Project & Planning Grants
Project & Planning Grants support Montana conservation districts in planning and carrying out locally identified projects that benefit public natural resources through on-the-ground conservation work.
Funder: Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation
Due Dates: October 15, 2026 (Fall) | March 15, 2027 (Spring)
Funding Amounts: Planning: $5,000–$20,000 | Projects: $5,000–$50,000 (larger requests permitted with 50:50 cash match); contracts generally last 1–2 years
Summary: Grants help Montana conservation districts plan and implement locally led natural resource conservation work.
Key Information: Only Montana conservation districts may apply, and applications require approval at a public board meeting.
Description
The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) administers these state-funded grants through its Conservation Districts Bureau. They support Montana conservation districts in developing plans and carrying out projects that benefit public natural resources. Planning grants fund formal processes that produce a written plan, report, or grant application and are intended to lead to on-the-ground work.
Project implementation grants support activities within a conservation district’s authority, such as stream restoration, soil health and water quality improvements, demonstration projects, and farm experiments. The program aims to give districts resources to pursue locally identified conservation priorities. DNRC competitively ranks applications for their public resource benefits, feasibility, and the district’s capacity to deliver the work.
