Line Item – Capital Grants FY26- IDNR
🏛 Illinois Department of Natural Resources
✓ Free, no account · Source: Illinois GATA Catalog (CSFA) · Last verified Jun 1, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for capital improvements and member initiatives administered through Illinois' annual appropriation process. Local governments, units of government, educational facilities, and nonprofit organizations may apply. Projects must align with conservation and protection of Illinois' natural, recreational, and cultural resources. Funding supports education, science, and public safety initiatives related to natural resources.
⚖️ Cost sharing / matching required — applicants must contribute their own funds.
Not the right fit? Find grants for your organization in 5 questions →
Program description
Grant programs designated for the capital improvements as defined within the annual appropriation bill (Public Act) including Member Initiatives. The Governor and the General Assembly directs the Department of Natural resources to administer grants to specific local governments, units of government, educational facilities, and not-for-profit organizations for specific miscellaneous purposes to manage, conserve and protect Illinois’ natural, recreational and cultural resources, further the public’s understanding and appreciation of those resources, and promote the education, science and public safety of Illinois’ natural resources for present and future generations. Build Illinois Bond Funds or other State Capital budget funds Administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources via the Illinois GATA Catalog of State Financial Assistance (CSFA 422-18-2721).
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- Project narrative and justification
- Cost-sharing documentation and commitment letters
- Budget with capital line items
- Evidence of organizational capacity
- Letters of support from relevant stakeholders
Program contact
- 👤 Zivile Scott
- 📧 zivile.scott@illinois.gov
- 📞 217-785-9282
FAQ
Who is eligible to apply?
Local governments, units of government, educational facilities, and 501(c)(3) nonprofits. Projects must be designated in the annual appropriation bill or align with member initiatives.
What types of projects are funded?
Capital improvements for managing, conserving, and protecting natural, recreational, and cultural resources. Education and public safety initiatives related to Illinois natural resources.
Is cost sharing required?
Yes, cost sharing is required but specific percentage is not defined in available materials. Contact IDNR for exact match requirements.
When is the deadline?
This is a rolling program with no fixed deadline. Applications may be accepted throughout the fiscal year.
What is the funding range?
Total pool is $1 million, but individual award amounts are not specified. Contact IDNR for typical award sizes.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Align your project with IDNR's conservation and education priorities stated in the appropriation bill. Projects not matching legislative intent face rejection.
- Clearly demonstrate how your project serves Illinois residents and protects natural or cultural resources. Vague community benefit claims weaken applications.
- Prepare detailed cost-sharing documentation early. IDNR will verify your match commitment.
- Contact IDNR staff before applying to understand current funding priorities and member initiative guidelines.
- Build relationships with your state representative or senator, as member initiatives require legislative support.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Submitting projects that don't align with the annual appropriation bill or member initiative framework. Applications lack clear connection to resource conservation or public safety education. Insufficient cost-sharing documentation or unrealistic match commitments.
Similar grants
- ROLLING Line Item – Capital Grants – IDNR (FY25) — Illinois Department of Natural Resources
- ROLLING Line Item – Operational Grant (FY26) — Illinois Department of Natural Resources
- ROLLING PR – Wildlife Restoration (FY26) — Illinois Department of Natural Resources
- ROLLING SWG – State Wildlife Grants (FY25) — Illinois Department of Natural Resources
- ROLLING Line Item – Capital Grants – IDNR (FY22) — Illinois Department of Natural Resources