Purpose

The Irrigation Development Grant (IDG) Program supports irrigation project that increase or sustain irrigated agriculture in Montana.  Project must address a need that will result in a benefit to irrigated agriculture.

Irrigation is the dominant commercial use of Montana’s water and is a key component of Montana’s economy, accounting for 96% of surface and groundwater withdrawals. The IDG program was created to increase the value of irrigated crops while preserving natural resources and the environment for future generations. Irrigation Development Grant Guidelines

GRANT LIMITS

Irrigation Development Grants may fund 50% of the total project costs up to $50,000.

FUNDING CYCLES

House Bill 6 includes $500,000 for Irrigation Development Grants for the 2025 biennium. Application funding is available as revenue received.

Cycle #1 March 2024

Cycle #2 November 2024

RANKING 

 DNRC considers the following criteria for project eligibility and ranking:  

• The extent and desirability of public benefits. 
• Irrigated acreage impacted by the project. 
• Economic impacts of the project.  
• A water-related project that will be used as part of a family farm must be given preference. A family farm is one devoted primarily to agriculture under the ownership and operation of a resident Montana family.  
• A water-related project that will utilize or develop water reserved under 85-2-316 must be given preference. 
• Geographic balance in the promotion of renewable resource grant projects. 
• The extent to which the project will effectively utilize water resources and promote the conservation and efficient use of the water resource. 
• Projects that could not be accomplished without the assistance of a loan or grant must be given preference. 
• Financial feasibility. Committed cash match will receive a higher preference than uncommitted match or in-kind match. 
• Technical feasibility, the thoroughness and feasibility of the project’s implementation plan and schedule.   
• If a project is determined to have adverse environmental impacts that cannot be mitigated and does not preserve the state's renewable resources per 85-1-601, MCA, it is ineligible for a grant.

Awards

DNRC will provide an award letter to successful applicants. The applicant will be responsible for providing the necessary startup conditions including a procurement plan within the timeframe identified in the award letter. Failure to meet startup conditions within a 12-month timeframe will result in a rescinded award.

PROJECT EXPENSES INCURRED PRIOR TO THE GRANT AWARD LETTER ARE NOT ELIGIBLE FOR REIMBURSEMENT.

Eligible Expenses

DNRC grants reimburse eligible project costs:

Contracted technical or engineering services.

Contracted construction services.

Equipment or materials.

PROGRAM CONTACT

Ann L. Kulczyk

Phone: 406-228-4129

akulczyk@mt.gov

DO YOU NEED HELP APPLYING FOR A RENEWABLE RESOURCE PLANNING GRANT? 

DNRC is offering local governments Technical Assistance to apply for planning grants. Technical Assistance funds are designed to assist local governments that: 

1.  Do not have an established relationship with a professional engineering firm. OR 
2. Have not been successful in applying for DNRC planning grants in the prior biennium. 

DNRC will prioritize requests for Technical Assistance from local governments who meet the above criteria. 

If Technical Assistance is approved, DNRC will assign a contracted technical service provider to assist the local government with a Renewable Resource Planning Grant Application. 

Technical Assistance is limited to $3,000 or 20 hours @ $150/hour. Technical service providers are contracted with and paid by DNRC once a Renewable Resource Planning Grant Application is submitted. 

If you have questions, please contact Kylee Hughes kylee.hughes@mt.gov. 

RENEWABLE RESOURCE GRANT AND LOAN PROGRAM – PROJECT GRANTS

PROJECT GRANT GUIDELINES

PURPOSE

The Renewable Resource Grant and Loan Program (RRGL) funds the conservation, management, development, and preservation of Montana's renewable resources. The RRGL Project Grant Program has funded numerous public facility projects including drinking water, wastewater and solid waste development and improvement projects have received funding through this program. Other renewable resource projects that have been funded include irrigation rehabilitation, dam repair, soil and water conservation and forest enhancement.

ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS

Eligible applicants include any division of state government, tribal government, or other county, city, or local political subdivision MCA 85-1-605. These governmental entities have included:

• cities,
• towns,
• counties,
• water and/or sewer districts,
• conservation districts,
• irrigation districts,
• school districts and universities,
• regional water authority,
• state agencies, and
• tribal governments

Private or non-profit entities are NOT ELIGIBLE for funding but may partner with a local government to submit an application if the project aligns with the sponsor’s organization.

ELIGIBLE PROJECTS

Eligible funding types are specified in MCA 85-1-602.

“Either grants or loans may be provided to fund the following types of projects:

(a) feasibility, design, research, and resource assessment studies; (b) preparation of construction, rehabilitation, or production plans; and (c) construction, rehabilitation, production, education, or other implementation effort”

Example Projects:

•  Water, Wastewater or Stormwater Infrastructure
• Irrigation Infrastructure
•  Dams
• Renewable Energy
•  Restoration
• Studies
   

Ineligible Projects

RRGL Project Grants are not eligible for projects that are eligible for grant funds within another grant program in DNRC, such as Reclamation Development Grants, Aquatic Invasive Species Grants, etc.

If a project is determined to have adverse environmental impacts that cannot be mitigated and does  not preserve the state's renewable resources per 85-1-601, MCA, it is ineligible for a grant.

ELIGIBLE EXPENSES

DNRC grants reimburse eligible project costs:

• Staff time or professional services associated with grant administration.
• Contracted technical or engineering services for survey, project management, design, project oversight.
• Contracted construction services.
• Equipment, materials, or supplies.
• Project related permits or fees.

DNRC grants require compliance with the Montana Procurement Act and/or local procurement local rules and regulations.

Ineligible Expenses

DNRC grants do not reimburse:

• Program Costs aka indirect costs:  "Program costs" means non-reimbursable costs not directly related to the project. Program costs include but are not limited to: office rent that will be incurred whether or not the project is implemented; salaries of existing fully funded staff positions unless the work- hours associated with the project are accounted for; or any other costs that pay for ongoing or general services of the applicant. For example: rent, utilities, licenses, reoccurring/regular meetings/newsletters (unrelated to planning or specific capacity development), staff time (unrelated to planning or specific capacity development), ongoing cost deemed necessary to continue business (operations).
• Political lobbying or litigation
• Land or property acquisition
• Food or beverages
• Activities that limit lawful access to property (see MCA 85-1-602 (4))

GRANT LIMITS

The Montana Legislature appropriates funds directly to each project, based on amounts recommended by DNRC. DNRC limits grant funding recommendations to a maximum of $125,000 for a renewable resource project.
 

MATCH

RRGL Project Grants do not require financial match. However, DNRC is required to evaluate project applications’ financial and technical feasibility which considers reasonable project costs and committed matching funds.

HOW TO APPLY

Application materials are available through the DNRC website https://dnrc.mt.gov/Conservation/Grant-and- Loan-Programs/Renewable-Resource-Grants-and-Loans/. 

Applications are due May 15, 2024.

DNRC requires that applications and supporting materials are submitted BOTH online and by mail.

1. Online: Applications are available online through http://grants.dnrc.mt.gov/submit and are accepted online through the grant management system.

AND

     2. Mail:

• One (1) original Authorizing Statement.
• One (1) unbound original application and all supporting documentation. Public Facility Projects will include a copy of the signed Preliminary Engineering Report (PER).

    3. $250.00 application fee (online or check by mail).

Mail to:   MT DNRC RRGL Program, PO BOX 201601, Helena MT 59620

RANKING

Infrastructure and irrigation projects will be ranked separately.

Applications will be reviewed and competitively ranked based on the renewable resource benefits of  the proposed project. The proposed project must measurably conserve, manage, develop or preserve/protect Montana’s renewable resources. Points will be awarded for public benefits, whether the project implements the state water plan priorities and/or mitigates human health or safety problems.
 

DNRC must consider technical and financial feasibility as well as the applicant’s ability to manage a project. Projects that are not technically or financially feasible are not eligible. Financial feasibility considers the committed match in relation to total project cost. Technical feasibility includes but is not limited to:

• adequacy of the alternative analysis;
• adequacy of cost estimates for potential alternatives and the preferred alternative;
• preferred alternative selection;
• thoroughness and feasibility of the project's implementation plan and schedules; and
• quality of supporting technical data submitted with the application.

RRGL Project Grants do not require financial match. However, DNRC is required to evaluate project applications’ financial and technical feasibility which considers reasonable project costs and committed matching funds.

DNRC solicits, evaluates, and ranks each application and forwards its recommendations for funding to the Governor’s  Office  before  each  regular  legislative  session.  With  the  governor’s  approval  these recommendations are submitted to the legislature. The legislature makes the final decision on which projects will be funded MCA 85-1-605.

Funds for projects approved by the legislature are awarded according to the funding priority list set by the legislature and are contracted according to available revenue. Not all approved projects will be funded if the total amount requested exceeds available funds.

GRANT MANAGEMENT

Awards

DNRC will provide an award letter to successful applicants. The applicant will be responsible for providing the necessary startup conditions within the timeframe identified in the award letter. Failure to meet startup conditions within a 24-month timeframe may result in a rescinded award.
 

PROJECT EXPENSES INCURRED PRIOR TO THE GRANT AWARD LETTER ARE NOT ELIGIBLE FOR REIMBURSEMENT.

Contracting

DNRC grant recipients are required to enter into an agreement with the DNRC prior to requesting reimbursement for eligible project costs. All local procurement and state laws are required to be followed under this agreement. DNRC may require a project kickoff call and monthly or quarterly progress meetings to ensure project success.
 

Reimbursement & Reporting

DNRC requires grant recipients to provide quarterly or more frequent progress reports. See for additional details. DNRC requires grant recipients submit requests for reimbursement using the state vendor invoice. In addition to the DNRC vendor invoice, the grant recipient will submit copies of all applicable invoices and/or receipts eligible for reimbursement. All reimbursement and reporting are submitted through the online grant management system www.grants.dnrc.mt.gov.

Grant Closeout

DNRC grants require final reports, deliverables, and invoices in compliance with the agreement to process final reimbursement. Ten percent (10%) of the total grant will be withheld until the sponsor has submitted an acceptable final report.
 

LEGAL AUTHORITY

Montana Code Annotated Title 85, Chapter 1 Part 6.

Administrative Rules of Montana 36-17-607 – 36-17-612
 

PURPOSE

The purpose of the RRGL Planning Grant Program is to provide funding to governmental entities for professional and technical services necessary to produce a high quality RRGL grant application which leads to a project that conserves, manages, develops, or protects Montana’s renewable resources. PLANNING GRANT GUIDELINES.

ELIGIBLE PROJECT EXPENSES INCURRED PRIOR TO THE GRANT AWARD LETTER ARE ELIGIBLE FOR REIMBURSEMENT IF THEY OCCURRED AFTER JULY 1, 2023. This effective date is only for planning grant applications approved prior to 04/01/2024. 

GRANT LIMITS

Infrastructure PER $40,000

Irrigation PER/ Technical Narrative $30,000

PER or Technical Narrative Update $20,000

Resource Services (Plans or Studies) $15,000

Watershed Restoration Plan $40,000

Watershed Restoration Project Plan $30,000

 FUNDING CYCLES

House Bill 6 includes $3,500,000 for Planning Grants. Application funding is available as revenue is received. Reimbursement for 

Planning Grant Cycle #1 – December 2023 – April 2024

• Review and award – January 2024
• Review and award – April 2024

Planning Grant Cycle #2 September 2024 – December 2024

• Review and award – October 2024
• Review and award – January 2025

Future cycles will be announced at the DNRC’s discretion.

TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE

DNRC will be offering local governments assistance to apply for planning grants. These funds are designed to assist local governments that:

1. Do not have an established relationship with a professional engineering firm. OR
2. Have not been successful in applying for DNRC planning grants in the prior biennium.

DNRC will evaluate requests from local governments for technical assistance based on demonstrated need. If approved, DNRC will assign a contracted technical service provider to assist the local government with a planning grant application. Technical assistance is limited to $3,000 or 20 hours. Technical service providers will be contracted directly with DNRC and assigned at random as local government requests are approved.

• Technical Assistance Opportunity

PROGRAM CONTACT

Lindsay Volpe

Phone: 406-444-9766

lmvolpe@mt.gov
 

Watershed Management Grants (WMG) Grant Applications Due by April 22, 2024  by 5 p.m.


WMG PROGRAM PURPOSE
 The Watershed Management Grant (WMG) Program goals are to provide financial support for the development and implementation of locally led watershed related planning and capacity building activities that conserve, develop, manage, or preserve state renewable resources. These goals are aligned with Montana Code Annotated (MCA) Title 85, Chapter 1, Part 6.
 

 For more information see the Watershed Management Guidance.

ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS

Eligible applicants include any division of state government, tribal government, or other county, city, or local political subdivision. These governmental entities have included:

• cities,
•  towns,
• counties,
• water and/or sewer districts,
• conservation districts,
• irrigation districts,
• school districts and universities,
• regional water authority,
• state agencies, and
•  tribal governments

As defined in MCA 85-1-102(6)(a), "Private Person" means any individual, association, partnership, corporation, or other non-governmental entity that is not eligible for loans and grants under MCA 85-1-605.

•  Individuals/Private Person
• Associations
• Partnerships
• Corporations

Sponsorship:

A government entity may sponsor a non-government entity for a Watershed Management Grant. The sponsor must submit the application and provide project oversite. Grant sponsors must have a material connection to the work being performed and are the legal party for purposes of project representation, negotiations, and communications. DNRC will require that a government entity sponsoring a grant for a non-government entity will provide an executed MOU as startup conditions.

MATCH REQUIREMENTS
   Watershed Management Grants to a local government entity do not require financial match. However, DNRC is required to evaluate project applications’ financial and technical feasibility which considers reasonable project costs and committed matching funds.
 

A 50% cost share is required for non-government entities, MCA 85-1-614 (b). Matching contributions may be in the form of in-kind services or cash from local, state or federal sources. However, all contributions must be targeted for expenditure on the project specifically identified in the application. Matching funds must be substantiated by accounting records and costs that would normally be considered eligible as meeting program requirements.
 

Eligible in-kind contributions are those project-specific contributions associated directly with project implementation. If your budget includes in-kind labor, always reference the source for your labor value estimate. It may be helpful to use the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics website to estimate labor values for Montana: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_mt.htm.

FUNDING LIMIT and PROJECT TYPES
Watershed Group Formation up to $40,000

Grant funding to establish a watershed group. A watershed group is a self-sustaining, non-regulatory, consensus-based group that is composed of a diverse array of stakeholders, which may include, but is not limited to, private property owners, non-profit organizations, federal, state, or local agencies, and tribes. Grant funds awarded in this category may fund development of bylaws, a mission statement, complete stakeholder outreach, and develop a strategic plan.

Watershed Organization Strategic Plans up to $25,000

Strategic plans focus on the mission and goals of an organization that helps groups define the organization’s priorities. Strategic planning is a process culminating in a 3-5 year planning document that addresses an organization's current state, identifies future goals, and can then be used to develop annual work plans. The Conservation District Bureau at DNRC has tools to assist CDs https://dnrc.mt.gov/Conservation/Conservation-Programs/Conservation-Districts/cd-resource-documents . The Montana Nonprofit Association provides resources for nonprofit organizations online: https://www.mtnonprofit.org/.

Watershed Strategic Program or Initiative up to $50,000

Strategic programs or initiatives are identified in an organization’s Strategic Plan. These programs or initiatives will need to be clearly tied to the organization’s mission and align with the purpose of the Watershed Management Grants. Examples may include watershed group expansion, staff support of a Watershed Restoration Plan, staff time for project management or contracted services to prepare a Watershed Restoration Project Plan, staff time for project management to oversee a non-point construction project, staff time to coordinate volunteers, purchase of materials for education and outreach.

Hosting a Big Sky Watershed Corps member $8,000

Grants will support a portion of the local host site cost share to support a Big Sky Watershed Corps member. This will be a one-time grant application and award and will require submission of a final report at the end of the BSWC term. MCC Fellows and interns are not eligible under this category, as they would eligible under the other categories for staff time in Watershed Management Grants, and costs for their salaries are ongoing throughout the life of the project or grant.

   Additional information about the WMG Program and to access the WMG guidelines,  application examples, and ranking criteria, click here.


Please contact the program manager with any application questions or if you would like to have your application reviewed prior to submittal.
      Melissa Downing
      WMG Program Manager
      melissa.downing@mt.gov
      406-444-0697





 

Renewable Resource Grant and Loan Program
Private Grant Program
A. PROGRAM PURPOSE:
The private water grant program is in place to support water projects funded by non-government entities such as individuals, associations, and watershed groups.  Grants are available for projects that meet the following criteria:
1. The project benefits a water resource;
2. The project is required by a government entity such as a county, conservation district or state agency;
3. Project costs are incurred before a grant agreement is signed;
4. The applicant is not a government entity
5. The applicant has not received a grant from the Private Grant Program in the last five years


B. FUNDING REQUIREMENTS:
1. Private water grants are available up to $5,000 or 25% of the project cost, whichever is least;
2. Reimbursement is based on actual provided receipts;
3. Reimbursement will be done on a one-time only basis;
4. Match funding includes professional services, contracted labor, and materials. Receipts will be requested;
5. The project has not been constructed yet;
6. The project must provide public benefits;
7. The project will be constructed in Montana;
8. The project will be an efficient use of a natural resource including water, energy, land, and air without diminishing the quality;
9. The project cannot be accomplished without the assistance of a loan or grant; cannot be an income property per MCA 85-1-610.

DNRC Reclamation and Development Grants Program - Project Grant Application 

General Information

The Reclamation and Development Grants Program (RDGP) is a state-funded grant program designed to fund projects that protect Montana citizens from the effects of mineral development on public resources, and that meet other crucial state needs, serve the public interest, and benefit the total environment of the people of Montana. The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) administers the program.

Program Purpose

The purposes of the RDGP are (1) to repair, reclaim, and mitigate environmental damage to public resources from non‑renewable resource extraction and (2) to develop and ensure the quality of public resources for the benefit of all Montana citizens.

Eligible Applicants

Any department, agency, board, commission, or other division of state government, city, county, or other division of local government, or tribal government within the state may apply. Private persons or companies and federal agencies are not eligible for RDGP funding.

Eligible Projects

Proposed projects must provide benefits in one of two categories: (1) mineral development (reclamation of impacts from non-renewable resource extraction, also called reclamation projects) or (2) crucial state need. Mineral development impacts and crucial state need projects will be given equal preference in the ranking process. Projects not fitting into either of these categories will not be eligible for RDGP funding. DNRC will conduct a review and screening of all applications to determine eligibility under these two categories.

Reclamation (Mineral Development) 

To be considered a reclamation project, the project goals and objectives must achieve at least one of the following:

1.  Reclaim land, water or other resources adversely affected by mineral development.
2. Mitigate damage to public resources caused by mineral development.
3. Research, demonstrate, or provide technical assistance to promote the wise use of Montana minerals, including efforts to make processing more environmentally compatible.
4. Investigate and remediate sites where hazardous wastes or regulated substances threaten public health or the environment.
5. Research to assess existing or potential environmental damage resulting from mineral development.

Crucial State Need

Projects that meet a crucial state need must prevent or eliminate severe and unacceptable damage to natural resources or capture extraordinary public benefit that would otherwise be lost. They must have a regional or statewide importance. Public benefit from implementation of this type of project must directly relate to natural resources. The critical and urgent nature of the proposed project must be clearly demonstrated in the application. Crucial state need projects must fit into one of the following categories:

1.  Drought Mitigation:  Projects that address drought as the main purpose of the project and have been identified in an existing plan such as a drought management plan or watershed management plan that ties the need for the project to a specific watershed or region of the state. 
2.  High Hazard Dams: High hazard dam (Montana Dam Safety Act, MCA 85-15-106) projects that will mitigate damage to natural resources as a result of failure. 
3.  Other Crucial State Need:  Other projects that meet the criteria of a crucial state need project as described above. Projects must clearly be identified in an existing plan that identifies the need for this project to a specific watershed or region of the state, or include a letter of support from a knowledgeable and authoritative source, preferably a state agency, describing the need for this project for a specific watershed or region of the state. 

Grant Amount 

DNRC will recommend up to $300,000 for most projects. DNRC may recommend up to $500,000 for a project if the applicant has clearly demonstrated significant natural resource benefits and the financial need and unavailability of other funds to complete the project. The Legislature may choose to award a lower or higher amount. An applicant proposing more than one project must submit a separate application for each. There is no minimum funding requirement.

Application Evaluation, Scoring, and Ranking

DNRC solicits, evaluates, and ranks each application submitted to the RDGP and forwards its recommendations for funding to the Governor’s Office before each regular legislative session. With the Governor’s approval, these recommendations are submitted to the Legislature. DNRC will prepare a report and submit it to the Legislature to document the approved ranking and recommendations. The Legislature makes the final decision on which projects will be funded. DNRC will provide updates to the applicant throughout this process. Contracting of projects cannot begin until the bill authorizing funding for the projects becomes effective and funding becomes available for the project. 

For an outline of the ranking criteria, please see page 5 of the Project Grant Overview and Application Instructions.

Submittal Instructions

DNRC requires two forms of applications to meet the needs of multiple reviewers during the evaluation, scoring, and ranking process. Application forms must be submitted online at https://grants.dnrc.mt.govand application documents must be postmarked to the DNRC office no later than 5 PM May 15, 2024.

Submitted Online:  Online application at https://grants.dnrc.mt.gov
Submitted by Mail:  One unbound hard copies of the entire application including a copy of all supporting documentation.

Montana DNRC
Resource Development Bureau
P.O. Box 201601
Helena, MT 59620-1601
Phone: (406) 444-6668

Program Overview and Application Instructions:

Project Grant Overview and Application Instructions

Questions?  Please contact:

Samantha Treu
RDG Program Manager
Department of Natural Resources and Conservation
P.O. Box 201601
Helena, MT 59620-1601
(406) 422-3369
Samantha.Treu@mt.gov
 

Introduction & Intent

The Montana Department of Natural Resources & Conservation has funding available to help Montana’s counties update and modernize their Community Wildfire Protection Plans (CWPP). This funding is available to counties with: 

1. An outdated (>5 years old) CWPP, 
2. High wildfire risk, as determined by the Montana Wildfire Risk Assessment, and 
3. A commitment to a collaborative update process.

The DNRC recommends that interested counties refer to the DNRC’s “Community Wildfire Protection Plan Guidebook” as they prepare their proposal for submission. This document provides recommendations and insights to the CWPP update process and was written as a companion piece to this request for proposals. 

If you have any questions about the RFP or the grant funds available, please contact sarah.kleinhanzl@mt.gov. 

Eligible Applicants & Activities

This funding is available for counties to undergo a collaborative process to produce a modern, updated CWPP. Eligible activities towards this end include, but are not limited to, hiring a contractor, travel costs associated with community engagement visits, meeting supplies, education & outreach materials, and necessary technology products. No equipment can be purchased with grant funds. 

Only counties in Montana are eligible to receive this funding for county-wide CWPP updates. The county may partner with a significant or involved collaborator to prepare the application material and serve as an additional point of contact. The county, however, must ultimately serve as the recipient if awarded grant funding. 

Award & Funding Guidelines

Grant funding from the State of Montana Fire Suppression Fund is made available through the Montana   Department of Natural Resources and Conservation Forestry Division (DNRC) as authorized by HB 883 passed in the 2023 Legislature. Grant funds will be distributed on a reimbursement basis. The DNRC does not require a match for this grant   funding, but applicants who are able to demonstrate leveraged funding sources (federal or non-federal) that will contribute to CWPP updates will be given   priority. This includes in-kind contributions of time and effort, as well as goods or services. 

The DNRC anticipates awarding up to $60,000 – $100,000 per project for 3-5projects.   Award amounts may vary due to funding availability and the number and quality of applications received. The DNRC reserves the right to offer a different grant amount than proposed by applicants. The DNRC will provide payments of   awarded funds on a reimbursement basis.

All grants from this program shall be considered final awards to the project(s) selected. If project costs increase   beyond what was projected at the time of application, the grantee is responsible for finding additional funding from sources outside this program. Grantees will be required to submit the final work product (written documents and spatial data) produced by this funding assistance as the final report to the DNRC.

DNRC continues to seek funding sources for CWPP updates. If additional funding is secured, unselected responses to this request for proposals may be considered at a future date. Any offer of funding is dependent on the applicant’s ability to meet the terms and conditions of the funding source be it state or federal.  

Proposal Review

Proposals will be reviewed and prioritized collaboratively by a panel which will include, but is not limited to, representatives from the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation.DNRC reserves the right to request further information from any applicant as needed.The panel members will independently evaluate responses. Panel members will jointly discuss their evaluations and a consensus will be reached as to which project(s) may receive funding.

Funding Notification & Grant Disbursement

Applicants will receive a notification of the status of the proposal immediately following completion of the review process or subsequent change in status. Following a notification of award funding, the DNRC will work with the awardee to complete the grant agreement process as soon as possible. Applicants must consult with the DNRC before incurring any grant-related expenses, as pre-award costs are not allowed.

The grant agreement is a critical step in the award process and a signed grant agreement is a required provision. Successful applicants must provide a current Unique Entity Identifier number. The State of Montana requires prospective grantees to meet specific insurance requirements and provide documentation of insurance before agreement execution.

In accordance with Montana Code Annotated section 49-3-207, the grantee agrees that the hiring of persons to perform work on the project will be made on the basis of merit and qualifications and there will be no discrimination based upon race, color, religion, creed, political ideas, sex, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, or national origin by the persons performing work on the project.

Helpful Links:

• CWPP Worksheet (copy and paste answers from the worksheet into Submittable).
• Authorization Statement (if you are not authorized to sign the application).
• Montana Wildfire Risk Assessment 
• CWPP Guide Book
• List of CWPP Contractors

Applications will be accepted on an open and rolling basis until available funding is awarded.

First review period closes for applications: April 15, 2024.

Additional review periods: ongoing until December 31, 2024, or sooner if all funds are awarded.

 

The funding for the Conservation Education Program is derived from the State of Montana Fire Suppression Fund and from federal awards from the United States Department of Agriculture - Forest Service to the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, Forestry and Trust Lands Division. 

  The intent of these funds is to provide program assistance and outreach efforts to children (pre-K through 12th grade) and their educators in both classroom and informal settings.
 

OBJECTIVES
      Funds will be awarded to proposals deliver quality youth educational experiences. Examples of appropriate uses of these funds include:
 

• Outdoor education activities for youth pre-K through 12th grade.
• Facilitator training activities and associated costs.
• Professional development in the field of conservation education.
• Facilitation costs, meeting space, refreshments, and other expenses associated with hosting the aforementioned activities or events.
• Travel to and registration for training or professional development opportunities associated with conservation education.

 
 ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS
     Montana state, local, or tribal governments, non-profits, community groups, educational institutions, educators, or individuals.

 FUNDING AND CRITERIA

• Up to $30,000 is available for awards in this cycle. 
• Awards are typically $3,000 or less, although the program manager may approve larger amounts, on a limited basis. 
• Funds must be expended within one calendar year of the date of approval. 

 
 MATCH
      Applicants are encouraged to show match from the organization and partners to increase the competitiveness of their proposal, but match is not required.

Notice of Funding Available and Request for Proposals

Proposals Due By: The application is open and rolling until funding is awarded.

• First review period closes for applications : April 1, 2024.
• Additional review periods: ongoing until March 31, 2025 or sooner if all funds are awarded.

Purpose

DNRC’s fundamental intent in areas of State/County Cooperative Fire Protection (County Coop) is to build and maintain the capacity of local governments so that local firefighters routinely succeed on the initial attack of wildland fires and avoid the need for large-scale involvement by the DNRC or our federal partners. The County Coop Fire Protection arrangement builds upon the fire suppression capacity of communities and local government and has been a highly effective fire protection model in Montana for the past 50+ years. This success can be attributed to the strong partnerships and cooperation that exist across the state.

To better support this fire protection arrangement in an ever-changing wildfire environment, DNRC has made funding available aimed at cooperatively increasing local fire leadership, preparedness, and fire response capabilities. Through this opportunity, DNRC seeks to fund and leverage staff capacity or projects in support of local fire response coordination needs while also supporting DNRC County Coop fire protection related functions. 

Desired Outcomes

• Actions and investments that further the capacity of rural fire protection entities at the local level, while also supporting the fundamental intent of the DNRC County Coop program.
• Well-coordinated, safe, and effective local wildland fire response.
• Increased wildfire preparedness efforts and improved coordination between local, state, and federal fire response organizations.

Source of Funding

Funding sources for this grant are from appropriations in the State of Montana made available through the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, Forestry and Trust Lands Division. State General Fund (HB2) is expected as an on-going funding source. There has also been a one-time increase from the Fire Suppression Fund through HB 883 for this cycle of grant opportunity. Grant funds will be distributed on a reimbursement basis.

Eligible Applicants

Montana counties with a current Cooperative Fire Protection Agreement with the State of Montana as outlined in MCA 7-33-2202 (4b) are eligible to apply.

Allowable Activities

This grant opportunity is intended to further the capacity of rural fire protection entities at the local level, while also supporting the fundamental intent of the DNRC State/County Cooperative Fire Protection program. The following are items are examples of potentially eligible projects. DNRC encourages innovative approaches to furthering local fire leadership, preparedness, and fire response capabilities.
 

Note: These funds are intended to supplement activities or fulfill unmet needs--they cannot be used to replace previously allocated funding.

Examples of eligible high priority activities include:

• Funding County Fire Warden, Deputy County Fire Warden, or Rural Fire Coordinator positions that are currently unfunded, part-time, ad hoc, or volunteer.
• Reimbursement/stipends for other unfunded or volunteer fire leadership positions such as County Rural Fire Chiefs, Fire Chiefs or Duty Chiefs/Duty Officers during periods of heightened fire activity.
• Reimbursement/stipends for County Rural Fire Department or Rural Fire District Personnel for fire response.
• Other projects that further the capacity and capabilities of local fire response entities.

Another example of eligible, are more of a one time funding that would be more focused towards the following activities include:

• IT Infrastructure that better supports well-coordinated, safe, and effective local wildland fire response (Dispatch, CAD, GIS, Mutual Aid Communications).
• Wildland fire leadership and incident command training.
• Other items that directly support high priority activities listed above with a reasonable justification.

If funding staff/personnel time or positions, Grantee will administer payment and/or payroll responsibilities for those individuals. The Grantee is also responsible for making sure that it and its employees are covered by Workers’ Compensation Insurance and in compliance with the coverage provisions of the Workers’ Compensation Act.

Restrictions

This grant funding is subject to the following restrictions:

• Grant funding must result in a net increase in fire response capacity. It cannot be used to repurpose or replace funding of positions that are already funded.
• Funds are not intended for fire suppression equipment or personal protective equipment. Other grant funding sources exist for these types of items.
• Projects not directly related to furthering local fire leadership, preparedness, and fire response capabilities are ineligible.

Grant Amount

Grants awarded will typically range from $10,000 to a maximum of $100,000. DNRC may consider proposals exceeding the $100,000 limit on an exceptional basis. Award amounts may vary due to funding availability and the number and quality of applications received. Multi-year applications will be considered with a 3-year maximum.

Match Requirement

This grant does not require match. However, cash and/or in-kind contributions are encouraged to support the cooperative intent of this opportunity. 

How To Apply

Scroll down and select "login" (if you already have a Submittable account) or "create a new account" to start filling out the application. Submit your application by 5 p.m. on April 1, 2024 for consideration in the first review period. 

• You can use this worksheet to start brainstorming your ideas. You can then copy and paste your answers into the Submittable application.

Letters of support for the funding request from participating fire departments, rural fire councils, and other organizations are not required but will strengthen an application.

After the initial round of proposals are reviewed, if funding remains, additional proposals will be reviewed up until the final submission deadline of March 31, 2025. The panel may choose to immediately award funding to a proposal, may reject a proposal for funding or may choose to place a proposal in a pending approval status. Pending approval proposals may or may not be subsequently awarded funds and may be passed-over for funding in favor of a later submission that the panel deems to have more merit. The opportunity will remain open and will be accepting applications on a rolling basis until March 31, 2025 or earlier if all funding is awarded.

Award and Disbursement 

Applications received will be reviewed for funding by DNRC Fire Protection staff. Applications will be evaluated on how well they meet the goals of the grant program. If funding remains after first-round selections, or if additional funding becomes available, DNRC may consider funding additional applications at that time.

Upon selection of funding, DNRC will proceed with developing grant award documents with identified points of contact. Applicants selected in the first review period must be capable of returning a signed grant agreement to DNRC by June 20, 2024.  Funded activities may start July 1, 2024.

Funds may only be used as described in the executed grant agreement unless otherwise agreed to in writing by the DNRC. Disbursement of grant funds by DNRC will be upon approval of submitted documentation of reimbursable costs. Documentation may include itemized receipts, invoices, financial reports, and other documents that clearly show expenditures.

Reporting Requirements

Grantees will be required to report to DNRC on a quarterly basis to describe project accomplishments and how funds are being utilized. A final report will be required stating how the funds were used and the outcomes that were achieved.

Helpful Links

• CFP Worksheet (you can copy and paste your answers from the worksheet to Submittable).
• Authorizing Statement (this will need to be signed by a County Commissioner).
• How to add collaborators.

Questions? 

David Hamilton

State/County Cooperative Fire Program Manager

DNRC Fire Protection Bureau

406-431-1948

dahamilton@mt.gov 

About VFC GRANT PROGRAM 

The Volunteer Fire Capacity (VFC) Program, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, makes funding available to rural fire departments. This federal funding is passed through and administered by the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC). 

The Volunteer Fire Capacity (VFC) Grant Program is authorized by the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1990, (Farm Bill) and assists rural volunteer fire departments by providing cost-share grants for training, equipping, and organizing. Rural fire departments represent the first line of defense in coping with wildfires and other emergencies in rural areas and rural communities. These departments are charged with the protection of lives, homes, and business investments.

The VFC grant has been an excellent resource for local fire organizations, and we encourage your participation. These grants have certainly benefited all 56 counties within Montana.

Eligible Applicants

A rural fire department which is defined as "an organized, not for profit, fire protection organization that provides service primarily to a community or city with a population of 10,000 or less to a rural area, as defined by the Secretary of Agriculture, whose firefighting personnel is 80 percent or more volunteer, and that is recognized as a fire department by the laws of the State. 16 U.S.C. 2106. 

Eligible Projects

APPROVED PROJECTS

• Wildland Training for Department Personnel
• Wildland Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
• Wildland Equipment and Water Handling
• Radio Communications (P25 Compliant)
• Fire Department Organization and Planning. 
• Formation of a NEW rural or volunteer fire district

UNAPPROVED PROJECTS

• Any single item costing $5,000 or more will not be eligible for grant funding consideration.
• Construction or improvement of fire stations for housing equipment, normal operational expenses and maintenance do not qualify for VFC funds.
• Structural PPE and equipment.
• Boots
• Medical supplies and equipment

Additional Requirements

• National Fire Incident Reporting (NFIRS) compliant by reporting ALL fire occurrences to NFIRS as required by Montana Law (ARM 23.12.402). 
• National Incident Management System (NIMS) compliant.
• Insurance coverage. Provide a current Certificate of Liability Insurance.
• At the time of application for a VFC grant, the applicant must be registered in Systems for Award Management (SAM) and hold an active registered Unique Entity Identifier (UEI). 
• Taxpayer/Federal Identification Number (TIN)/Employer Identification Number (EIN).
• Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, Ineligibility and Voluntary Exclusion - Lower Tier Covered Transactions, Form AD-1048.
• Each Grantee must certify that no vendor or contractor debarred or suspended from being able to work under a federal grant, according to the terms of 2 CFR Part 180, has received any money under this grant project by signing the Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, Ineligibility and Voluntary Exclusion - Lower Tier Covered Transactions, Form AD-1048. 
• Financial assistance on any project requires a non-federal match for project expenditures. The funding must be matched on a 10 percent basis (90% VFC-10% match). 

Purchase(s) must be made following receipt of the award. No purchase(s) may be made prior to the date listed on the VFC award will be eligible for cost-share assistance

Funding Information

Financial assistance on any project requires a non-federal match for project expenditures. The funding must be matched on a 10 percent basis (90% VFC-10% match). 

Timeline

• Application Period April 1, 2024 – May 18, 2024
• Application Scoring Early June 2024
• Award & Denial Notifications Sent Late July/Early August 2024

How to Apply

Applications can be submitted via: 

• Submittable (scroll down to create an account);
• Emailed to DNRC VFC/VFA Grant Program Manager at rheablankenship@mt.gov;
• Mailed to 2705 Spurgin Road Missoula MT 59804.

Helpful Links

• Fillable Application (if applying in Submittable, you will upload the completed PDF application)
• 2024 Manual