DJ – Sport Fish Restoration – Fisheries, Boat Access (FY24)
Can you apply?
This grant is for organizations that restore, conserve, and manage sport fish populations and provide public access to fishing waters. State agencies, local governments, nonprofits, and universities working on fisheries projects in Illinois are typically eligible. Activities include fish habitat enhancement, boat access development, hatchery construction, aquatic education, and lake maintenance. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources administers the program under USFWS Sport Fish Restoration funding.
Program description
Activities designed to restore, conserve, manage, or enhance sport fish populations; the public use and benefits from these resources; and activities that provide boat access to public waters. Sport fisheries research and management activities; boating access development and maintenance; aquatic resource education activities; lake construction and maintenance; land acquisition; technical assistance; planning; habitat enhancement; administration; coordination; and hatchery construction are eligible under the Act. USFWS Sport Fish Restoration Funding Federal Assistance Listing: 15.605. Administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources via the Illinois GATA Catalog of State Financial Assistance (CSFA 422-20-0107).
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- Project Narrative
- Budget with itemized costs
- Organization documentation (501(c)(3) status if applicable)
- Letters of support from project partners
- Environmental or habitat assessments (if applicable)
Program contact
- 👤 Justison, Kathy
- 📧 kathy.justison@illinois.gov
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 15.605 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$24,399,201
-
$22,282,107
-
$14,889,769
-
$14,833,626
-
$13,614,539
-
$13,090,819
-
$12,737,899
-
$12,703,142
-
$11,893,950
-
$11,690,443
Top States by Funding
- TX 8 awards $59.8M
- WI 4 awards $49.9M
- NY 4 awards $49.5M
- FL 7 awards $49.1M
- MN 4 awards $42.5M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
FAQ
Who can apply for this grant?
State agencies, local government entities, nonprofits, and educational institutions working on sport fisheries projects. Contact the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to confirm your organization's eligibility.
What types of projects are eligible?
Fish population restoration, habitat enhancement, boat ramp and access development, hatchery construction, aquatic education, lake maintenance, and fisheries research. Planning and technical assistance activities also qualify.
Is there a deadline?
The grant has rolling acceptance. Check the Illinois GATA catalog (CSFA 422-20-0107) for current submission windows and any posted deadlines.
What is the funding range?
Awards typically range from $10,000 to $8,000,000 depending on project scope and availability. Actual awards depend on competition and total pool funding.
Is cost-sharing required?
No cost-sharing match is required for this grant. All eligible costs can be fully funded through the award.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Align your project directly with sport fish restoration priorities. Clearly explain how it benefits public fishing access or improves fish populations.
- Build a strong partnership with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources early. Their staff can clarify eligibility and priorities before you apply.
- Include detailed maps, habitat assessments, or fisheries data if relevant. Competitive applications use technical documentation to support project feasibility.
- Plan for long-term sustainability. Explain how your project will maintain benefits after the grant period ends.
- Submit complete budget documentation with clear justification. Missing or vague cost details slow down application review.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applications fail when project scope doesn't clearly connect to sport fish restoration or public fishing access. Weak partnerships with state fisheries staff hurt competitiveness. Incomplete budgets or missing technical documentation reduce funding chances.
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