Occupant Protection and Teen Mini-Grants
🏛 Montana Department of Transportation
✓ Free, no account · Source: Montana WebGrants · Last verified May 31, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for local organizations in Montana seeking to fund occupant protection and teen safe driving education projects. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, government agencies, schools, and community groups working on traffic safety. Projects must be data-driven, involve local collaboration, and focus on safety belt use, child car seat usage, or teen driving education. Funding is limited to $5,000 per project with reimbursement-based expenses only. A fiscal organization must be identified to manage funds.
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Program description
Montana Department of Transportation State Highway Traffic Safety Section (MDT-SHTSS) Occupant Protection & Teen Safe Driving Mini-Grant Program The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT), State Highway Traffic Safety Section (SHTSS) is requesting proposals for local projects that assist Montana communities with the need for increased local public information and education (PI&E) programs that reach various demographics to encourage increases in safety belts, child car seat usage or Teen Safe Driving Programs. These mini grants are intended for projects with a limited time frame, but can having a lasting impact. A variety of projects can be considered for this funding. Projects must be data driven and demonstrate local collaboration. Funding requests may not exceed $5,000. Costs are reimbursement only and must follow allowable expenditures outlined within of MDT’s Contract Manual. A fiscal organization must be identified in the proposal. For questions pertaining to the funding opportunity, contact Traffic Safety Planner, Sheila Cozzie, at (406) 444-7301 or via email scozzie @mt.gov.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
Demographic focus
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- Completed proposal form
- Data supporting local traffic safety need
- Letters of collaboration from partner organizations
- Budget and reimbursement plan
- Fiscal organization documentation
Program contact
- 👤 Sheila Cozzie
- 📧 scozzie@mt.gov
- 📞 406-444-7301
FAQ
What types of projects are eligible?
Public information and education programs promoting safety belts, child car seats, or teen safe driving. Projects must be data-driven and show local collaboration.
Who can apply for this mini-grant?
Local Montana organizations, nonprofits, schools, government agencies, and community groups. A fiscal organization must be identified in the proposal.
Is there a deadline?
The program accepts rolling applications. Check with the Montana Department of Transportation SHTSS for current submission windows.
What is the maximum funding amount?
Grants are capped at $5,000 per project. Costs are reimbursement-based only.
Are there any matching requirements?
No cost-sharing or matching funds are required to apply for this program.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Build your proposal around local data showing a specific traffic safety problem in your community. Generic applications are less competitive.
- Demonstrate clear partnerships with schools, law enforcement, health departments, or other local organizations. Collaboration strengthens applications.
- Keep your project scope realistic for the $5,000 limit. Focus on one goal rather than trying to do too much.
- Budget conservatively and explain how reimbursement-based costs align with MDT's Contract Manual allowable expenses.
- Contact Sheila Cozzie before submitting to clarify eligible activities and ensure your project idea is a good fit.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Submitting projects without local data or evidence of community need. Applications lacking clear local partnerships or collaboration. Requesting reimbursement for expenses not aligned with MDT Contract Manual allowable costs.
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