Illinois support of Ohio River Basin Asian Carp control and management (FY26)
Can you apply?
This grant is for fish and wildlife management activities in the Ohio River Basin focusing on Asian Carp control. Eligible applicants include state agencies, local governments, nonprofits, and tribes involved in conservation and wildlife management. Activities must align with Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office goals and priorities. Geographic focus is the Ohio River Basin region and states within it.
Program description
Conduct fish and wildlife management activities that align with the conservation, restoration, and management goals and priorities of the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Offices. USFWS Fish and Wildlife Management Assistance Federal Assistance Listing: 15.608. Administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources via the Illinois GATA Catalog of State Financial Assistance (CSFA 422-20-0108).
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- SF-424 Federal Application Form
- Project Narrative and Work Plan
- Budget and Budget Justification
- Organization documentation (nonprofit 501c3 status, government agency authorization)
- Letters of Support from partners
Program contact
- 👤 Melissa Cooper Melissa.Cooper@illinois.gov
- 📧 Melissa.Cooper@illinois.gov
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 15.608 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$12,023,301
-
$10,000,000
-
$8,292,215
-
$8,000,000
-
$6,863,680
-
$4,852,445
-
$4,244,024
-
$4,238,994
-
$4,000,000
-
$3,970,758
Top States by Funding
- KY 6 awards $21.7M
- AK 14 awards $21.1M
- AL 6 awards $17.3M
- FL 4 awards $14.5M
- TN 5 awards $12.4M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
FAQ
Who is eligible to apply?
State agencies, local governments, nonprofits, and tribal organizations involved in fish and wildlife management are typically eligible. Contact the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to confirm your organization type.
What is the deadline?
This grant operates on a rolling basis with no fixed deadline. Applications may be accepted throughout the fiscal year until funding is exhausted.
What activities are funded?
Fish and wildlife management activities that support conservation, restoration, and management goals of Fish and Wildlife Conservation Offices. Asian Carp control and management projects are the priority.
What is the typical funding range?
Awards range from $30,000 to $3,000,000 depending on project scope and available funds. Larger projects require stronger competitive justifications.
Is cost-sharing required?
No cost-sharing is required for this grant, making it more accessible to smaller organizations.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Align your project directly with stated Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office priorities. Show how your activities support specific management goals.
- Document baseline conditions and measurable outcomes for Asian Carp control or other management activities. Clear metrics strengthen applications.
- Contact the Illinois Department of Natural Resources early to confirm eligibility and get technical guidance. Rolling deadlines reward early applicants.
- Since no cost-sharing is required, emphasize the federal investment value and long-term sustainability of your proposed work.
- Include letters of support from relevant state and local partners to demonstrate coordination with regional conservation efforts.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Submitting projects that don't align with identified Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office priorities. Vague proposals without specific management goals or measurable outcomes. Failing to coordinate with state and local agencies before applying.
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