– Open Space Land Acquisition and Development (FY27)
🏛 Illinois Department of Natural Resources
✓ Free, no account · Source: Illinois GATA Catalog (CSFA) · Last verified Jul 2, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for Illinois local units of government to acquire, develop, and rehabilitate public outdoor recreation areas. Eligible recipients include municipalities, counties, park districts, and other local government entities in Illinois. The program provides up to 50% cost-sharing assistance (up to 100% for distressed locations). Projects must involve open space acquisition and/or development of recreational facilities accessible to the public.
⚖️ Cost sharing / matching required — applicants must contribute their own funds.
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Program description
The Illinois “Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development” (OSLAD) is offered through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR). The OSLAD program is a grant program that provides up to 50% (90% for certain distressed locations) funding assistance to eligible, local units of government to acquire, develop, and/or rehabilitate public outdoor recreation areas. The OSLAD program is a state-financed program enacted by Public Act 84-109, the Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development Act (525 ILCS 35/1 et. seq.) The OSLAD program is a state-financed program enacted by Public Act 84-109, the Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development Act (525 ILCS 35/1 et. seq.). The program was initially financed with “Build Illinois” bond money subject to an annual appropriation by the Illinois General Assembly. In 1989, Senate Bill 1463 was enacted (PA 86-925), which earmarked a portion of the State’s Real Estate Transfer Tax as a dedicated funding source for the OSLAD program. The program became fully funded in FY’95 and provides millions annually for local park and open space initiatives. The amount of money available varies on a yearly basis due to the fluctuation in the real estate market. Administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources via the Illinois GATA Catalog of State Financial Assistance (CSFA 422-11-0970).
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- Illinois GATA application form (CSFA 422-11-0970)
- Project narrative and description
- Site plans and/or engineering documents
- Cost estimate and project budget
- Evidence of local cost-sharing commitment
- Proof of land ownership or acquisition option
Program contact
- 👤 Drew Jenkins
- 📧 dnr.grants@illinois.gov
FAQ
Who can apply for OSLAD funding?
Illinois local units of government, including municipalities, park districts, and counties. Individual landowners and nonprofits are not eligible.
What types of projects does OSLAD fund?
Acquisition of open space land and development or rehabilitation of public outdoor recreation areas. Projects must serve the general public.
What is the funding range for OSLAD grants?
Awards typically range from $20,000 to $1,125,000, though funding varies annually based on real estate transfer tax revenue.
What cost-sharing is required?
Applicants must typically provide 50% local match. Distressed locations may qualify for up to 100% state funding.
When is the OSLAD deadline?
The FY27 deadline is August 31, 2026. Contact Illinois DNR for specific annual deadlines and application windows.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Verify your organization is a recognized local unit of government before applying; nonprofits and private entities are ineligible.
- Plan for 50% cost-sharing unless your area qualifies as distressed; explore local bonds, private donations, or federal matching funds.
- Document community need and public benefit clearly; OSLAD prioritizes projects serving underserved areas.
- Begin acquisition or design work early; some applications require preliminary engineering or appraisals.
- Connect with Illinois DNR before writing; staff can clarify distressed location status and funding priorities for your region.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Submitting applications from nonprofits or private entities instead of government bodies. Underestimating cost-sharing requirements and failing to secure matching funds upfront. Proposing projects that lack clear public access or recreational benefit.
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