The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) is accepting applications for the FY27 UCF EPA Community Forestry Initiative (UFI), a pass-through subaward program supporting large-scale urban and community forestry projects across Montana.
Funding: DNRC states that $5 million is available for subawards. Individual awards range from $20,000 to $300,000, and multiple applications are permitted while funding remains available.
Eligible applicants: state and local governments, conservation districts, tribal governments, nonprofit organizations, public and state institutions of higher education, school districts and K-12 public schools.
Deadline: applications received by October 20, 2026 at 5:00 PM will be included in the first panel review. The controlling DNRC page does not state a time zone. If funds remain after the first review, applications will continue to be reviewed in the order received through the final submission deadline of April 30, 2027.
Eligible work: large-scale tree planting and establishment, shelterbelts and windbreaks, food forests and community orchards, strategic tree-canopy expansion, and related projects that improve community resilience, air quality, stormwater management, shade, and public health co-benefits.
Compliance: applicants must comply with applicable federal and state requirements, including 2 CFR Part 200. Non-governmental entities must be registered with the Montana Secretary of State. Applicants must have a federal Unique Entity Identifier and be eligible to receive federal funds. Procurement standards apply when grant funds are used to acquire contractor or consultant services.
Match, payment, procurement and federal requirements: DNRC’s published FAQ states that there is no match requirement. Awards are generally reimbursable, although advances may be requested with appropriate documentation and a written advance policy. DNRC requires semi-annual reports and a final report. Procurement must follow the recipient’s compliant procurement policy or, if none exists, State of Montana procurement law, subject to more restrictive federal limits. Infrastructure-related purchases are also subject to Build America, Buy America requirements unless an applicable waiver is granted. The FAQ confirms eligible costs may include staff time, fringe benefits, travel, training, materials and supplies, contracted professional services and labor, and indirect costs up to 15% of total direct costs.
Atlas Opportunity Score: 67/100. This is a substantial, currently open Montana funding pool with direct eligibility for K-12 schools and school districts, but its purpose is forestry and community resilience rather than healthcare delivery.
N9+ Fit Score: 0/100. The controlling scope does not support a legitimate N9+ remote-exam, telehealth, diagnostics, or remote-patient-monitoring role.
Dr. Miltie direct-applicant fit: 0/100 because for-profit LLCs are not listed as eligible applicants. QC Healthcare fit: 0/100 based on the verified scope.