DJ – Sport Fish Restoration – Fisheries, Boat Access (FY27)
Can you apply?
This grant is for organizations seeking to improve sport fish restoration and boat access in Illinois. Public agencies, nonprofits, and local governments can apply. Projects must support fishing opportunities, habitat restoration, or public boat launch improvements. Work must occur in Illinois or benefit Illinois waters.
This grant is for organizations seeking to improve sport fish restoration and boat access in Illinois. Public agencies, nonprofits, and local governments can apply. Projects must support fishing opportunities, habitat restoration, or public boat launch improvements. Work must occur in Illinois or benefit Illinois waters.
Program description
DJ is a grant opportunity administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Individual awards range from $10,000 to $1,000,000. 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
Details
This grant is for organizations seeking to improve sport fish restoration and boat access in Illinois. Public agencies, nonprofits, and local governments can apply. Projects must support fishing opportunities, habitat restoration, or public boat launch improvements. Work must occur in Illinois or benefit Illinois waters.
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- GATA Grant Application Form
- Project Narrative
- Detailed Budget and Budget Narrative
- Letters of Support
- Project Maps/Site Plans
- Timeline/Work Plan
Program contact
- 👤 Melissa Cooper
- 📧 melissa.cooper@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?
Public agencies, local governments, and nonprofits are typically eligible. Your organization should have experience managing outdoor recreation or natural resource projects.
When is the deadline?
Applications are accepted rolling (no fixed deadline). Submit whenever your project is ready.
What types of projects are funded?
Sport fish habitat restoration, boat access improvements, fishing infrastructure, and related water recreation projects.
How much can I request?
Awards range from $10,000 to $1,000,000 depending on project scope.
Is cost sharing required?
No cost sharing is required for this grant.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Contact the Illinois Department of Natural Resources early to discuss project ideas and eligibility.
- Emphasize public benefits like improved fishing access and habitat quality.
- Include letters of support from local agencies or fishing organizations.
- Provide detailed maps, budget breakdowns, and timeline documentation.
- Demonstrate how your project aligns with state fisheries management priorities.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applications lack clear metrics for fish population improvement or public access outcomes. Proposals underestimate project costs or provide unrealistic timelines. Applicants fail to demonstrate ongoing maintenance or management plans post-grant.
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