Montana DNRC - Administration Grants

The Montana DNRC offers state-funded Conservation District Administrative (CDA) Grants aimed at empowering local conservation districts to manage and conserve natural resources effectively. Eligible districts can apply for operational funding to cover essential costs like staff wages and supplies. Additionally, districts may receive up to $3,500 in funding for annual dues to the Montana Association of Conservation Districts, provided they contribute an extra $500 from non-CDA sources.

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.
Conservation District Administrative Grants
The purpose of Conservation District Administrative (CDA) Grants is to provide operational funding for districts that have insufficient funding to cover basic operation costs, such as staff wages and benefits, insurance, office supplies, and equipment.
To be eligible for CDA grant funds, a CD must apply through Submittable online grant system. All sources of revenue will be considered to assess need, as well as the districts assets, expenses, and level of conservation activities.
Through the CDA application, districts will be able to opt-in for $3,500 in funding for Montana Association of Conservation Districts (MACD) annual dues. The district agrees to supplement these funds with $500 in non-CDA funding. Through association dues, MACD provides statewide programming and services to all districts in Montana.

Eligibility

CD grants are only available to Montana's 58 conservation districts.All conservation districts in Montana are eligible if theyhave levied the maximum county mills allowed for the current fiscal year demonstrate a need for additional fundsare working towards a conservation activity as identified in an annual workplan, watershed restoration plan, or district strategic plan.The following criteria will be considered to demonstrate need for evaluating CDA funding requests.
CD has a need for funds beyond mill for general operations.CD has levied the maximum county mills allowed for the current fiscal year. CD has submitted its Annual Financial Report to the Department of Administration. CD has submitted a preliminary budget to the county clerk and recorder. A statement of assets including account balances and the district’s purpose, plans, and timeline for expending.Grant funds can be used for: implementing on-the-ground projectsdelivering educational programming to youth and adults, assisting landowners with innovative conservation practices, and for district operations.