Renewable Resource Program

The Renewable Resource Grant Planning Grant Program is administered by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation within its Conservation and Resource Development Division. The program operates under Montana Code Annotated Title 85 and associated administrative rules, with the objective of supporting planning activities that lead to projects conserving, managing, developing, or protecting the state’s renewable resources. The planning grants specifically fund the preparatory work necessary to develop strong applications for larger implementation funding opportunities, ensuring that projects are technically sound and aligned with public and environmental benefits. The primary purpose of this grant program is to provide funding for professional and technical services required to produce high quality planning documents. These planning efforts are intended to culminate in viable projects that address water systems, watershed restoration, irrigation infrastructure, or other renewable resource challenges. Eligible planning activities include feasibility studies, design work, research, and resource assessments, as well as the preparation of construction or rehabilitation plans. The program emphasizes that planning outputs must directly support future implementation efforts and demonstrate both renewable resource benefits and public value. Funding is structured around specific planning document types, each with defined maximum award amounts. These include preliminary engineering reports and watershed restoration plans at the highest funding level, as well as technical narratives, project plans, and various other planning documents at lower funding tiers. Allowable expenses are strictly limited to technical and engineering services, and the program explicitly excludes administrative costs, lobbying, land acquisition, and other non technical expenditures. While matching funds are not required, applicants must demonstrate financial feasibility, and applications that include committed matching funds may receive additional consideration during evaluation. Eligibility for the program is limited to governmental entities, including cities, towns, counties, state agencies, tribal governments, and various special districts such as water or irrigation districts. Nonprofit or private organizations are not directly eligible, though they may participate through sponsorship by an eligible government entity under specific conditions. The program allows applicants to submit multiple applications for distinct projects within a cycle, but only one award per applicant is typically granted to promote geographic equity across Montana. The application process requires submission through the designated grant portal and adherence to detailed guidance documents, including scope of work requirements, budget forms, and supporting documentation. Applicants must prepare comprehensive planning proposals that include technical justification, project need, feasibility analysis, and alignment with renewable resource goals. Evaluation criteria focus on need and urgency, renewable resource benefits, public benefits, financial and technical feasibility, and overall application quality. Projects are competitively ranked, and those lacking feasibility or clear benefits are not funded. The current application cycle is scheduled to open on July 13, 2026 and close on August 21, 2026 at 5 pm. The program typically operates on an annual cycle aligned with the state biennium. Award notifications are issued via email, followed by a structured startup process requiring submission of documentation before execution of a grant agreement. The performance period generally spans up to two years depending on project complexity, with reimbursement occurring in two phases tied to submission of draft and final planning documents. Program management includes clear requirements for procurement compliance, reimbursement procedures, and final deliverables. Reporting requirements are minimal compared to other grant programs, with no regular progress reports required. Final reimbursement is contingent upon submission of a complete planning document and compliance documentation. Applicants are encouraged to coordinate closely with program staff throughout the process, and a designated program manager is available for technical assistance and guidance.

Ensure strong demonstration of renewable resource and public benefits; provide clear technical feasibility and cost justification; align planning effort with future implementation readiness