The annual application period for FWP's Wildlife Habitat Improvement Program (WHIP) will open May 18 and close on June 19. WHIP is a state-funded grant program for projects that enhance, restore, improve or rehabilitate degraded wildlife habitats across Montana.
Awarded grants can be structured to provide funding for up to five years. Total funding available for 2026 is approximately $1.8 million. Based on stakeholder surveys, FWP expects average grant applications to range from $50,000 to $500,000. Applications up to the maximum of $1.8 million will also be considered. Grant awards are based on eligibility and competitive ranking.
To qualify for funding, projects must:
- create habitat uplift or net conservation gain for species of conservation need or restore, rehabilitate, improve or manage land or water as wildlife or aquatic habitat through habitat improvement or conservation;
- enhance ecologically important wildlife habitats;
- have a reasonable probability of success and accomplishing anticipated or desired outcomes through appropriate planning and methodology;
- report on objectives and project progress/completion to allow the department to evaluate overall habitat improvement project outcomes;
- or support activities and employees of the state tribal wildlife programs.
In addition to the eligibility requirements, the ranking process will award additional points for projects that:
- include funding commitments from multiple partners;
- involve effective collaboration across multiple land ownerships (public and private);
- and include public access.
Starting May 18, applications can be submitted online at funding.mt.gov and then clicking "FWP Wildlife Habitat Improvement Program Grant Cycle 2026." Applicants new to WebGrants must register prior to accessing the application forms. WHIP applications must be submitted no later than June 19 to be considered for 2026 funding.
FWP plans to hold a webinar for interested applicants in June. For more information about the WHIP Program and grant application instructions, visit the WHIP webpage. If you have questions about applying for a WHIP grant or accessing application forms, contact Andrew Amidon, WHIP coordinator, at andrew.amidon@mt.gov or 406-444-7291.