The Trees for Indigenous Nations program, funded through the Inflation Reduction Act and administered by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), provides grants to tribal entities and organizations to enhance and manage community forests. The program aims to increase green space access, expand tree canopy, improve air and water quality, promote climate adaptation, and integrate sustainable community forestry practices. A total of $1,000,000 is available, with individual subawards ranging from $50,000 to $150,000 over three years. No match is required, but biannual reporting is mandatory.

Eligible projects include tree planting for urban restoration, climate resilience, and habitat management; sustainable forestry practices like culturally significant tree propagation, nursery programs, and food forest sovereignty initiatives; outreach and education to build ecological knowledge and partnerships; and capacity-building efforts such as workforce training and program development. Ineligible activities include large equipment purchases, certain types of hardscaping, and expenditures on entertainment or alcohol.

Applicants must submit a project concept through the Submittable platform to outline eligibility, scope, and capacity. DNRC will collaborate with selected applicants to develop full proposals. Eligible applicants include federally recognized tribal entities, tribal-based organizations, local and tribal governments, educational institutions, and community groups serving Montana tribal communities. Applications must include an organizational overview, project description, and budget components.

Key dates include the project concept portal opening in September 2024 and submissions due by November 2024. Selected projects will be notified in December 2024, with proposal development occurring through early 2025. Subaward agreements will be finalized by March 2025, and projects can begin in April 2025. Grant funds are reimbursed based on submitted documentation, with multiple reimbursement requests allowed during the performance period.

For guidance, applicants can use a DNRC-provided worksheet to draft responses before submitting via Submittable. For further information, contact Alexis Armstrong at 406-542-4207 or alexis.armstrong@mt.gov.