Noxious Weed Trust Fund Grant Program

The Montana Noxious Weed Trust Fund (NWTF) Grant Program is administered by the Montana Department of Agriculture and was established by the state legislature in 1985. This program is supported by a $10 million constitutionally mandated trust fund, the interest from which supports research, education, and cooperative local weed management initiatives. The program is designed to combat the spread and impact of noxious weeds throughout the state by funding projects that are aligned with the Montana Weed Management Plan. Oversight of grant applications and recommendations is provided by an eleven-member Noxious Weed Management Advisory Council appointed by the Department’s Director. The NWTF program offers funding in several categories including research, education, development, local cooperative (landowner cost-share), and specific statewide programs. The maximum funding for most project types is $75,000 per year, with multi-year support available only for eligible statewide programs, which may receive up to $225,000 over three years. Grant funds are awarded through a reimbursement model and must be used within the approved timeline. Projects must adhere to legal and regulatory compliance standards, and any costs incurred before final contract approval are ineligible for reimbursement unless otherwise stated. Applications are due annually by January 6 and must be submitted through Montana's online WebGrants system. Grant applications should be prepared in collaboration with a qualifying organization, such as a County or Tribal Weed District, Extension Service, Conservation District, or Educational Institution, which will serve as the fiscal agent. Following submission, applicants are required to present their project to the Advisory Council in Helena during February or March. Presentations include a ten-minute overview followed by five minutes for Council questions. Award notifications are typically issued about three weeks after the hearings. Each project type has tailored requirements. Development and research projects do not require matching funds, though contributions are encouraged. Education projects also have no required match but must aim for broad public engagement. Local cooperative projects, however, must secure at least a 50% cash match and demonstrate landowner engagement, mapped weed infestations, and a long-term management plan. Environmental assessments and herbicide licensing are mandatory components for these field-based projects. Statewide programs must have previously received NWTF funding and meet collaborative criteria involving regional partnerships. Special funding opportunities exist for projects on lands impacted by state wildlife activities or on forested private and tribal lands within designated management areas. The program prohibits certain expenditures, including the purchase of biocontrol agents, equipment, indirect costs, and herbicide treatments for cropland. Reporting is required twice annually via WebGrants, and a final report must be submitted before final reimbursements are processed. For questions, applicants may contact the Department via the program email addresses provided (greta.dige@mt.gov or jchaffee@mt.gov) or call the department offices. The full program guidelines and application portal are accessible on the department's website.

Match funding must be confirmed before application; begin EA early; use EDDMapS for tracking.