Endangered Species (FY24)
Can you apply?
This grant is for organizations working to conserve endangered and threatened species under the Endangered Species Act. Eligible applicants likely include nonprofit organizations, state agencies, educational institutions, and conservation organizations with capacity to develop and manage species conservation programs. Activities focus on developing conservation programs, research, habitat protection, and recovery initiatives. Geographic scope is limited to Illinois, though the federal program can support work throughout the state.
This grant is for organizations working to conserve endangered and threatened species under the Endangered Species Act. Eligible applicants likely include nonprofit organizations, state agencies, educational institutions, and conservation organizations with capacity to develop and manage species conservation programs. Activities focus on developing conservation programs, research, habitat protection, and recovery initiatives. Geographic scope is limited to Illinois, though the federal program can support work throughout the state.
Program description
Assist in the development of programs for the conservation of endangered and threatened species. Endangered Species Act Federal Assistance Listing: 15.615. Administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources via the Illinois GATA Catalog of State Financial Assistance (CSFA 422-20-0111).
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
Details
This grant is for organizations working to conserve endangered and threatened species under the Endangered Species Act. Eligible applicants likely include nonprofit organizations, state agencies, educational institutions, and conservation organizations with capacity to develop and manage species conservation programs. Activities focus on developing conservation programs, research, habitat protection, and recovery initiatives. Geographic scope is limited to Illinois, though the federal program can support work throughout the state.
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- GATA application form (Illinois-specific)
- Project narrative describing conservation activities
- Budget and budget narrative
- Organizational capacity documentation
- Letters of support from partner agencies
Program contact
- 👤 Kanter, Lois
- 📧 lois.kanter@illinois.gov
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 15.615 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$10,000,000
-
$8,804,150
-
$7,788,428
-
$7,000,000
-
$6,620,694
-
$6,606,303
-
$6,400,000
-
$5,244,000
-
$5,155,500
-
$4,928,107
Top States by Funding
- CA 25 awards $76.2M
- WA 13 awards $30.7M
- HI 18 awards $23.8M
- AL 5 awards $21.5M
- UT 2 awards $10.1M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
FAQ
Who is eligible to apply for this grant?
Typically nonprofits, universities, state agencies, and conservation organizations. Check the full GATA listing for specific eligibility requirements.
What types of activities does this grant support?
Conservation program development, habitat restoration, species recovery planning, research, and monitoring initiatives for endangered and threatened species.
Is there a deadline?
This grant uses rolling acceptance. Submit applications according to GATA/IDNR timelines.
How much funding can we receive?
Awards typically range from $1,000 to $93,593. The total pool is limited.
Is cost sharing required?
No cost sharing is required for this grant.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Start by reviewing the full GATA Catalog entry (422-20-0111) for specific eligibility and application procedures.
- Focus proposals on concrete conservation outcomes and measurable species recovery goals.
- Demonstrate organizational capacity to manage endangered species work and comply with Endangered Species Act requirements.
- Build relationships with Illinois Department of Natural Resources staff before submitting to clarify program priorities.
- Include letters of support from other conservation agencies or species experts to strengthen competitiveness.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applications lack specific conservation goals or measurable outcomes for target species. Proposals underestimate the complexity of ESA compliance and permitting requirements. Poor alignment with state wildlife action plan priorities reduces competitiveness.
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