Grants & Resources

Stormwater and Septic Leachate Toxics Reduction Grant Program

About the Program

The Western Montana Conservation Commission (WMCC) and the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) aim to address the escalating challenges posed by toxic pollution in western Montana’s watersheds, the headwaters of the Columbia River Basin. With rapid population growth and urbanization in the region, there’s an urgent need to mitigate the adverse effects of toxic pollution on water quality.

Grant Program Guidelines

Develop or expand residential septic maintenance programs that provide cost-share, outreach, and programming on water quality impacts.
Eligible Projects

Projects include but are not limited to:

  • Outreach programs to pump and inspect septic systems
  • Programmatic development such as resource development, printing, and advertising

Hosting conferences or workshops to provide septic education or technical training

Funding Information

Grant Limits: Max award is $50,000
Match: 25% nonfederal cost-share required


Support projects that benefit local water quality by replacing septic systems or connecting to sewer services.
Eligible Projects

Projects include but are not limited to:

  • Upgrades or sewer hookups for resident-owned communities
  • Planning and design for sewer hookups in small communities
  • Connections to sewer districts and associated fees

Residential cost-share for upgrading aging or underperforming septic systems

Funding Information

Grant Limits: Max award is $80,000
Match: 25% nonfederal cost-share required


Create green stormwater infrastructure projects designed to mitigate pollution and reduce runoff while showcasing co-benefits.
Eligible Projects

Projects include but are not limited to:

  • Stormwater parks
  • Constructed wetlands
  • Bioretention and bioswales
  • Stormwater schoolyards

Successful projects will include community co-benefits, such as recreational and educational opportunities.

Funding Information

Grant Limits: Max award is $1,100,000
Match: 25% nonfederal cost-share required


Support the development of community green stormwater infrastructure programs.
Eligible Projects

Projects include but are not limited to the implementation of:

  • Rain gardens
  • Rain Barrels
  • Green roofs
  • Planet boxes
  • Native plant gardens
  • Wetland and riparian areas

Successful programs will include elements of community education and long-term programmatic development.

Funding Information

Grant Limits: Max award is $50,000
Match: 25% nonfederal cost-share required

How to Apply

Grant Program Guidelines

The Guidelines provide information about the grant program including eligibility, match information, procurement, and other policies. The Guidelines include an overview of the competitive grants tentatively opening in January 2025 from WMCC’s EPA funding through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. This includes: 1) Residential Septic System Education & Maintenance Program, 2) Septic System Replacement & Sewer Connectivity, 3) Showcase Green Stormwater Infrastructure Project, and 4) Residential & Community Green Stormwater Infrastructure Program.

Application & Award Timeline

Applications are anticipated to open in Winter 2025. The applications will remain open until all program funds are awarded. First review of applications will begin in Spring 2025 and a second review will begin in Summer 2025 as funds are available.

First Review

  • Early 2025: Applications open
  • Spring 2025: WMCC first review and scoring of applicants begins
  • Spring 2025: Awards announced
  • Summer 2025: Awards start up meetings
  • Summer – Fall 2025: 90 days to complete start up conditions and begin projects

Second Review

  • Summer 2025: WMCC second review and scoring of applicants begins
  • Fall 2025: Awards announced
  • Fall 2025: Award start up meetings
  • Fall – Winter 2025: 90 days to complete start up conditions and begin projects
Eligible Applicants

Applicants must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and an active SAM.gov registration by the time of award. If an applicant does not have current registration, it is recommended to start the process now to obtain registration as soon as possible. 

Applicants must be registered with the Montana Secretary of State. 

Eligible applicants must meet both the State of Montana (MCA 85-1-605) and the EPA sub-recipient requirements (EPA General Terms and Conditions, EPA Subaward Policy). Eligible applicants include:

Government Organizations

  • Native American tribal governments
  • Local Governments, including but not limited to:
    • Cities
    • Towns
    • Municipalities
    • Counties
    • Special districts
      • Water and/or sewer districts
    • Conservation Districts
    • School District
    • Council of Governments
    • Local public authority

Non-Profit Organizations

  • Nonprofit organizations as described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code
  • Limited liability corporations in which all managing members are 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations or limited liability corporations whose sole members are 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations.
  • Limited liability partnerships in which all general partners are 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations or limited liability corporations whose sole members are 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations.

Education Organizations

  • Tribal College
  • Community College
  • Other Institutions of higher education

Additional Information

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Questions? Explore our FAQs.

Previous Informational Meetings

October 24, 2024

WMCC’s EPA-funded Stormwater and Septic Leachate Grant Programs are on the horizon; we anticipate applications opening in the beginning of January 2025. Join grant staff to discuss specific considerations for federal funding and your projects. The four grant programs, as outlined in our Grant Guidelines, are 1) Residential Septic System Education & Maintenance Program, 2) Septic System Replacement & Sewer Connectivity, 3) Showcase Green Stormwater Infrastructure Project, and 4) Residential & Community Green Stormwater Infrastructure Program.



June 13, 2024

An introduction to the $7 million dollar EPA Columbia River Basin Toxics Reduction Lead Grant awarded to the Western Montana Conservation Commission, and the potential subawards that will be available in Western Montana in 2025. Local entities may be granted awards to host water quality education, outreach, cost-share programs, and community projects addressing toxic pollution reduction focused on septic leachate and stormwater concerns in Western Montana. Grant guidelines will be available for public comment and review.



August 22, 2024

WMCC requested partner feedback on the Stormwater and Septic Leachate Toxics Reduction Grant Program Guidelines at this virtual meeting during the public comment period.

Contact the Grant Team

Contact us for more information. Sign up for our newsletter and follow us on social media to stay up to date.

Heidi Fleury
Grant Program Specialist
406-594-1913
Heidi.Fleury@mt.gov

Kristen Jordan
Grant Program Specialist
406-594-3651
Kristen.Jordan@mt.gov

Krista Lammers
Grant Administrative Specialist
406-459-3539
Krista.Lammers@mt.gov