Occupant Protection Mini-Grants

The Montana Department of Transportation offers Occupant Protection Mini-Grants to support local initiatives aimed at increasing the use of seat belts and child car seats. These grants, up to $5,000, are designed for projects that are data-driven and foster local collaboration. They must align with the Montana Comprehensive Highway Safety Plan. The program emphasizes the importance of occupant protection to reduce fatalities and injuries on Montana roads.

NOTE: Grant awards are dependent on the availability of federal funding and if the application meets the intent of the program while assuring state/federal requirement compliance.
About MDT
Involving Montana's residents and communities is a vital part of fulfilling that mission.
The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT), State Highway Traffic Safety Section (SHTSS) is requesting proposals for local projects that assist Montana communities with the need for increased local public information and education (PI&E) programs that reach various demographics to encourage increases in safety belts and child car seat usage.
The Occupant Protection Program promotes the benefits of seat belt and car seat use. The long-term impact of this program is to increase occupant protection usage resulting in measurable progress toward the reduction in motor vehicle fatalities and incapacitating injuries on Montana roads. Research shows the chances of being fatally injured in a crash are reduced by nearly half for people wearing seat belts in passenger cars.

Eligibility

These mini grants are intended for projects with a limited time frame, but can having a lasting impact. A variety of projects can be considered for this funding. Projects must be data driven and demonstrate local collaboration.Applicants are encouraged to use local data in funding proposals to establish need.Projects must fall within the broad Unrestrained Vehicle Occupant strategies and opportunities for action outlined within the Montana Comprehensive Highway Safety Plan (CHSP).Funding requests may not exceed $5,000. Costs are reimbursement only and must follow allowable expenditures outlined within of MDT's Contract Manual. A fiscal organization must be identified in the proposal.The grant operates on a “reimbursement basis”. MDT will be paying you for the expenses incurred to conduct the activity after the fact.

Ineligibility

The purchase of car seats will not be approved through the OP Mini-Grant Program.