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Watershed Fund Grants

Watershed Fund Grants

The MWCC Watershed Fund provides direct support to our community-based watershed conservation partners for capacity-building, professional development, and on-the-ground projects. Since 2018, we have distributed more than $1.2 million to help our local partners coordinate and implement natural resource management efforts.

Join the 406 Water Crew to Support the Fund
Current Funding Opportunities
Learn from Past Grant Recipients

We outline our intended impacts of the Watershed Fund in our theory of change. Two primary goals of the Watershed Fund are to:

  1. Increase the capacity of local communities to advance community-based, locally-led conservation using the Watershed Approach.
  2. Provide a model for streamlining, consolidating, and leveraging resources for locally-led conservation statewide.

Watershed Fund grants are available to watershed conservation organizations supporting Montana communities to advance community-based, locally led conservation using the Watershed Approach to conservation. This includes watershed groups; conservation, irrigation, and water quality districts; non-profits; forest collaboratives; Tribally led nonprofits; and Tribal government agencies. Federal agencies, state agencies, individuals, and for-profit entities are not eligible. 

MWCC Watershed Funding Opportunities

Capacity Funding

Support for local watershed conservation organizations to more sustainably and effectively pursue targeted conservation goals identified within their communities
Support for local watershed conservation organizations to more sustainably and effectively pursue targeted conservation goals identified within their communities

Project Funding

Support for implementing on-the-ground projects to benefit natural resources, community health, and local livelihoods
Support for implementing on-the-ground projects to benefit natural resources, community health, and local livelihoods

Professional Development Funding

Support for local watershed partners to acquire skills, knowledge, and resources relevant to watershed health in their communities
Support for local watershed partners to acquire skills, knowledge, and resources relevant to watershed health in their communities

Big Sky Watershed Corps Funding

Support for local watershed partners to reduce nonpoint source pollution and implement Watershed Restoration Plans by hosting BSWC AmeriCorps members
Support for local watershed partners to reduce nonpoint source pollution and implement Watershed Restoration Plans by hosting BSWC AmeriCorps members

Become part of MWCC’s NEW 406 Water Crew!

We aren’t at 406 members yet, so we’ll keep going! Joining at just $5 a month is one of the most impactful ways to convene and connect Montana’s community of water conservation practitioners from around the state. By joining the Crew, you will be contributing directly to Montana Watershed Fund initiatives, like professional development funding that provides stipends for travel, food, lodging, and registration for trainings and conferences.
“As a small nonprofit with limited funds, attending the Montana Annual Water Resources Association Conference is not an opportunity I would have had without a professional development award. Attending this conference helped me make connections that have helped me grow the Sun River Watershed Group and provide better benefits to our community.” -Tracy Wendt, Sun River Watershed Group Executive Director
Learn more about how joining the Crew today safeguards Montana’s landscapes, wildlife, and thriving communities!