoorlegacy.org](mailto:deb@mtoutdoorlegacy.org) | | | For additional details or to request application materials, visit the [Contact Us page](https://mtconservationtrust.org/contact-us/).

Montana Fish & Wildlife Conservation Trust Annual Grant

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