AIS 2025 Grant Application
Ends on
Aquatic Invasive Species Grants
IMPORTANT DATES: Grant Applications Due Sunday, January 5, 2025
For additional information about the AIS Grant Program and to access the AIS Grant Program guidelines, visit misc.mt.gov.
GENERAL INFORMATION:
The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) administers the Aquatic Invasive Species Grant Program in coordination with the Montana Invasive Species Council (MISC). DNRC provides fiscal management of the grant program and approves funding decisions. MISC manages the application process, reviews, and provides recommendations to the DNRC Director. Funding in the amount of $278,000/year for fiscal year FY24 and FY25 was appropriated by the legislature for this program. DNRC may incur up to 10% of the yearly appropriation for administration of the program.
WHO WE FUND: AIS grants are available to Montana communities or local, state, tribal, or other entities within the state and to Montana-based non-governmental entities.
WHAT WE FUND: AIS grants are intended to increase local capacity and involvement to address AIS issues. Projects that address the following AIS management components are eligible and include:
- Prevention
- Early detection
- Education and outreach
- Research
- Treatment
Current state-wide priorities that have been identified and vetted with former grantees and stakeholders for the upcoming AIS grant cycle include grants related to:
- Monitoring / early detection projects to expand local capacity and involvement in multi- AIS taxa early detection efforts.
- AIS outreach projects that expand AIS awareness at the local level.
- AIS research projects.
Locally-led proposals that address the state-wide priorities will receive ranking preference, however all eligible grant requests will be evaluated and considered.
The state AIS program includes the Clean, Drain, Dry campaign and associated materials and products. Education and outreach projects must be coordinated with the state campaign for consistency, accuracy, and brand recognition to ensure maximum effectiveness. FWP will provide outreach materials for distribution and customization. For more information about AIS education and outreach, call Tom Woolf at 406-444-1230.
Preference will be given to: AIS species on the Montana Noxious Weed List and AIS under the authority of Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) (see Appendix A); and to locally-led on-the-ground projects such as surveys and removal that result in measurable control of AIS.
The project must align with state AIS priorities, must show local support, and must be coordinated with related AIS efforts in the area and comprehensive invasive species plans. Priority will be given to local partnerships that demonstrate the administrative, financial, and management capacity to implement the project. The project must commit to using statewide AIS protocols and reporting.
While match funding is not required, it will be considered in the grant review and ranking process.
For the complete AIS Grant Program Guidelines, including the application process and ranking criteria, visit: misc.mt.gov.
FUNDING LIMITS: Grants may be awarded for up to $50,000 for most projects depending on available funding, the intended activities, and based on a budget that is supported by a clear scope of work.
For Additional Information Contact:
Montana DNRC
Conservation and Resource Development Bureau
P.O. Box 201601
Helena, Montana 59620-1601
Liz Lodman
406-444-0547
liz.lodman@mt.gov