Search Through Agriculture Grants in Montana in the U.S.

CHS is a leading global agribusiness owned by farmers, ranchers and cooperatives across the United States. Diversified in energy, agronomy, grains and foods, CHS is committed to creating connections to empower agriculture, helping its farmer-owners, customers and other stakeholders grow their businesses through its domestic and global operations. CHS supplies energy, crop nutrients, seed, crop protection products, grain marketing services, production and agricultural services, animal nutrition products, foods and food ingredients, and risk management services. The company operates petroleum refineries and pipelines and manufactures, markets and distributes Cenex® brand refined fuels, lubricants, propane and renewable energy products. 

Agricultural and cooperative education: AG leadership

The CHS Foundation supports agricultural leadership and cooperative education projects that build a robust, diverse pipeline for agriculture and help people understand the value of the ag cooperative business model.

AgWest Farm Credit

AgWest Farm Credit is an agricultural lending cooperative with more than a century of experience serving farmers, ranchers, timber harvesters, and aquatic producers throughout the West. 

Rural Community Grants

AgWest Farm Credit is committed to improving the economic and social well-being of rural communities.

We are looking for creative and collaborative approaches to address challenges and provide opportunities to people who live in rural communities. This program provides grants to non-profit organizations for projects that improve rural communities within Alaska, Arizona, California, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington. This includes efforts such as building or improving facilities; purchasing necessary equipment to facilitate a local program; and funding capital improvements which enhance a community’s infrastructure, viability and/or prosperity.

Examples of rural community grant projects

• Fire engine for rural fire department
• Multi-purpose community building
• Improving community park facilities
• Computers for a community center’s educational classes

Grant amounts

Maximum grant request is $5000. Due to growing demand, the average amount awarded is between $500 and $2,500. An organization may only be awarded grant funds once per calendar year.

Background

CHS is a global agribusiness owned by farmers, ranchers and cooperatives across the United States. Diversified in energy, agronomy, grains and foods, we’re committed to creating connections to empower agriculture, helping our owners and customers grow their businesses.

General inquiriesWe consider other requests that benefit the agriculture or cooperative industry.

The Montana Noxious Weed Trust Fund (NWTF) Grant Program was established by the 1985 Montana Legislature to provide funding for the development and implementation of weed management programs. Grant awards of up to $75,000 are available for noxious weed research projects, state and community education/development projects, and local cooperative - landowner cost share grants. 

Specific Project Types

Local Cooperative Projects (New and Continuing)

Local Cooperative projects involve on the ground treatment of noxious weeds and require the participation of a minimum of three adjacent landowners. Participating landowners will develop a cooperative weed management area, map noxious weeds in the project area, develop long term weed control plans and must have a committed dollar amount for treatment prior to application submission.

Local Cooperative projects are required to have a minimum of 50% hard match for commercial application, herbicide, and revegetation costs.

Administrative costs are available for Local Cooperative project coordinators that have not received a Special County/Reservation Grant.

Local Cooperative projects should:

• support the State Weed Management Plan and meet Cooperative Weed Management Area (CWMA) criteria,
• adhere closely to herbicide costs listed in the State Term Contract for Agricultural Chemicals,
• have measurable objectives that describe how renewable resources will be enhanced,
• utilize appropriate integrated management techniques,
• provide a time schedule for beginning and completing all phases of the project,
• incorporate an annual monitoring plan to effectively track progress, and
• provide educational opportunities for land managers. 

New Local Cooperative projects require completion of an environmental assessment (EA) for the project area. EA requirements under the Noxious Weed Trust Fund Final Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (May 2010) include:

• General Vegetation.
• Soils (includes soil maps).
• Ground and Surface Water (includes project maps and well locations).
• Air quality.
• Habitat of fish & wildlife.
• Threatened, endangered and species of concern (includes list of animals from MNHP or FWP).
• Historical and archeological sites (includes a letter from the Montana Historical Society).

Research Projects

Research projects may include chemical, non-chemical, biological, and integrated approaches to weed control. Creative proposals for investigating new weed management techniques are encouraged. Matching funds are not required and any in-kind match or forgone indirect costs can be noted in the application.

Research projects should:

• Support the State Weed Management Plan.
• Be developed in cooperation with land managers to address land management needs.
• Increase knowledge of noxious weeds and/or improve an important aspect of noxious weed management.
• Enhance a new or existing method of weed management.
• Provide the foundation for a positive long term effect on threatened natural resources.
• Contain specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and timely project objectives.
• Explain the purpose of the research, what research has been done in the past, and what improvement and/or increased knowledge the project will produce.
• Effectively disseminate project results to end users.
• Provide a time schedule for beginning and completing all phases of the project.

Applicants are encouraged to contact the State Biological Control Coordinator to discuss and collaborate on biological control components of the project.

Education/Development Projects

Education/Development projects include mapping, monitoring, planning, and education. Matching funds are not required and any in-kind match or forgone indirect costs can be noted in the application.

Education/Development projects should:

• Support the State Weed Management Plan.
• Build partnerships and include collaborative resources from weed management resources.
• Promote public awareness about noxious weed impacts and illustrate opportunities for action.
• Be based on sound ecological principles.
• Include a detailed action plan of how the project will be completed.
• Contain specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and timely project objectives.
• Specify how project success will be monitored and measured, including long-term evaluation.
• Provide a time schedule for beginning and completing all phases of the project.

Applicants are encouraged to contact the State Education Coordinator to discuss and collaborate on educational components of the project.

About

The Irrigation Development Grant (IDG) Program supports irrigation projects that increase or sustain irrigated agriculture in Montana. Projects 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 ground water 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

Eligible Projects: The project must (1) address development or sustainment of Montana's irrigated agriculture, and (2) initiate or increase the sponsor's water conservation or measurement efforts. Projects may include equipment replacement (excepting private wells and sprinkler systems such as wheel lines and pivots), infrastructure repair, investigations, and planning.

Examples of Projects Include:

• Increase irrigation efficiencies through water conservation
• Expand or sustain irrigated acreage
• Increase production of high-value crops
• Improve management of irrigation systems
• Improve inter-basin cooperation among all water users. 

Background

The Montana Alfalfa Seed Committee was created by the 1981 Legislature to encourage development of the alfalfa seed industry through improvements and innovations in various aspects of the business. The 1997 legislature incorporated the Alfalfa Leaf Cutting Bee Committee into the Alfalfa Seed Committee.

The Montana Alfalfa Seed Industry Act is administered by an eight-member Montana Alfalfa Seed Committee, which is attached to the Montana Department of Agriculture for administrative purposes.

The primary goal of the Montana Alfalfa Seed Industry Act as stated in the enabling legislation, is "to improve the culture and production of and expand the market for alfalfa seed grown in the state by providing for research to develop and improve control measures for diseases and pests which attack alfalfa seed pollinators (i.e. Alfalfa Leaf Cutter Bees); improve alfalfa seed growing culture; and disseminate information to the growers.” 

An exceptional education. A great value.

Montana State University offers millions of dollars in merit scholarships and waivers to new students with excellent academic records and outstanding promise for student success.

Aasheim Family Leadership Scholarship

Award

• Varies

Scopes

• Agriculture

An exceptional education. A great value.

Montana State University offers millions of dollars in merit scholarships and waivers to new students with excellent academic records and outstanding promise for student success.

A.B. Cobb III Memorial

Award

• Varies

Scopes

• Agriculture, Animal and Range Sciences

An exceptional education. A great value.

Montana State University offers millions of dollars in merit scholarships and waivers to new students with excellent academic records and outstanding promise for student success.

Agricultural Economics and Economics Memorial Scholarship

Awards include the James Van Winkle Memorial Award, the Carl Rostad Memorial Scholarship and other awards.

Award

• Varies

Scopes

• Agricultural Economics and Economics, Agriculture

Montana State University

Montana State University (MSU), the state’s largest public research university, serves as Montana’s premier land-grant institution dedicated to education, research, and service. Founded in 1893 in Bozeman, MSU provides high-quality, accessible learning opportunities while advancing discoveries that address the needs of Montana, the nation, and the world. With more than 16,000 students and a strong commitment to hands-on, experiential learning, MSU integrates academic excellence with real-world problem-solving across fields such as agriculture, engineering, health, science, and the arts.

Guided by its land-grant mission, MSU prioritizes student success, community engagement, and research that strengthens Montana’s economy and quality of life. The university strives to foster innovation, expand opportunity, and support thriving communities by preparing graduates who are equipped to lead, serve, and contribute meaningfully to society.

AIA Montana Endowed Scholarship

The AIA Montana Endowed Scholarship supports third- and fourth-year students pursuing a degree in Environmental Design who maintain a minimum 2.75 cumulative GPA and hold active membership in the American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS). Designed to encourage future architects and designers, the scholarship recognizes students committed to academic achievement and engagement in the architectural community. Falling under the scopes of Architecture and Arts and Architecture, the scholarship helps emerging design professionals advance their education and prepare for impactful careers in the built environment.

Montana State University

Montana State University (MSU), the state’s largest public research university, serves as Montana’s premier land-grant institution dedicated to education, research, and service. Founded in 1893 in Bozeman, MSU provides high-quality, accessible learning opportunities while advancing discoveries that address the needs of Montana, the nation, and the world. With more than 16,000 students and a strong commitment to hands-on, experiential learning, MSU integrates academic excellence with real-world problem-solving across fields such as agriculture, engineering, health, science, and the arts.

Guided by its land-grant mission, MSU prioritizes student success, community engagement, and research that strengthens Montana’s economy and quality of life. The university strives to foster innovation, expand opportunity, and support thriving communities by preparing graduates who are equipped to lead, serve, and contribute meaningfully to society.

AJ Brahmstadt Memorial Scholarship

The AJ Brahmstadt Memorial Scholarship supports students pursuing a degree within the College of Letters and Science who maintain a minimum 3.25 cumulative GPA. Preference is given to students majoring in Economics and to applicants who are Oregon residents, reflecting AJ Brahmstadt’s legacy and academic interests.  As part of the Letters and Science scope, the scholarship helps strong academic achievers continue their studies and prepare for impactful careers in their chosen fields.

Montana State University

Montana State University (MSU), the state’s largest public research university, serves as Montana’s premier land-grant institution dedicated to education, research, and service. Founded in 1893 in Bozeman, MSU provides high-quality, accessible learning opportunities while advancing discoveries that address the needs of Montana, the nation, and the world. With more than 16,000 students and a strong commitment to hands-on, experiential learning, MSU integrates academic excellence with real-world problem-solving across fields such as agriculture, engineering, health, science, and the arts.

Guided by its land-grant mission, MSU prioritizes student success, community engagement, and research that strengthens Montana’s economy and quality of life. The university strives to foster innovation, expand opportunity, and support thriving communities by preparing graduates who are equipped to lead, serve, and contribute meaningfully to society.

A. K. Erhardt Education Scholarship

The A. K. Erhardt Education Scholarship supports students pursuing a degree within the Department of Education who demonstrate financial need and maintain a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA. Preference is given to junior, senior, or graduate-level students and to those who are Montana high school graduates, aligning with the scholarship’s goal of strengthening the state’s future educators. As part of the Education scope, this scholarship helps aspiring educators advance their academic preparation and pursue impactful careers in teaching and educational leadership.

Montana State University

Montana State University (MSU), the state’s largest public research university, serves as Montana’s premier land-grant institution dedicated to education, research, and service. Founded in 1893 in Bozeman, MSU provides high-quality, accessible learning opportunities while advancing discoveries that address the needs of Montana, the nation, and the world. With more than 16,000 students and a strong commitment to hands-on, experiential learning, MSU integrates academic excellence with real-world problem-solving across fields such as agriculture, engineering, health, science, and the arts.

Guided by its land-grant mission, MSU prioritizes student success, community engagement, and research that strengthens Montana’s economy and quality of life. The university strives to foster innovation, expand opportunity, and support thriving communities by preparing graduates who are equipped to lead, serve, and contribute meaningfully to society.

Akira Murakami Scholarship

The Akira Murakami Scholarship provides financial assistance to students attending Montana State University who can demonstrate financial need. Open to MSU students across academic disciplines, the award helps reduce financial barriers and supports students in continuing their education. This scholarship is designed to promote educational access and success for students with demonstrated need.

Investing in the future of the cooperative system

The CHS Foundation supports cooperative education projects that develop and enhance understanding of the ag cooperative business model through education, professional development, and practical experience.

Program priorities and guidelines

The CHS Foundation will consider programs that:

• Educate the next generation about the agricultural cooperative business model
• Demonstrate a history of success and/or increase in growth or demand
• Incorporate technology and new, innovative approaches
• Target middle school, high school, college-age students and young producers
• Clearly identify strategies for engagement with key audiences and outline goals with measurable outcomes
• Use funding to support program-related costs
• Have a national or state level reach within the main CHS trade area (Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Ohio, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming)

Each year, with proceeds from the Red Ants Pants Music Festival, the Red Ants Pants Foundation awards grants to organizations and individuals whose projects further our mission. Our granting is focused on projects that align with our mission pillar of enriching and promoting rural communities. Now having completed our eleventh grant cycle, the Red Ants Pants Foundation has granted over $190,000 to well over 100 entities across nearly every corner of Montana.

​Eligible individuals or organizations must have a mission and values in alignment with the Foundation and demonstrate that the grant award will be used in a way that furthers the mission and values of the Red Ants Pants Foundation.

The Mission of the Red Ants Pants Foundation:

• To develop and expand leadership roles for women.
• To preserve and support working family farms and ranches.
• To enrich and promote rural communities.

The Values of the Red Ants Pants Foundation:

• To recognize and cultivate a strong work ethic.
• To encourage and build self-reliance, especially for women.
• To educate the public on the importance of maintaining traditional work skills.
• To provide opportunities for people with different perspectives to connect, build bridges, and discover common ground.

Priority Area - Enrich and promote rural communities

We believe in the value of rural communities, because in small towns, we need each other, and we maintain the personal connection.

Proposed projects should:

• Primarily serve rural areas in the state of Montana 
• Demonstrate community support via financial or in-kind donations, matches, volunteers, partnerships etc
• Be spearheaded by competent individuals and/or organizations that demonstrate strong leadership capacity and the ability to leverage resources
• Demonstrate an impact on the quality of life through tangible effects on the local community

Examples include but are not limited to:

• Community educational resources such as libraries, museums
• Community gatherings or events
• Public gathering spaces - bring back the dance halls!
• Community cultural education sessions, gatherings, or organizations 
• Training for local leaders 
• Agricultural or civic organizations with programs or resources that support rural areas
• Other projects that are important in your community

Definition and Purpose

The Cinnabar Foundation supports organizations that effectively conserve, preserve and restore the natural environment in Montana and the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.

Program/Project Grants provide funding that enables an organization to carry out a specific project, program or campaign. 

Priority for Program/Project Grants will be given to projects that align with the Cinnabar Foundation's priorities and advance the Foundation's strategic vision and conservation goals. 

Conservation Program Areas

The Cinnabar Foundation has adopted four key program areas that align with its Strategic Framework, each with specific focus areas designed to drive impact and further the Foundation's mission. Conservation program areas and focuses are described below.

Please note that in 2025, the Cinnabar Foundation Board of Directors has adopted a new policy regarding educational programs. Cinnabar has de-emphasized funding K-12 education and community-based ecology and conservation programs that are not embedded in the applying organization’s broader conservation work.

• For example, if an organization is strictly a K-12 or community-based ecology or conservation program without a broader conservation work, Cinnabar will likely not fund that organization in 2025. However, if education is one element of the organization’s broader conservation strategy (and that strategy aligns with Cinnabar’s mission), that organization will be considered. 

2025 Program Areas

• Build an informed constituency to inspire conservation actions that advocate to preserve and restore our natural heritage as we adapt to change
• Support the advancement of climate strategies and solutions 
• Support stewardship practices that enhance ecosystem health 
• Prevent or mitigate irresponsible natural resource extraction 
• Nurture the next generation of conservation leaders and stewards 

• Protect wildlife habitat and migration corridors
• Conserve strategic open space and agricultural lands that protect habitat and migration corridors

• Advocate, preserve and protect our public lands and public access
• Support citizen science and field work restoration programs

• Protect, restore and advocate on behalf of clean air, water and fisheries
• Support citizen science and field work restoration programs

Applications will be accepted in any of these four program areas as long as they are focused on one or more of the bulleted criteria.

2025 Funding Priorities 

​Cinnabar has four funding priorities which are hierarchically described below.

• Build an informed constituency to inspire conservation actions that advocate to preserve, protect and restore clean air, water, lands and public access, wildlife, fisheries, and wildlands in Montana and the GYE
• Expand knowledge through scientific research and data collecting to find and implement solutions to environmental and conservation challenges (includes citizen science)
• Conserve strategic open space and agricultural lands that protect wildlife habitat and migration corridors
• Protect public lands and advance critical wilderness projects

Funding Amount

Applicants seeking Program/Project support are advised that grant amounts will not exceed 50% of the total project budget, or $15,000, whichever is less. Cinnabar rarely funds more than 25% of total program/project expenses.

Foundation History

Matt S. Browning and Barbara Kimball Browning founded the Browning Kimball Foundation in 1978. It is a unique private foundation dedicated to reaching out to charitable organizations that improve the quality of living for people and communities throughout Montana.

The Directors are sensitive to the needs of communities, large and small, and look for mission statements that enhance living conditions for people with all levels of abilities.

Foundation Mission

The Browning Kimball Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in Central Montana by promoting sustainable agriculture and fostering the well-being of youth and families.

Foundation Policies

In an effort to promote good governance and fundraising practices, the Browning Kimball Foundation may limit grants to four (4) successive years. At that time, the Board may decide to cease funding. Browning Kimball Foundation grantees are encouraged to maintain a large funding base and not become reliant on one funder.

Areas of Support

• Environment
• Community Development
• Education
• Agriculture
• Health & Wellness
• Human Services

About High Stakes Foundation

The High Stakes Foundation supports visionary people and organizations in Montana through grants and program related investments. We fund transformational ideas that promote equality, climate change solutions, economic development, local agriculture, sustainable communities, ecosystem preservation and leadership. We believe in solutions which support vibrant, interconnected communities that give everyone in the local community a direct, long-term interest in the prosperity, health, and beauty of Montana.

We primarily provide general operating support grants to dynamic mission-aligned change-makers.

Focus Areas

We support talented and skilled leaders and their organizations who are focused on:Civic EngagementWe support change makers working to engage, inform and activate constituents in support of a vibrant, just democracy. Climate ChangeWe support proactive solutions to protect the environment. ConservationWe believe in conserving public lands for future generations. Economic DevelopmentWe champion increased opportunity and robust, sustainable local economies. LeadershipWe encourage the next generation of Montana community leaders. Local Food SystemsWe support local food security in Montana. Social JusticeWe value a vibrant, informed democracy, and promote a just, equitable society. SustainabilityWe believe in reducing our footprint here in Montana and around the globe. Please see FAQs for additional guidelines.

SARE is a program of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Institute for Food and Agriculture that provides competitive grants and educational materials. Our grants programs are conducted cooperatively by farmers, ranchers, researchers, and ag professionals to advance farm and ranch systems that are profitable, environmentally sound, and good for communities.

The SARE grant program mission is to advance innovations that improve profitability, stewardship, and quality of life in American agriculture by investing in groundbreaking research and education. To achieve that, Western SARE believes that our programs must include the involvement of agricultural producers from inception to finish, and therefore we require producer involvement in the planning, design, implementation, and educational outreach of any funded project.

Western SARE, one of four regional SARE programs, is hosted by Montana State University and is funded by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture. 

Sabbatical Research and Education Grant Program

How the Program Works

Western SARE Sabbatical Grants provide an opportunity for faculty around the world to partner with farmers, ranchers, agricultural professionals, and researchers of the Western U.S. region for conducting research, education, and Extension activities. Projects focused on unexplored topics in underserved communities and understudied geographic locations are of special interest. $75,000 limit/one year in scope.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Montana Department of Agriculture (MDA) is to protect producers and consumers, and to enhance and develop agriculture and allied industries. 

 Specialty Crop Block Grant

The Montana Department of Agriculture is pleased to present the Specialty Crop Block Grant (SCBG). The purpose of this program is to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops in Montana. For purposes of the program, specialty crops are defined as fruits, vegetables, peas and lentils, dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery crops (including floriculture).

Program Purpose

The purpose of this program is to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops in Montana pertaining to the following issues affecting the specialty crop industry:

• enhancing food safety;
• improving the capacity of all entities in the specialty crop distribution chain to comply with the requirements of the Food Safety Modernization Act,
  • for example, by developing “Good Agricultural Practices,” “Good Handling Practices,” “Good Manufacturing Practices,” and in cost-share arrangements for funding audits of such systems for small farmers, packers and processors;
• investing in specialty crop research, including research to focus on conservation and environmental outcomes;
• developing new and improved seed varieties and specialty crops;
• pest and disease control;
• increasing child and adult nutrition knowledge and consumption of specialty crops;
• improving efficiency and reducing costs of distribution systems and;
• sustainability.

For purposes of the program, specialty crops are defined as fruits, vegetables, peas and lentils, dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery crops (including floriculture).

POLLINATOR GRANTS

Pollinator grants are available to conservation districts for any projects that will improve pollinator habitat within Montana. Example projects include community and demonstration gardens, area-wide pollinator initiatives, education events, and planting pollinator plots. In addition to the general guidelines provided previously in the overview section, the following guidelines apply specifically to the Pollinator Grants:

• The minimum application request is $5,000, and requests may not exceed $15,000.
• Applications that include a monitoring plan, a public outreach and education plan, and a partners’ plan will rank higher.
• Applications for this program should include the following components:
  • Public Outreach and Education:
    • Develop and implement outreach initiatives to educate the public, local stakeholders, and community members about the importance of pollinators and their role in ecosystem health, agriculture, and biodiversity.
    • Activities may include workshops, community events, informational campaigns, and educational materials tailored to various audiences.
    • Include strategies to engage underserved or underrepresented communities.
  • Community Participation:
    • Actively involve local communities, schools, businesses, and other stakeholders.
    • Promote citizen science opportunities to increase awareness and participation, such as monitoring pollinator populations or planting pollinator-friendly habitats.
  • Pollinator Monitoring Program:
    • Establish a monitoring protocol to track pollinator populations, habitat usage, and the overall effectiveness of program interventions.
    • Include specific metrics and indicators to assess progress, such as changes in pollinator diversity, abundance, and habitat quality.

Conservation District Grants

DNRC's Conservation Districts Bureau offers state-funded grants provided by the legislature with the goal of empowering conservation districts to conserve the natural resources of Montana through locally-led conservation. Grant funds can be used for implementing on-the-ground projects, delivering educational programming to youth and adults, assisting landowners with innovative conservation practices, and for district operations.

Project & Planning Grants (Formerly 223 grants)

Grants for conservation projects and planning.

Funding Amount

• Planning: $20,000
• Project: $50,000

Conservation Planning Grants

Conservation District Planning Grants are intended to assist conservation districts with operational planning and for the planning and design of technically feasible natural resource projects. These grants are specifically available to fund a formal planning process that results in a written plan or report. Examples include strategic plans, watershed restoration plans, preliminary engineering reports, feasibility studies, new program guidelines, or completed applications for larger project grants. In addition to the general guidelines provided previously in the overview section, the following guidelines apply specifically to the Conservation District Planning Grants:

• The minimum application amount is $5,000 and applications may not exceed $20,000.
• The final deliverable must be a completed planning document, report, or grant application.
• Planning grants are intended to lead to on-the-ground project(s).

Conservation District Project Implementation Grants:

The Conservation District Project Implementation Grants are for any project under the authority of Conservation Districts pursuant to MCA, Title 76, Chapter 15, Part 4. Funds may be used for any project a conservation district is authorized to carry out, including, but not limited to stream restoration, soil health improvements, water quality improvements, demonstration projects, farm experiments, equipment purchases, or construction projects. In addition to the general guidelines provided previously in the overview section, the following guidelines apply specifically to the Conservation District Project Implementation Grants:

• Projects must be identified in the district’s strategic plan or annual workplan, a copy of which must be provided with the application.
• The minimum application amount is $5,000 and applications may not exceed $50,000. Conservation Districts may request funds above this limit, but for any grant above $50,000.00 a 50:50 cash match is required for the entire grant amount.
• Applications that include a monitoring plan, a public outreach and education plan, and a partners’ plan will rank higher.
• For educational events, funds can only be used to pay for expenses that exceed revenue (registration fees, sponsorships, donations, etc.). A detailed spreadsheet that itemizes expenditures and revenues must be submitted with the final report.
• Applications that include the purchase of equipment must include a maintenance plan that includes rental fees, repair and maintenance costs, deposits (if applicable), and long-term leases (if applicable). Reasonable rental fees must be charged to cover maintenance and replacement costs. Applications for equipment must also include 50:50 cash match.
• Per DNRC policy, noxious weed projects must demonstrate that funding was first sought through the Noxious Weed Trust Fund at the Montana Department of Agriculture and be coordinated with the local weed district. https://agr.mt.gov/NoxiousWeedTrustFund
• Per DNRC policy, aquatic invasive species project funding must be sought through the DNRC Aquatic Invasive Species Program. https://invasivespecies.mt.gov/montanainvasive-species/Aquatic-Invasive-Species-Grant-Program .

Funding for precision ag and data analytics projects

All requests for funding from colleges and universities are accepted and evaluated during an annual, competitive grant process. Online applications are available April 15 to May 31. Each year, the CHS Foundation board of trustees selects new funding priorities. The 2023 funding priorities are data analytics and precision agriculture with a focus on agronomy or ag mechanics/engineering.

Data analytics

The CHS Foundation will consider initiatives that prepare students to collect, analyze and understand data sets to optimize the agricultural supply chain. Priority given to projects that:

• Drive students to innovate and develop new technology
• Prepare students to collect and analyze data from multiple sources
• Expand students’ understanding of data architecture and systems
• Feature collaborative approaches that combine elements of statistics, economics and computer science
• Offer hands-on learning for students

Precision agriculture

The CHS Foundation will consider university and college initiatives that prepare students to design, operate and maintain technology, machinery and systems for agriculture. Priority given to projects that:

• Develop or enhance agronomy, precision agriculture, or ag mechanics/engineering degree programs, curriculum and classes
• Recruit students to pursue degrees and careers in precision agriculture, agronomy, ag mechanics or engineering degree fields
• Drive students to innovate and develop new technology
• Provide students hands-on experiences

CHS Inc

CHS (fomerly is a leading global agribusiness owned by farmers, ranchers and cooperatives across the United States. Diversified in energy, agronomy, grains and foods, CHS is committed to creating connections to empower agriculture, helping its farmer-owners, customers and other stakeholders grow their businesses through its domestic and global operations. CHS supplies energy, crop nutrients, seed, crop protection products, grain marketing services, production and agricultural services, animal nutrition products, foods and food ingredients, and risk management services. The company operates petroleum refineries and pipelines and manufactures, markets and distributes Cenex® brand refined fuels, lubricants, propane and renewable energy products. 

CHS invests in programs that strengthen hometown communities and develop future generations of ag leaders through CHS community giving and the CHS Foundation. These initiatives support CHS sustainability efforts and long-term focus on people and rural communities

CHS community giving serves cooperative communities through support of cooperative matching grants, Twin Cities projects, volunteerism and industry support.

CHS Foundation

The CHS Foundation builds ag career pathways and educates rural youth through support of ag safety.

Teacher Grants

The CHS Foundation will award up to $50,000 to help teachers to implement a project at their school that will engage students in experiential agricultural education. We know teachers have big ideas we want to help bring those to life for students in rural communities.

Montana Wheat and Barley Committee Grants

At the Montana Wheat & Barley Committee, we promote local research and develop trade markets around the world.

Grant awards focus on agricultural study and related needs for research projects. MWBC will consider those projects which might improve wheat and barley quality and production, along with best farm practices. These will be reviewed each fall for award in the consecutive calendar year.

Funding Project Tiers

Tier I CORE: Critical Ongoing Research Efforts

Varietal Development, Genomics, Wheat Stem Sawfly, Quality Labs

Tier II Agronomic Best Practices

Crop rotation work, nutrient efficiencies, carbon studies, precision agriculture

Tier III Combative weed, pest, disease innovation and product development

Wireworms, sawfly, midge, herbicide

Tier IV

End use product innovations

Conservation Stewardship Program

The Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) helps you build on your existing conservation efforts while strengthening your operation.

Whether you are looking to improve grazing conditions, increase crop resiliency, or develop wildlife habitat, we can custom design a CSP plan to help you meet those goals. We can help you identify natural resource problems in your operation and provide technical and financial assistance to solve those problems or attain higher stewardship levels in an environmentally beneficial and cost-effective manner.

How It Works

If you are already taking steps to improve the condition of the land, chances are, CSP can help you find new ways to meet your goals.

NRCS works one-on-one with producers to develop a conservation plan that outlines and enhances existing efforts, using new conservation practices or activities, based on management objectives for your operation. Producers implement practices and activities in their conservation plan that expands on the benefits of cleaner water and air, healthier soil and better wildlife habitat, all while improving their agricultural operations.

For example, if you have been planting a cover crop, you may decide to try an enhancement for a multi species cover crop or implement a deep-rooted cover crop to break up soil compaction and further improve the health of your soil.

CSP offers annual payments for implementing these practices on your land and operating and maintaining existing conservation efforts. Want to take it a step further? CSP also offers bundles where you can select a suite of enhancements and receive a higher payment rate.

Benefits

CSP is for working lands and is the largest conservation program in the United States. Thousands of people voluntarily enroll in the program because it helps them enhance natural resources and improve their business operation.

CSP participants are seeing real results.  Some of these benefits include:

• Enhanced resiliency to weather and market volatility
• Decreased need for agricultural inputs
• Improved wildlife habitat conditions

CSP Contracts

The program represents a genuine commitment to conservation – CSP contracts are for five years, with the opportunity to compete for a contract renewal if you successfully fulfill the initial contract and agree to achieve additional conservation objectives. An NRCS conservation planner will work closely with you, throughout the entire contract process.

Contract payments are based on two components:

• Payments to maintain the existing level of conservation, based on the land uses included in the contract and an NRCS assessment of existing stewardship at the time of enrollment, and
• Payments to implement additional conservation activities.

Most participants will be eligible for a $4000 minimum payment during any year that their total annual contract payment falls below the minimum payment amount.

Montana Priority Resource Concerns

• Degraded Plant Condition
• Field Sediment, Nutrient and Pathogen Loss
• Fire Management
• Livestock Production Limitations
• Pest Pressure
• Soil Quality Limitations
• Terrestrial Habitat (Fish and Wildlife – Inadequate Habitat)
• Wind and Water Erosion

Overview

The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) is NRCS’ flagship conservation program that helps farmers, ranchers and forest landowners integrate conservation into working lands.

Through EQIP, NRCS provides agricultural producers and non-industrial forest managers with financial resources and one-on-one help to plan and implement improvements, or what NRCS calls conservation practices.  Using these practices can lead to cleaner water and air, healthier soil and better wildlife habitat, all while improving agricultural operations.

In Montana, NRCS uses a “Focused Conservation” strategy to guide its EQIP investments. Learn more about Montana Focused Conservation.

Targeted Implementation Plans (TIPs)

Targeted Implementation Plans are local-level EQIP initiatives used by NRCS in Montana to guide on-the ground implementation of locally developed Long Range County Plans. See what's available in your county.

EQIP Initiatives Offered in Montana

Targeted EQIP financial assistance is available through general EQIP and several other initiatives. These initiatives address priority natural resource concerns on the most vulnerable lands, target conservation assistance in high priority watersheds, or help stimulate the development and adoption of innovation and technology.

The following initiatives are currently offered in Montana:

• Conservation Incentive Contracts
• Community Agriculture Initiative
• Joint Chiefs’ Landscape Restoration Partnership Projects
  • Connecting Fuels Treatments in the Salish Mountains and Whitefish Range
  • Fire Adapted Bitterroot Project
  • Gallatin Valley Forest Resiliency and Watershed Health Project
  • Libby Surround Stewardship Project
• National Water Quality Initiative Projects
  • Camp and Godfrey Creeks
  • Shields River
• On-Farm Energy Initiative
• Organic Initiative
• Regional Conservation Partnership Program Projects
  • Big Game Habitat Improvement Project
  • Northern Great Plains Grassland Conservation Project
  • Flint Creek Valley Conservation Partnership Project
  • Bitterroot Conservation Connectivity Project
• Sage Grouse Initiative

Montana Priority Resource Concerns

• Degraded Plant Condition
• Field Sediment, Nutrient and Pathogen Loss
• Fire Management
• Livestock Production Limitations
• Pest Pressure
• Soil Quality Limitations
• Terrestrial Habitat (Fish and Wildlife – Inadequate Habitat)
• Wind and Water Erosion