Best Water Grants in Montana

Montana nonprofit organizations seeking matching support for education, conservation, family, faith, health, veterans, or academic programs can apply for this opportunity, which may benefit water and freshwater conservation efforts. Amicus Foundation provides dollar-for-dollar matching grants via the gobeyondmeasure.org platform for well-managed, results-driven charitable projects.

The Creag Foundation, established in 2009 in Woodinville, Washington, provides funding to innovative 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations addressing social issues. Focused on smaller organizations, the foundation seeks to support those with unique approaches to improve the human condition. Eligible applicants must have held 501(c)(3) status for at least one year and present a new or previously unaddressed solution to societal challenges. Applications are by invitation only, encouraging creativity and passion in charitable work.

The Hearst Foundation's Social Service Grant focuses on tackling chronic poverty by funding direct-service organizations that implement effective solutions for economic independence and family strengthening. With a mission to support diverse nonprofits in the U.S., the Foundation allocates approximately 15% of its total funding to social services, prioritizing scalable programs that serve significant populations. The minimum grant size is $100,000, and special consideration is given to organizations addressing affordable housing, domestic violence, and youth development.

Government agencies, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, and educational institutions in western Montana can seek funding to develop or expand residential septic system education and maintenance programs from the Montana Department of Natural Resources & Conservation, up to US $50,000. Focused on water quality and toxics reduction, projects must include cost-share assistance, outreach, and participant surveys.

Private entities planning water conservation or water resource management projects in Montana can access funding through grants from Montana Department of Natural Resources & Conservation; awards up to US $5,000 for projects that conserve, develop, or improve beneficial use of water. Eligible work includes irrigation upgrades, dam repairs, septic replacement, watershed, and emergency water system improvements.

Nonprofits, university researchers, and experienced conservation practitioners in Montana and across the U.S. and Canada can apply for W.L. Gore & Associates' SITKA Ecosystem Grants, awarding US $3,000 - US $20,000 for ecosystem-improvement projects. Eligible work includes freshwater conservation, habitat restoration, hunting access and education, and collaborative stewardship efforts informed by strong data and impact metrics.

Working Landscapes: Urban and Community Forestry InitiativeThe urban and community forestry initiative is designed to expand and enhance urban and community forests across Montana through large scale tree plantings. Led by The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), the program will support projects that deliver clear urban forestry benefits through increased species diversity, shelter belts, agroforestry, and education across Montana’s communities.DNRC’s Urban and Community Forestry program promotes best management practices for planting, maintaining, and protecting community forests. The Working Landscapes Urban and Community Forestry Initiative supports opportunities for larger projects with broader, more measurable community-level impacts focusing on carbon sequestration and increasing urban forest canopy. Projects funded through this initiative build on the existing program and will expand tree canopy in Montana communities, helping to improve air and water quality, provide shade and green infrastructure, and support healthier neighborhoods.

Legal services nonprofits, solo practitioners, and small law firms pursuing impact litigation related to water, environmental harm, or justice issues in Montana can apply for recoverable grants from the Impact Fund. Grants of US $10,000 - US $50,000 help cover out-of-pocket litigation expenses like expert fees and discovery costs in economic, environmental, racial, and social justice cases.

The Dudley T. Dougherty Foundation Grant supports nonprofit charitable organizations recognized under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Revenue Code. Established in 2002, the foundation aims to empower groups committed to positive change, fostering respect for life and the environment. Their vision emphasizes collaboration for a better future, encouraging applicants to embody these values in their initiatives. With a focus on impactful projects, this grant is an opportunity for organizations striving to make a critical difference in our world.

Montana organizations and landowners restoring wild fish habitat can receive approximately US $40,000 for design/build, construction, and maintenance projects in Montana. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks provides funding for efforts that improve fish passage, protect riparian areas, enhance streamflow, or otherwise benefit wild and native fish, supporting freshwater conservation and water resource management statewide.

Montana freshwater conservation groups and fisheries organizations can seek funding for scientific research, education, and trout habitat enhancement in Montana. Montana Trout Foundation provides US $2,500 - US $15,000 to projects that preserve wild trout resources, improve water quality, and support planning or design work that may unlock additional water-related funding.

Organizations in Montana working on noxious weed control and management can apply for Montana Department of Agriculture’s Noxious Weed Trust Fund grants, with awards up to US $75,000 for research, education/development, and local cooperative treatment projects. Projects that map, monitor, and manage weeds affecting land, soil, and water resources may be eligible.

Montana agricultural producers, non-industrial forest owners, Tribes, and water management entities seeking support for water resource management and related conservation practices can access funding through USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service of Montana. EQIP assistance helps improve soil and water quality, address erosion and sediment loss, enhance wildlife habitat, and support on-farm energy and fire management on eligible working lands.

Nonprofit and public organizations serving Seeley Lake, Montana can seek funding for community projects, including freshwater conservation and water resource management, through grants up to Up to US $3,000. With a mission to improve quality of life, Seeley Lake Community Foundation supports special projects, ongoing programs, and capital efforts that benefit the local community and environment.

With a mission to strengthen rural communities, Steele-Reese Foundation provides Montana rural development and health organizations with funding for locally focused land, water, and wildlife conservation projects. Eligible 501(c)(3)s, government entities, and Native-led groups serving rural Montana and nearby Native nations can request US $5,000 - US $50,000 for essential, measurable community programs.

Environmental 501(c)(3) organizations running conservation projects in Montana can receive US $2,500 - US $15,000 for programs that protect air and water quality, fisheries, and related ecosystems. Cinnabar Foundation supports work such as restoration, citizen science, advocacy, and climate solutions within Montana and the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.

Montana organizations working on freshwater conservation and water resource management can receive US $10,000 - US $300,000 to reduce nonpoint source pollution statewide. Montana Department of Environmental Quality provides Montana water programs with competitive grants for technical and financial assistance, education, training, and on-the-ground restoration and protection projects guided by watershed restoration plans.

Focused on freshwater conservation and water resource management, Montana volunteer water monitoring programs can receive up to US $6,000 for laboratory analysis and sample shipping costs. Eligible watershed groups, conservation districts, nonprofits, schools, and similar entities apply to the Montana Department of Environmental Quality with a Sampling and Analysis Plan and analytical budget.

The Community Ties Giving Program by Union Pacific Foundation offers local grants aimed at enhancing community well-being through diverse funding priorities. These include safety initiatives, workforce development, community vitality, and environmental sustainability. The program emphasizes supporting organizations that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, aiming to create impactful projects that resonate with Union Pacific's heritage and mission. Eligible applicants must be nonprofit organizations serving Union Pacific communities and demonstrate a clear need and capacity to deliver effective programming.

Local governments in Montana can apply for $3,000 - $6,000 grants to support forest management activities that reduce wildland fire hazards, improve forest health, and enhance economic productivity. The Montana Department of Natural Resources & Conservation funds coordination for forest collaborative groups and amicus briefs for cross-boundary projects, which may benefit broader water and watershed management efforts.

Montana conservation districts in need of operational or program support for land and water resource work in Montana can apply for the Conservation District Administrative Grant, administered by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation. Funding comes from coal severance tax revenues for activities authorized under state conservation district law, including water-related conservation and resource management efforts.

Montana rural volunteer fire departments seeking cost-share support for wildland training, PPE, and equipment in Montana can access funding through Montana Department of Natural Resources & Conservation. Grants assist with wildland training, water handling equipment, radio communications, and organizing or forming new rural or volunteer fire districts, strengthening emergency response capacity in rural communities statewide.

Nonprofit and community service organizations in Montana’s Tobacco Valley can apply for Montana Community Foundation affiliate grants of more than US $500 to support local programs and services. Funding may benefit efforts such as fire and ambulance services, after-school and arts programs, and projects protecting local land, air, water, and environmental quality.

Montana state, tribal, and local government entities can use these grants to develop outdoor recreation facilities in Montana, such as parks, trails, playgrounds, and pools. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks administers this Land & Water Conservation Fund program, which provides matching funds and requires a 50% non-federal match from the applicant.

State and local governments, nonprofit organizations, and federally recognized tribes in rural Montana can apply for USDA Rural Development’s Emergency Community Water Assistance Grants, with awards up to US $1,000,000 for safe drinking water projects. Funding helps communities prepare for or recover from disasters by repairing water lines or developing new water sources and treatment facilities.

State and local governments, private nonprofits, and federally recognized tribes in rural Montana can receive funding for water and waste infrastructure projects, including drinking water, sewer, solid waste, and storm water systems. USDA Rural Development also supports related costs like legal and engineering fees, land and water rights, equipment, and start-up operations where necessary.

Montana agricultural and forest producers seeking to improve soil, water, and habitat on working lands can receive financial and technical assistance to enhance conservation practices. Focused on natural resource concerns, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service of Montana invites land stewards to develop five-year CSP contracts that support water resource management, erosion control, and long-term environmental stewardship.