DNRC Reclamation and Development Grant Program

Project Planning Grant Application Guidance

Contact Information

Heidi Anderson Folnagy             (406) 444-6691        handersonfolnagy@mt.gov

Planning Grant Overview

The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) manages the Reclamation and Development Grants Program (RDGP) to fund projects that indemnify the people of the state for the effects of mineral development on public resources and that meet other crucial needs to protect Montana’s environment.  Crucial state need projects must serve the public interest and the total environment of the citizens of Montana.  The purposes of the reclamation and development grants program are to:

(a) repair, reclaim, and mitigate environmental damage to public resources from nonrenewable resource extraction; and,

(b) develop and ensure the quality of public resources for the benefit of all Montanans.

The purpose of the RDGP planning grant program is to assist local governments with planning and preparation of an RDGP project grant. 

Applicant Eligibility

Reclamation and Development Grants Program planning grants are available to city, county, or other local political subdivisions or Tribal governments within the state.  Federal agencies, private corporations, non-profits and individuals are ineligible to receive RDGP planning grant funding.

Project Eligibility

Proposed projects must plan for projects that will provide benefits in one of two categories:

1.  Mineral development reclamation projects must:

• Reclaim land, water or other resources adversely affected by mineral development, or
• Mitigate damage to public resources caused by mineral development, or
• Research, demonstrate, or provide technical assistance to promote the wise use of Montana minerals, or
• Investigate and remediate sites where hazardous wastes or regulated substances threaten public health or the environment, or
• Research to assess existing or potential environmental damage resulting from mineral development.

2.  Crucial state need: Projects that meet a crucial state need must prevent or eliminate severe and unacceptable damage to natural resources or capture extraordinary public benefit that would otherwise be lost.  They must have a regional or statewide importance.  Public benefit from implementation of this type of project must directly relate to natural resources. 

Planning grant activities may include, but are not limited to: (1) problem analysis, (2) feasibility or design studies, (3) environmental monitoring, (4) remedial action plans or implementation, (5) technology demonstration, (6) research, (7) site assessment, or (8) other related actions that lead to cleanup of contamination, mitigation of damage or protection of Montana’s environment.

Funding Limits

Grants may be awarded for any amount up to $50,000, depending on the intended planning activities.  Applicants must demonstrate that funding is not available through other reasonable sources.  Matching funds are not required, but applications will be evaluated on the amount of match funding. Match funds may be in-kind contributions. An applicant may submit planning grant applications for more than one project. 

Ineligible Costs

Projects that will relieve a liable party or include work on an actively permitted site are not eligible.  The following tasks are ineligible for planning grant funds:

• Activities outside of the scope of work including salaries/wages, travel, conferences and other expenses not directly related to the project
• Costs incurred outside of the contract term
• Routine maintenance and operation, as well as tasks that are programmatic in nature
• Administrative costs greater than 5% of the total project cost
• Food and beverages for meetings
• Indirect Costs (example: facilities and administration)

Application Submittal

Applications are due by Thursday August 12 by 5 pm.  

The Reclamation and Development Grants Program is using the State of Montana grant application and tracking database called Webgrants at funding.mt.gov. Applications will not be accepted by email or mail.

The complete application form and instructions are available electronically on the DNRC website in PDF and Word or by contacting DNRC. The Reclamation and Development Grants Program is using the State of Montana grant application and tracking database called Webgrants at funding.mt.gov. Please call Heidi Anderson Folnagy at 406-444-6691 for technical support. 

Submittal Instructions:

Complete an online application at funding.mt.gov. The online application has the following components:

• Grant application summary and budget entered into Webgrants.
• Upload onto Webgrants 
• Project Narrative as a Word or PDF document.
• Project location map, either uploaded as attachment or included in the Project Narrative.
• Other attachments, such as letters of support or other project documentation.
• Signed authorizing statement, uploaded as attachment or mailed to DNRC (fillable PDF)  
• Environmental Checklist (fillable form)          

Contact Heidi Anderson Folnagy (information above) for submittal questions.