The Missouri-Madison River Fund Grant Program, implemented through the Missouri-Madison Comprehensive Recreation Plan, addresses ongoing needs for public recreation in the Missouri-Madison Project Area. Created as a public-private partnership among local government, state and federal agencies, and licensee of the Project 2188 Hydroelectric Project, River Fund grants and NorthWestern Energy matching funds are awarded annually for qualifying projects.
The FY2027 River Fund application period is now closed. Please check back in May 2027 for FY2028 application materials and instructions.
Applications submitted for consideration of funding during the Fiscal Year 2026 cycle of the River Fund Grant Program are available below. A total of six project applications were submitted.
| Hebgen-Madison Region | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Project name | River Fund Grant | NorthWestern Energy match | Applicant and partner contributions | Total project cost |
| Trail Creek accessible site renovations, Part 1 | $46,245 | $19,000 | $29,000 | $94,245 |
| Hebgen-Madison region total | $46,245 | $19,000 | $29,000 | $94,245 |
| Hauser-Holter Region | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Project name | River Fund Grant | NorthWestern Energy match | Applicant and partner contributions | Total project cost |
| White Sandy dock decking replacement | $6,500 | $5,000 | $5,000 | $16,500 |
| Hauser-Holter region total | $6,500 | $5,000 | $5,000 | $16,500 |
| Great Falls Region | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Project name | River Fund Grant | NorthWestern Energy match | Applicant and partner contributions | Total project cost |
| Mid-Canon FAS site improvements Phase 2 | $204,727 | $6,000 | $24,000 | $234,727 |
River Drive North Trail Repair | $34,890 | $8,000 | $9,000 | $51,890 |
| Squatters Landing Take-Out Site development | $52,500 | $8,500 | $37,500 | $98,500 |
| Great Falls region total | $292,117 | $22,500 | $70,500 | $385,117 |
| Total requested for FY2027 funding | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| River Fund Grant | NorthWestern Energy match | Applicant and partner contributions | Total project cost | |
| Grand total requested for FY2027 funding | $344,862 | $46,500 | $104,500 | $495,862 |
Applications submitted for consideration during the Fiscal Year 2027 cycle of the Missouri-Madison River Fund Grant Program are available below. A total of five project applications were submitted for review and funding consideration.
River Fund grant application materials for annual grant cycles will be available for download on the River Fund page in mid-May. Completed applications are due in September. Please see application materials for the specific due date.
For more information about the River Fund, matching fund requirements and project eligibility, please reach out to the contacts listed at the bottom of the River Fund page.
