Missouri-Madison River Fund Grant Program

Missouri-Madison River Fund Grant Program

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: NorthWestern Energy
Last Updated: July 21, 2025

Summary

The Missouri-Madison River Fund Grant Program aims to enhance public recreation in the Missouri-Madison Project Area through a partnership of local, state, and federal agencies. It provides funding for qualifying projects, supported by matching funds from NorthWestern Energy, capped at $200,000 annually, adjusted for inflation. Projects must comply with the FERC Project 2188 License and align with local management plans to be considered for funding.

Overview

NOTE: All projects are required to have a Project Sponsor to be considered for funding by the River Fund. A list of current Regional Working Group members can be requested from the Pinnacle Research Program Officer. The Missouri-Madison River Fund Grant Program, implemented through the Missouri-Madison Comprehensive Recreation Plan, addresses ongoing needs for public recreation in the Missouri-Madison Project Area. Created as a public-private partnership among local government, state and federal agencies, and licensee of the Project 2188 Hydroelectric Project, River Fund grants and NorthWestern Energy matching funds are awarded annually for qualifying projects. Per provisions of the MOU for the Missouri-Madison Comprehensive Recreation Plan, NorthWestern Energy will provide matching funds for recreation projects approved for funding by the River Fund Board. The amount of the match varies by the location of the project and the amount of public agency contributions to the project, as noted here. The total amount of matching funds for all projects is limited to $200,000 plus an inflation adjustment per year.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Basic Project Criteria:The project is consistent with the FERC Project 2188 License. The project occurs in the Missouri-Madison Project Area (within one mile of the nine reservoirs operated by NorthWestern Energy and the river reaches between these reservoirs and below Morony Dam to F rt Benton, excluding the Bureau of Reclamation’s Canyon Ferry Project and the State of Montana’s Toston Project).The project must be consistent with or support management plans in the Project Area, including but not limited to:Missouri-Madison Comprehensive Recreation Plan. Management plans developed by the Forest Service, BLM, and Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks. Land use plans and growth management policies for counties and communities in the Corridor.