Invasive Carp Management Control in IL Waterway GLRI (CAFWS-183)
🏛 Illinois Department of Natural Resources
✓ Free, no account · Source: Illinois GATA Catalog (CSFA) · Last verified Jun 1, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for organizations working to protect and restore the Great Lakes Basin. Eligible applicants typically include nonprofits, state and local governments, tribal nations, and conservation organizations. Projects must implement priority actions identified in Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) plans. Activities include habitat identification, protection, conservation, management, enhancement, or restoration on public and private lands within the Great Lakes Basin.
Geographic focus is limited to the Great Lakes Basin region. Applicants should demonstrate alignment with GLRI priorities. Project proposals must show clear connection to Great Lakes protection or restoration outcomes.
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Program description
To provide technical and financial assistance to implement the highest priority actions in order to protect and restore the Great Lakes. Priority actions are to: identify, protect, conserve, manage, enhance or restore habitat or species on both public and private lands within the Great Lakes Basin Federal Assistance Listing: 15.662. Administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources via the Illinois GATA Catalog of State Financial Assistance (CSFA 422-20-0117).
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- GATA application form (state-specific)
- Project narrative describing conservation goals and methods
- Budget and budget narrative
- Letters of support from partners or stakeholders
- Baseline data and project timeline
- Organizational capacity documentation
Program contact
- 👤 Cooper, Melissa
- 📧 Melissa.Cooper@illinois.gov
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 15.662 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
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$17,348,237
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$15,031,566
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$14,174,757
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$10,024,505
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$9,074,913
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$9,054,943
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$8,937,294
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$7,718,060
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$7,405,665
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$7,252,913
Top States by Funding
- IL 10 awards $42.4M
- MI 27 awards $15.3M
- DC 1 awards $14.2M
- OH 10 awards $11.3M
- WI 8 awards $6.6M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
FAQ
Who is eligible to apply for this grant?
Nonprofits, government agencies, tribal nations, and conservation organizations working within the Great Lakes Basin typically qualify. Contact the Illinois Department of Natural Resources for specific eligibility confirmation.
What types of projects does this grant fund?
Projects that identify, protect, conserve, manage, enhance, or restore habitat and species on public or private lands in the Great Lakes Basin. Invasive species management, habitat restoration, and conservation planning are priority areas.
Is there a deadline, and when should I apply?
This is a rolling application program with no fixed deadline. Submit applications whenever your project is ready, but earlier submission may improve funding chances.
What is the typical award range?
Awards range from $20,000 to $6,000,000 depending on project scope and priorities. Larger projects addressing multiple GLRI priorities tend to be more competitive.
Do I need to provide matching funds?
No cost-sharing or matching funds are required. All eligible project costs can be covered by the grant.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Align your project directly with Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) priorities published by the federal government. Review the GLRI Action Plan before writing your proposal.
- Demonstrate clear outcomes and measurable metrics for habitat restoration or invasive species control. Reviewers want to see quantifiable conservation results.
- Involve multiple stakeholders and partners when possible. Collaborative projects that engage local communities, tribes, and agencies are more competitive.
- Use recent baseline data and science-based management approaches. Strong ecological justification increases credibility with reviewers.
- Begin with the Illinois GATA Catalog (CSFA 422-20-0117) guidance document. This state-administered program has specific application procedures and forms.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Submitting projects outside the Great Lakes Basin without strong GLRI alignment. Proposing activities that lack clear conservation outcomes or measurable restoration metrics. Failing to secure partner commitment letters or demonstrating community buy-in from the start.
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