Education & Outreach Water Quality Mini Grants

Eligibility

Mini-grants may be awarded to eligible governmental entities or nonprofit organizations with a tax-exempt declaration under §501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and registration with the Montana Secretary of State to do business in Montana. Applicants must have proof of liability insurance to receive funding.

Funding may support either a new education and outreach project or maintenance of an existing educational tool or resource.

• New projects create or pilot an education and outreach activity that addresses a local nonpoint source water quality issue. Examples include workshops, demonstrations, field days, educational videos, watershed tours, and community outreach campaigns.
• Maintenance projects repair, update, or restore an existing educational tool or resource so it can continue to be used. Examples include repairing a watershed model, replacing worn components, updating outdated signs or printed materials, or refreshing an existing educational display.

Projects must:

• Clearly define a nonpoint source pollution issue in the local watershed
• Have an education and outreach activity that clearly helps address that issue

Priority will be given to projects that:

• Implement a DEQ-accepted Watershed Restoration Plan (WRP). For more information about WRPs and areas with accepted WRPs, visit: Nonpoint Source Program | Montana DEQ (mt.gov)
• Benefit underserved communities
• Are new or pilot education and outreach efforts focused on nonpoint source pollution
• Are sponsored and led by organizations that have not previously received funding through this program
• Are submitted to MACD ahead of the application deadline for review

The following activities will NOT be considered for mini-grant funding:

• Baseline data collection or monitoring without an education and outreach component
• Normal website maintenance
• Administrative costs in excess of 10% of the requested funding (may be included as match)
• Food and beverage costs in excess of 10% of the requested funding
• Creation of new educational lesson plans or materials, unless they are meaningfully different from existing resources and designed to address an unmet need.

How to Apply

1. Thoroughly read the Call for Applications and review the 2026 Scoring Criteria
2. Visit the MACD Mini-Grants Library to see examples of previous projects funded
3. Download the application form on the MACD Mini-Grants webpage 
4. Consult with MACD staff to ensure the proposed project is a good fit for the mini-grant program and discuss ways to strengthen your application (optional, but encouraged) 
5. Review our Educational Resources Guide for lesson plans, videos, or ideas that can be used for your educational plans.
6. Complete and sign your application (only signed applications will be considered for funding)
7. Submit your application and proof of liability insurance to MACD. Email applications to Madi Larson at madi@macdnet.org.

Resources for Grant Recipients

Reimbursement and Reporting: Mini-grants are paid on a reimbursement basis. Funded projects must be completed and reported within one year of the award date. Recipients must submit a final report and invoice documenting project activities, outcomes, expenses, and required match before reimbursement can be issued.

Long-Term Evaluation Survey (all projects awarded 2025 or earlier):

• Evaluation Form (Online)

Forms for 2026 awards:

• Final Report Template (Education & Outreach Projects)
• Final Report Template (Maintenance Projects)
• Final Invoice Template

Forms for 2025 awards:

For more information, contact Madi Larson at madi@macdnet.org.