Montana Beef Council project funding Information
Do you have an idea for beef promotion, research, education or producer communication? You've come to the right place! Montana Beef Council is seeking projects to achieve our mission of getting more beef on more plates.
Project Funding Requests are reviewed on an annual basis by the board of directors. Funding Requests are due by August 1. We encourage you to visit with staff to answer questions and help you create the best presentation possible. Funding one year does not guarantee funding subsequent years. Written evaluations on current projects funded by the Montana Beef Council are required, especially for future consideration. This is a cost-recovery program and all corresponding expenses must be submitted before reimbursements are distributed. Projects must take place between October 1 and September 30.
Project funding applicants will have an opportunity to appear before the full board for a Q & A of your project.
Check out the current Fiscal Year 2026 Marketing Plan!
Fiscal Year 2027 Project Funding Request Digital Form
FY 2026-2029 MBC Strategic Priorities
Current Partners: FY 2026 Scope of Work Form
Current Partners: FY 2026 Evaluation Form
Project Funding Timeline:
OCTOBER 1: Fiscal Year Begins
OCTOBER 15: Scope of Work Form Due
AUGUST 1, 2026: Fiscal Year 2027 Project Funding Request Form Due
AUGUST 1, 2026: Fiscal Year 2026 Project Funding Evaluation Form Due
AUGUST 19, 2026: Fiscal Year 2027 Project Funding Request Presentations
SEPTEMBER 15: All receipts and invoices due to Montana Beef Council
SEPTEMBER 30: Fiscal Year Ends
"Seeing, smelling, and tasting beef outdoors at a barbecue event is about as good as it gets. If that doesn't make someone want to run out and get some beef, then nothing will. There is no better product showcase."
hear what our partners have to say...
"As a barbecue expert, there is one thing that I can assure you of, and it's that beef is king in the BBQ competition world.
Beef is the protein that is perfect for smoking and grilling. It's also the most difficult to master as a competitor. Ultimately, when you master how to smoke a brisket, it usually is the key that allows you to win the overall grand championship.
Using beef checkoff dollars to attract more competitors from across the nation to the annual Montana BBQ Cook-off, means more beef briskets get purchased and thousands of attendees can sample what awesome smoked brisket tastes like. That sparks folks to cook brisket at home.
Seeing, smelling, and tasting beef outdoors at a barbecue event is about as good as it gets. If that doesn't make someone want to run out and get some beef, then nothing will. There is no better product showcase.
Yes, I am biased by having come from a beef-producing family. But as a chef, judge, event organizer, barbecue competitor and grill master I can tell you that no other meat benefits from the open flame or from the slow rolling smoke like beef. It simply is the best meat for barbecuing or grilling."
-Nick Morrison, Montana BBQ Cook-off
The Montana BBQ Cook-off attracts over 4,000 visitors that come to taste, smell and experience BBQ in downtown Absarokee. With over 30 competitors each year, many can hardly keep up with the demand for beef brisket and sold out quickly.