Funding Amount

Varies

Deadline

October 31, 2027

570 days left

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP)

Funder: Heart of the Rockies Initiative (MT, US)

Status: NRCS enrollment period is not currently open. A future sign-up period may open in October 2027 to award remaining available funding (~$1 million).

Geographic Scope: Projects within occupied grizzly bear and wolf territory in Montana

Focus Areas:

  • Range riding

  • Livestock carcass management (including pick-up, removal)

  • Electric fencing (including electric drive-over mats)

  • Conflict prevention between carnivores (grizzly bears and wolves), livestock, and communities
  • Eligibility:

  • Agricultural producers and landowners

  • Individuals responsible for implementing carnivore conflict prevention activities

  • All operations, regardless of size, eligible if located within project areas

  • Historically Underserved Farmers or Ranchers prioritized

  • Note: Groups and organizations are NOT eligible for RCPP (only individuals); however, individuals participating in community-led programs may contact Heart of the Rockies Initiative for support information
  • What is NOT funded:

  • Guard dogs are not eligible activities under NRCS programs

  • Maintenance costs (only adoption and expansion of conflict prevention practices)
  • Key Details:

  • Contracts lock in reimbursement rates through May 2029

  • Projects evaluated based on potential impact on preventing carnivore conflicts

  • High conflict counties prioritized

  • Range riding alone or in combination with other activities prioritized

  • Projects with documented depredation history prioritized

  • Projects with conflicts involving both grizzly bears and wolves prioritized

  • Matching funds not formally required, but some costs may only be partially reimbursed

  • All projects and activities covered under contracts with local NRCS office
  • Reimbursement Rates (locked through May 2029):

  • Range Riding (645): $66.58–$111.23/AU (standard) or $79.90–$133.48/AU (historically underserved)

  • Fladry/Electrifiable Turbo Fladry (645): $1.30–$0.40/foot year 1; $0.40/foot years 2–5 (standard) or $1.56–$0.48/foot (historically underserved)

  • Animal Mortality Management (830): $128.65–$387.45 (standard) or $154.38–$464.94 (historically underserved)

  • Structures for Wildlife (649): $3.08/foot or $3,303.48 per 12' mat (standard) or $3.70/foot or $3,694.18 (historically underserved)
  • Contact: grantinquiry@heart-of-rockies.org or Steve Primm, Project Manager, 406-282-1418

    How to Apply

    How to Apply for RCPP

    1. Initial Contact (Recommended):
    - Email grantinquiry@heart-of-rockies.org with preferred contact information and details about your needs
    - Steve Primm (Project Manager) will contact you to discuss your situation and needs
    - Phone: 406-282-1418

    2. Application Process:
    - Contact your local NRCS office for an application
    - Discuss your project with NRCS staff
    - Submit application to local NRCS office by enrollment deadline

    3. Timeline:
    - Next enrollment period expected: October 2027
    - Applications evaluated over winter months
    - Contracts for approved projects signed in early summer
    - Cost-share reimbursements begin in summer
    - Subsequent signup periods occur each October as long as funding is available

    4. Evaluation Criteria:
    - Clear demonstration of carnivore conflict prevention need
    - Location in high conflict counties (prioritized)
    - Inclusion of range riding activities (prioritized)
    - Documented depredation history (agency confirmed)
    - Participation in community-led programs
    - Qualification as Historically Underserved Farmer or Rancher
    - Conflicts with both grizzly bears and wolves

    5. Contract Requirements:
    - Successful applicants enter into contract with local NRCS office
    - Ensures timely reimbursements for construction, labor, and associated project costs
    - Maintenance costs responsibility of project participants

    Focus Areas & Funding Uses

    Fields of Work

    agricultureenvironmental-conservationwildlife

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