The Technical Assistance Program for Renewable Resource Planning Grants is administered by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC). This initiative is designed to support local governments in Montana that face challenges in preparing competitive applications for DNRC’s Renewable Resource Planning Grants. The goal of the program is to ensure more equitable access to funding by helping underserved municipalities and local jurisdictions prepare quality grant proposals.

This technical assistance is specifically offered to local governments that either do not have an existing relationship with a professional engineering firm or were unsuccessful in applying for DNRC planning grants in the prior biennium. These criteria serve as the basis for prioritizing applications for technical assistance, ensuring that resources are directed to applicants who face structural barriers to accessing funding opportunities.

Once approved for technical assistance, the DNRC assigns a contracted technical service provider to work with the local government. These providers are paid directly by DNRC, not the applicant, and are responsible for helping prepare and submit a Renewable Resource Planning Grant application. The objective is to improve the overall quality of applications and increase the chances of success for historically under-resourced applicants.

The assistance provided is capped at $3,000 in value or up to 20 hours of service, calculated at a rate of $150 per hour. Funding is used to pay the contracted technical service provider and is contingent upon the actual submission of a Renewable Resource Planning Grant application.

The application process is conducted through the Submittable online platform. The deadline for applying for technical assistance under this program is June 1, 2025, by 1:00 AM. Interested applicants are encouraged to contact Katherine Certalic at kcertalic@mt.gov with any questions related to the program or the application process.