Renewable Resource Planning Grants

The RRG Technical Assistance Opportunity, administered by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), is designed to support local governments in preparing and submitting Renewable Resource Planning Grant applications. This program targets local entities that either lack a working relationship with a professional engineering firm or have faced unsuccessful attempts in applying for DNRC planning grants during the prior biennium. By offering direct support through contracted technical service providers, DNRC aims to increase the accessibility and quality of applications for renewable resource planning projects across Montana. The primary purpose of this Technical Assistance opportunity is to facilitate the planning and development of eligible projects that align with the objectives outlined in Montana Code Annotated (MCA) 85-1-602. These projects include feasibility studies, design and resource assessments, preliminary engineering reports (PERs), and watershed restoration plans, among others. Once approved for Technical Assistance, applicants are matched with technical providers contracted and paid directly by DNRC. The assistance includes up to 20 hours of service or a maximum financial value of $3,000, strictly allocated to engineering or technical services in support of the planning grant process. Eligible applicants include a wide range of governmental entities within Montana, such as cities, towns, counties, conservation districts, irrigation districts, tribal governments, and state agencies. DNRC emphasizes inclusivity by allowing any of these qualifying bodies to request assistance, provided they meet the priority criteria—namely, lack of existing engineering partnerships or unsuccessful prior grant applications. The goal is to bridge gaps in technical capacity and foster more robust and competitive submissions for future Renewable Resource Planning Grant cycles. To apply for assistance, applicants must use the DNRC's online grant management system. Paper applications are not accepted. Required application components include the Planning Grant Application form, applicable Environmental Checklist, and reference to Planning Grant Application Guidance. DNRC evaluates submissions through a ranked process, awarding Technical Assistance based on both prioritization criteria and the availability of funds. The assistance serves as a precursor to submitting a full Renewable Resource Planning Grant application. DNRC enforces a rule of one grant per planning effort but allows multiple applications per cycle if each pertains to a clearly distinct project. Importantly, planning grants themselves are only reimbursable for qualifying technical or engineering services. While the planning grant program provides funding ranging from $15,000 to $40,000 depending on project type, the Technical Assistance component remains capped at $3,000 and serves only as preparatory support. The current application cycle closes on June 1, 2026, at 2:00 AM ET. The program recurs biennially, with the next anticipated cycle expected in June 2028. Interested applicants should direct questions to Katherine Certalic via email at [email protected]. The program does not require matching funds, making it an accessible opportunity for under-resourced local entities aiming to improve their renewable resource infrastructure planning capabilities.

Priority given to applicants without engineering firm relationships or prior unsuccessful DNRC applications.