For about a decade, authorities in Montana have been working to fight the spread of invasive mussels in the states waterways. Theyve delivered one main message: telling boaters to Clean, Drain, Dry their vessels. However, some o f that work is being done not by the government, but by a nonprofit.State and federal agencies for a long time have done a really good job of reaching out to the motorized boat community, and so they are very well educated and they do an excellent job of it, said Sara Ricklefs, executive director of the Invasive Species Action Network. But in the grand scheme of it, the paddling community's kind of been left out of that conversation.ISAN, based in Livingston, conducts a wide variety of activities in Montana and other western states to discourage the spread of invasive species. One of their programs has been aimed at specifically bringing the Clean, Drain, Dry message to paddlers. Ricklefs says theyve set up at boating expos and at boat ramps to talk to people. They distribute cleanup tools like towels, sponges and brushes, and they work with manufacturers and retailers to train their employees on the issue. ISAN has received a federal grant to support this work. Ricklefs says theyve applied for the funding every year since about 2018, and they were notified in December that they were selected for it again but so far, the federal government hasnt released the $130,000 theyre expecting.I know that the grant program staff has been working really hard to try and get these funds distributed, they're doing everything that they can, said Ricklefs. But we've been given no reason as to why this funding delay has occurred.With the federal money held up, she says theyve been able to use some other funds, but theyve still had to scale back their outreach.It's dramatically changed the way we function in the summertime, she said. Normally we are out very busy talking to paddlers, and this year we haven't been able to expend those funds in that same way.Ricklefs said she has heard the grant, intended to help implement a federal action plan on controlling invasive mussels, is now going through an elevated, multi-step review process. Shes concerned that, if it isnt released in the next few weeks, the money could go back unspent to the U.S. treasury.ISAN isnt the only Montana nonprofit experiencing frustration with federal funding.What we are seeing is that there's all kinds of impacts, said Kate Arpin, communications director for the Montana Nonprofit Association.MNAs more than 700 members include a number that rely heavily on federal funding. However, the landscape for nonprofits that receive federal grants has changed significantly since the start of President Donald Trumps second term in January 2025. His administration made large budget cuts at many federal agencies and they announced reviews of grant programs to determine whether the awards were in line with the presidents priorities.Arpin says MNA has heard from members who have had lengthy delays in receiving funding, had previously awarded grants terminated early, or otherwise found their federal funding sources left uncertain. She says many of those members that rely on federal money dont receive much in donations.When you have funding that is uncertain, you don't build new programs, she said.(Watch the video for more on the concerns nonprofits are raising.) Montana nonprofits concerned about impacts of federal funding changesLast week, MNA sent a letter to the four members of Montanas congressional delegation, asking them to work for clearer rules on how federal agencies handle grants and to put pressure on agencies to honor existing agreements. They were joined by dozens of nonprofits from around the state, including everything from ISAN to domestic violence service providers to arts organizations.Arpin said the effects of the federal policy changes are far from over.I would expect over the next year to two years that we will see more and more impacts, she said. I think for us, what we're what we're trying to tell people is that you may not notice immediately, but over time, those impacts to Montana communities will stack up.Republican U.S. Rep. Ryan Zinke serves on the House Appropriations Committee, which oversees federal spending. MTN asked him about the concerns Montana nonprofits are raising. He said organizations that rely on federal funding have to be prepared to go through reviews, to ensure the public money they receive is being used effectively.You don't give judgment until you look at it, right? Zinke said. But we need to be transparent: Were $50 trillion with a T in debt. So I think it's incumbent on all of us in leadership and if you're a taxpayer, you should make sure that your taxpayer dollars are going to something that's worth it, that moves the needle.Ricklefs says ISAN has answered all the questions theyve gotten as part of the expanded federal review.We've had a single request for information back, and I responded within an hour's time, she said. We are in full agreement that we want to make sure that money is not wasted or used in fraudulent manners. ...read more read less