Reclamation and Development Grants Program (RDGP) Project Grants

The Reclamation and Development Grants Program (RDGP) Project Grants, administered by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), is a state-funded initiative designed to address the environmental impacts of mineral development and support projects that address pressing natural resource concerns within Montana. These grants are part of a broader effort to serve the public interest and enhance the environmental well-being of the state's citizens. Funding is sourced from the Natural Resources Projects State Special Revenue Account, which draws on interest from the Resource Indemnity Trust (RIT) and certain natural resource taxes. The program serves both immediate remediation needs and broader ecological benefits through two project types: Mineral Development (Reclamation) and Crucial State Need (including Drought Mitigation and High Hazard Dam management). The RDGP Project Grants offer financial assistance for sampling, design, and construction phases of projects that provide direct natural resource benefits. For a project to be eligible, it must fall within one of the two main categories: reclamation of environmental damage from non-renewable resource extraction or a project addressing a critical state need. Examples of critical needs include mitigating the impacts of drought or addressing risks associated with high-hazard dams. All projects must demonstrate technical and financial feasibility, be the most cost-effective alternative, and provide measurable long-term environmental or public health benefits. Ineligible projects include those that could be funded by other state or federal sources, or those that would relieve a liable party of legal responsibilities. Applicants eligible to receive grants include a wide array of state and local government entities. These include cities, counties, towns, tribal governments within Montana, conservation and irrigation districts, water and sewer districts, school districts, universities, and state agencies. While private individuals, companies, nonprofits, and federal agencies are not directly eligible, an eligible public entity may sponsor a project on behalf of an ineligible party, provided specific requirements are met, including a memorandum of understanding and legal responsibility for the grant. The DNRC emphasizes that grant funds cannot be reassigned or transferred once awarded. Applications must be submitted online through the DNRC’s grant portal (https://grants.dnrc.mt.gov) by May 15, 2026, at 5:00 PM. Only eligible applicants may submit proposals, though collaborators such as engineers or consultants may assist with application preparation. All proposals are evaluated by a ranking team based on six weighted criteria: natural resource benefits, public benefits, need and urgency, technical feasibility, financial feasibility, and project management. Grants are generally capped at $500,000 per project, with no minimum match required. However, projects that leverage non-state funds (including in-kind and cash matches) may receive higher scores. The DNRC hosts weekly office hours on Thursdays from 10 to 11 AM to support applicants. Once applications are evaluated, DNRC submits funding recommendations to the Governor and subsequently to the Montana Legislature, which approves final project selections. Grant agreements are executed after legislative approval, and awardees are required to comply with a range of state laws and project-specific reporting requirements. The project period aligns with Montana’s biennium cycle, beginning July 1 of every odd-numbered year and continuing until funds are exhausted. The program is recurring, with new cycles opening every two years.

Provide strong evidence of public benefit and natural resource impact; highlight project urgency; demonstrate cost-effectiveness and feasibility; link to drought or environmental plans if applicable.