DJ – Sport Fish Restoration – Fisheries, Boat Access (FY26)
Can you apply?
This grant is for fish restoration and recreational fishing access projects in Illinois. State agencies, municipalities, nonprofits, and universities may apply. Projects must support sport fish restoration, habitat improvement, or public boat access facilities. Work must take place in Illinois or benefit Illinois fisheries.
This grant is for fish restoration and recreational fishing access projects in Illinois. State agencies, municipalities, nonprofits, and universities may apply. Projects must support sport fish restoration, habitat improvement, or public boat access facilities. Work must take place in Illinois or benefit Illinois fisheries.
Program description
DJ is a grant opportunity administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Individual awards range from $10,000 to $8,000,000. Illinois Catalog of State Financial Assistance (CSFA) number: 422-20-0107. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis (no fixed deadline). Posted on the Illinois GATA Catalog of State Financial Assistance.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
- City / Municipal Government
- County Government
- Nonprofits
- Public Authority
- Public K-12 School
- Public University
- State Government
Details
This grant is for fish restoration and recreational fishing access projects in Illinois. State agencies, municipalities, nonprofits, and universities may apply. Projects must support sport fish restoration, habitat improvement, or public boat access facilities. Work must take place in Illinois or benefit Illinois fisheries.
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- Project narrative and description
- Budget and budget justification
- Organizational information and credentials
- Project timeline
- Evidence of coordination with Illinois DNR
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?
Typically state agencies, local governments, nonprofits, universities, and conservation organizations. Specific eligible applicant types are not provided in available materials.
Is there a deadline?
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis year-round. There is no fixed application deadline.
What types of projects are funded?
Sport fish restoration, habitat improvement, and recreational boat access facilities. Projects must benefit fisheries or public fishing access in Illinois.
What is the award range?
Individual awards range from $10,000 to $8,000,000. Award size depends on project scope and available funding.
Is cost-sharing required?
No cost-sharing requirement is specified for this program.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Contact the Illinois Department of Natural Resources early to understand current funding priorities and project eligibility.
- Develop a clear project plan showing how work improves sport fish populations or recreational access.
- Include measurable outcomes, timeline, and budget justification for your proposed work.
- Emphasize public benefit and how the project serves Illinois anglers and fishing communities.
- Review successful past projects if examples are available to understand what the agency funds.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Proposing projects outside Illinois or that don't clearly support sport fish restoration or public boat access. Submitting vague project descriptions without measurable outcomes or realistic timelines. Failing to demonstrate adequate planning or coordination with Illinois DNR before application.
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