Grants to Great Lakes States (CAFWS-179)
Can you apply?
This grant is for organizations protecting and restoring habitat in the Great Lakes Basin. Eligible applicants typically include nonprofits, state/local agencies, Tribal nations, and universities working on conservation. Projects must address high-priority actions within the Great Lakes region. Activities supported include habitat identification, protection, conservation, management, enhancement, or restoration on public and private lands.
Financial assistance supports technical work and implementation. Awards range from $50,000 to $500,000. This is a competitive grant administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. No cost-sharing is required.
This grant is for organizations protecting and restoring habitat in the Great Lakes Basin. Eligible applicants typically include nonprofits, state/local agencies, Tribal nations, and universities working on conservation. Projects must address high-priority actions within the Great Lakes region. Activities supported include habitat identification, protection, conservation, management, enhancement, or restoration on public and private lands.
Financial assistance supports technical work and implementation. Awards range from $50,000 to $500,000. This is a competitive grant administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. No cost-sharing is required.
Program description
To provide technical and financial assistance to implement the highest priority actions in order to protect and restore the Great Lakes. Priority actions are to: identify, protect, conserve, manage, enhance or restore habitat or species on both public and private lands within the Great Lakes Basin USFWS Great Lakes Restoration Program Funding Federal Assistance Listing: 15.662. Administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources via the Illinois GATA Catalog of State Financial Assistance (CSFA 422-20-0117).
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
- 501(c)(3) Public Charity
- Conservation Organization
- Nonprofits
- Public Authority
- Public K-12 School
- Small Business (SBA-defined)
- Tribal Organization
Details
This grant is for organizations protecting and restoring habitat in the Great Lakes Basin. Eligible applicants typically include nonprofits, state/local agencies, Tribal nations, and universities working on conservation. Projects must address high-priority actions within the Great Lakes region. Activities supported include habitat identification, protection, conservation, management, enhancement, or restoration on public and private lands.
Financial assistance supports technical work and implementation. Awards range from $50,000 to $500,000. This is a competitive grant administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. No cost-sharing is required.
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- State Financial Assistance (GATA) application
- Project narrative describing conservation goals
- Budget and budget narrative
- Letters of support from partners or landowners
- Project timeline and measurable outcomes
- Proof of 501(c)(3) status or government agency authorization
Program contact
- 👤 Melissa Cooper Melissa.Cooper@illinois.gov
- 📧 Melissa.Cooper@illinois.gov
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 15.662 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$17,348,237
-
$15,031,566
-
$14,174,757
-
$10,024,505
-
$9,074,913
-
$9,054,943
-
$8,937,294
-
$7,718,060
-
$7,405,665
-
$7,252,913
Top States by Funding
- IL 9 awards $42.2M
- MI 25 awards $14.9M
- DC 1 awards $14.2M
- OH 9 awards $11.1M
- WI 8 awards $6.6M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
FAQ
Who can apply for this grant?
Nonprofits, government agencies, Tribal nations, and universities working on Great Lakes conservation are typically eligible. Check with IDNR to confirm your organization's status.
What geographic area does this cover?
This grant supports projects within the Great Lakes Basin. All Great Lakes states may be eligible, though administered through Illinois.
What types of projects are funded?
Habitat identification, protection, conservation, management, enhancement, and restoration on public and private lands. Priority aligns with USFWS Great Lakes Restoration Program goals.
Is there a deadline?
This appears to be a rolling deadline program. Contact IDNR for current deadlines and funding cycles.
What's the typical award size?
Awards range from $50,000 to $500,000 depending on project scope and quality. No cost-sharing is required.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Build your project timeline around Great Lakes restoration priorities. Alignment with USFWS goals strengthens competitiveness.
- Partner with local agencies or landowners if your project is on private land. Demonstrated community support matters.
- Be specific about measurable outcomes. Describe how you'll track habitat improvements or species recovery.
- Include letters of support from relevant state agencies or conservation partners. These strengthen credibility.
- Submit early if rolling deadlines exist. Earlier applications may have better funding chances.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applications fail when project scope misaligns with Great Lakes Restoration Program priorities. Vague habitat metrics or unmeasurable outcomes reduce competitiveness. Weak partnerships or missing landowner consent on private lands cause rejection.
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