Wisconsin Targeted Runoff Management (TRM) Grants

Wisconsin DNR's Targeted Runoff Management grants go to counties and other local governments to control nonpoint-source pollution, mostly agricultural runoff, in targeted critical areas. Farmers don't apply to DNR: your county applies, then signs cost-share agreements with you for practices that meet state agricultural performance standards or EPA-approved TMDLs, at up to 70% of eligible costs. Applications are due each April 15 for projects that start the following year.

• Applicants: cities, villages, towns, counties, regional planning commissions, tribal governments, and special purpose lake, sewerage and sanitary districts.

• Agricultural projects that implement state agricultural performance standards and prohibitions (NR 151) or EPA-approved TMDLs; small-scale urban TMDL projects also qualify.

• Not eligible: croplands or livestock facilities defined as 'new', CAFO permit-required point source controls, construction site erosion control, and dredging.

Up to 70% cost-share. Large-scale projects run 3-4 years and small-scale projects 2-3 years. Grantees must get DNR approval for each cost-share agreement with a landowner. Cost-share limits can be exceeded for landowners who meet the economic hardship rules in NR 154.03(3).

Published amounts: The cost-share rate for TRM projects is up to 70% of eligible costs. Large-scale projects: Funding is limited to $600,000. Small-scale projects: Grants are limited to $225,000.

Pick the application that fits the project: Large-Scale Agricultural TRM (Form 8700-333), Small-Scale Agricultural TRM (Form 8700-300) or Small-Scale Urban TMDL TRM (Form 8700-332). Submit it electronically by April 15 of the year before the grant starts.

Deadline text on the page: Applications must be sent electronically by April 15 of the calendar year prior to the awarded grant start year. (Applications for projects beginning in 2027 were due April 15, 2026.)