Grants to Great Lakes States (FY26)
Can you apply?
This grant is for organizations protecting and restoring Great Lakes habitat and species. Applicants must work on projects within the Great Lakes Basin on public or private lands. Typical eligible recipients include nonprofits, government agencies, universities, and conservation organizations with environmental focus.
Project activities must align with USFWS Great Lakes Restoration Program priorities. This includes habitat identification, protection, conservation, management, enhancement, or restoration. Work on both public and private lands is eligible.
Applicants should confirm eligibility with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. The program prioritizes highest-priority conservation actions in the region.
This grant is for organizations protecting and restoring Great Lakes habitat and species. Applicants must work on projects within the Great Lakes Basin on public or private lands. Typical eligible recipients include nonprofits, government agencies, universities, and conservation organizations with environmental focus.
Project activities must align with USFWS Great Lakes Restoration Program priorities. This includes habitat identification, protection, conservation, management, enhancement, or restoration. Work on both public and private lands is eligible.
Applicants should confirm eligibility with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. The program prioritizes highest-priority conservation actions in the region.
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
- Public University
- Small Business (SBA-defined)
Details
This grant is for organizations protecting and restoring Great Lakes habitat and species. Applicants must work on projects within the Great Lakes Basin on public or private lands. Typical eligible recipients include nonprofits, government agencies, universities, and conservation organizations with environmental focus.
Project activities must align with USFWS Great Lakes Restoration Program priorities. This includes habitat identification, protection, conservation, management, enhancement, or restoration. Work on both public and private lands is eligible.
Applicants should confirm eligibility with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. The program prioritizes highest-priority conservation actions in the region.
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- Application form (GATA 422-20-0117)
- Project narrative describing conservation goals and activities
- Budget and budget justification
- Proof of organizational eligibility and good standing
- Letters of support from partners and affected landowners
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?
Conservation nonprofits, government agencies, universities, and similar organizations working in the Great Lakes Basin. Contact IDNR to confirm your organization's eligibility.
What geographic area does this cover?
Projects must be located within the Great Lakes Basin. The funding is administered through Illinois but serves the broader region.
What types of projects are eligible?
Habitat protection, restoration, enhancement, species management, and conservation on public or private lands. Projects must align with USFWS Great Lakes Restoration Program priorities.
Is cost-sharing required?
No cost-sharing is required for this grant. All project costs can be fully funded by the grant.
What is the funding range?
Individual awards typically range from $50,000 to $800,000, depending on project scope and quality.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Clearly align your project with USFWS Great Lakes Restoration Program priorities. Reviewer preference goes to highest-priority actions.
- Demonstrate the environmental need and conservation impact. Quantify habitat acreage, species benefits, or other measurable outcomes.
- Include letters of support from partners, landowners, and agencies. Multi-partner projects are viewed favorably.
- Provide a realistic budget and timeline. Clearly explain how grant funds will be used and what will be accomplished.
- Submit early even though this is rolling. Earlier applications may receive faster review and funding decisions.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Submitting projects outside the Great Lakes Basin. Proposing activities that don't align with USFWS Great Lakes Restoration Program priorities. Weak documentation of environmental need and measurable conservation outcomes.
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