Best Water Grants in Montana

The Conservation Partners Grant Program, funded by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, supports private landowners in implementing regenerative agriculture and conservation practices. By awarding competitive grants, the program facilitates technical assistance for developing management plans and best practices, enabling landowners to maximize the ecological benefits of their lands. This initiative is crucial for enhancing fish and wildlife habitats, addressing pressing conservation issues, and promoting sustainable land stewardship across the United States.

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.

The WaterSMART Applied Science Grants aim to enhance water management and supply reliability through innovative research and data utilization. By inviting qualified entities to apply for funding, the program focuses on improving hydrologic data access, forecasting capabilities, and modeling tools. This initiative aligns with federal priorities to optimize resources, ensuring water managers can effectively address future demands and adapt to climate challenges, thus fostering resilience in water operations across the nation.

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.

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.

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.