Browse Ambrook’s collection of funding programs by Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC)

RFP is ongoing; contact the program manager. Proposals reviewed quarterly by a panel when funding is available. Individual landowners can also use DNRC's regional partner network (Resources for Landowners page).

Deadline text on the page: The request for proposals is open and revolving. (One-pager: Proposals accepted on an on-going basis and reviewed quarterly)

John Moffat

Stewardship Grant Specialist

General office

Forestry and Fire Division

DNRC pass-through of USDA Forest Service funds for thinning, pruning, slash disposal and pile burning on non-federal land next to National Forest land where prescribed fire is planned. Private landowners, nonprofits, local and tribal governments, conservation districts and collaboratives can apply. Landowners usually meet the 25% match through their own work. B: aimed at WUI community protection, limited to HUC-6 watersheds with active NFS fuels work, and individual landowners are mostly served through regional partners.



- Eligible: non-profits, private land owners, local and tribal governments, conservation districts, state agencies, colleges, collaborative groups
- Project in a HUC 6 watershed containing NFS land under active management incl. prescribed fire
- Start in advance of, and within three years of, planned fuels work on adjacent NFS lands

A payment that requires some percentage of matching contributions by the recipient.

Cost Share

Up to $100,000; 25% non-federal match (4:1), generally met by landowner contributions.

Published amounts: Budget requests should be $100,000 or less. Requires a 4:1 federal to non-federal dollars match, calculated as 25% of total grant funds requested.

Two-part application: Part 1 Rangeland Improvement Application (conservation plan, project plan and budget, environmental review); Part 2 Loan Security Application (financial disclosures, security). Help: State Rangeland Coordinator dnrcmtrangelands@mt.gov.

Deadline text on the page: Loan applications are accepted by the DNRC at any time of the year.

State Rangeland Coordinator

Veronica Wolff

Rangeland Resources Program State Coordinator

Shantell Frame-Martin

Rangeland Resources Program Specialist

Low-interest DNRC loans for Montana farmers and ranchers to improve and develop rangeland: stock water tanks, cross fencing, grazing systems, reseeding, mechanical restoration and weed management. Loans run up to 10 years with annual payments, and applications are taken year-round.



- Montana resident engaged in farming or ranching with the expertise to make the loan practical
- Rangeland improvements constructed, developed and operated in Montana

A payment that must be returned to the provider following specified terms of repayment and interest rate.

Loan

3.25% current rate (set by DNRC Director, adjusted annually); max $100,000; max 10-year term, annual installments.

Published amounts: Current interest rate = 3.25%; Maximum loan amount = $100,000; Repayment is scheduled for a maximum of ten years with annual installments

Submit applications through the online grant management system grants.dnrc.mt.gov; read the PVG Application Guidelines first.

Deadline text on the page: Private Grant application cycle open until funds are expended. (27th biennium guidance)

Bobbie DuBose

Grant Manager

Conservation and Resource Development Division

Small Renewable Resource grants from DNRC to private individuals and entities for water-related projects such as irrigation system improvements, dam inspection and repair, watershed improvements and emergency water system fixes. Grants cover up to 25% of project cost (max $5,000), reimbursed once against receipts.



- Individuals/Private Person, associations, partnerships, corporations (for-profit and nonprofit)
- Project constructed in Montana, provides public benefits, efficient use of water
- Complete application submitted before starting the project
- No Private Grant funds used on the project in the last five years
- Most water projects need a DNRC-issued water right; not eligible: feasibility studies, domestic wells, research, new home construction, commercial/income/rental property

A lump sum of money for a specific purpose that does not need to be paid back.

Grant

Up to 25% of project cost or $5,000, whichever is less; reimbursement on actual receipts; one-time; match may include in-kind labor, materials and other grants.

Published amounts: Grants available up to $5,000 or 25% of project cost, whichever is least. Reimbursement on a one-time only basis.

Apply online through Submittable at grants.dnrc.mt.gov; contact the Program Manager with questions. DNRC solicits, evaluates and ranks applications; awards by rank and available funding.

Deadline text on the page: Page: 'The DNRC is not accepting applications at this time.' 2026 guide: 'Application Period: November 14, 2025 to January 9, 2026 at 5:00pm'

Ann Kulczyk

State grants from DNRC's Renewable Resource program for private irrigation projects that increase or sustain irrigated agriculture in Montana. Funds equipment replacement, infrastructure repair, land leveling, measurement, planning and new development that also starts or increases water conservation or measurement. Individuals, associations, partnerships and corporations apply; small family farm projects get preference.



- 'Private Person' per MCA 85-1-102(6)(a): individuals, associations, partnerships, corporations not eligible under MCA 85-1-605
- Small family on farm projects must be given preference (resident Montana family farm)
- Project must address development/sustainment of Montana irrigated agriculture AND initiate or increase water conservation or measurement
- Excludes private wells and sprinkler systems such as wheel lines and pivots

50% cost share; $5,000-$50,000; minimum total project cost $100,000 for private applicants; no reimbursement of costs before July 1, 2025 (2026 cycle); ineligible: admin, indirect costs, land acquisition, lobbying.

Published amounts: Irrigation development grants range from $5,000 to $50,000. Private individuals and entities are eligible for a grant that covers 50% of project costs up to a program maximum award of $50,000 and total minimum project cost of $100,000.

Submit applications through grants.dnrc.mt.gov (Submittable) during the annual cycle.

Deadline text on the page: Page: 'The current grant cycle is closed'. 2026 guide: 'Application Deadline: March 30, 2026 by 5:00pm'

Melissa Downing

Grant Manager / Program Contact

DNRC Renewable Resource grants for on-the-ground projects that reduce nonpoint source pollution: streambank stabilization, riparian revegetation and fencing, wetland and floodplain restoration. Project Implementation Grants are open to private persons (individuals, partnerships, corporations) with a 50% cost-share, as well as local governments, conservation and irrigation districts and tribes. B because the producer-facing piece is one track of a mostly public-entity program and the page has a residential sewer-connection track.



- Cities, counties, political subdivisions incl. conservation districts and irrigation districts; tribal governments; state agencies
- Project Implementation Grants also open to non-governmental entities: individuals/private person, associations, partnerships, corporations
- Projects must improve water quality or quantity (riparian areas, floodplains, wetlands)

Implementation grants up to $50,000; non-government applicants 50% cost-share; no match for local governments; reimbursement-based.

Published amounts: Project Implementation Grants: $50,000 maximum; Non-government entities must provide a 50% cost-share. (Municipal Sewer Connections: $100,000 per applicant, $5,000 per connection.)

List of Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) Funding Opportunities