$500 Conservation Education Mini-Grant Program
Application Guidelines
Application (pdf form file) (NEW FORMAT--fill out, save and print for CD signature)
Notice: Grants can not be issued to fund past events, so applications need to be received at least 60 days prior to event to ensure consideration for funding.
The purpose of this grant program is to bring natural resources conservation education into the classroom. Up to $500 is available to fund K-12 projects for teacher-initiated, conservation district-supported classroom projects. Mini grants can be used to purchase classroom and lab equipment, resource materials, speaker costs, workshops costs, to support conservation days or field tours, and to support outdoor classroom activities.
Also, new to this program in 2003, group adult education events may also be sponsored and hosted by conservation districts. Adult education grants can be used to support activities such as natural resource conservation workshops, seminars, and local field tours. Eligible grant expenses include speaker fees, materials, and room rental.
Grant funds cannot be used for food, digital cameras or other digital display equipment, equipment that can easily be borrowed or brought by students for use in the project (such as shovels, rakes, or other garden equipment).
To be considered for a grant, a teacher or organization may submit a written application directly to the local conservation district, and depending on the conservation district requirements, attend a meeting to explain the project and funding request. If the conservation district agrees to sponsor the project, the application will be forwarded to the Conservation Districts Bureau, Department of Natural Resources for funding consideration. There is no grant deadline and projects are funded on a first come--first served basis. The grant process usually takes about three months, so plan ahead.
Grants are available for projects in:
• Water Quality
• Riparian and Rangeland Ecology
• Aquatic Micro- and Macro - Flora and Fauna
• Soil and Water Conservation
• Wildlife
• Outdoor Classrooms
Approved Grants
A grant agreement will be written between the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation and the local conservation district, which will administer the funds locally. Grant payments are paid upon receipt of proper documentation of approved expenses (invoices, receipts). A brief report about the project upon completion is required. The report must be received prior to grant funds being released.
For more information about the program or if you need help locating the conservation district nearest you, contact the Conservation Districts Bureau, at 444-6667, Box 201601, Helena, MT 59620-1601. Or, visit our website: www.dnrc.mt.gov.
For additional information, contact:
Ross Campbell,
Conservation and Resource Development Division,
Department of Natural Resources and Conservation,
1625 Eleventh Avenue, P.O. Box 201601,
Helena, MT 59620-1601
Phone (406) 444-6852
