PR – Wildlife Restoration (FY25)
🏛 Illinois Department of Natural Resources
✓ Free, no account · Source: Illinois GATA Catalog (CSFA) · Last verified Jun 1, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant funds wildlife restoration, conservation, and habitat management projects. Projects may include public access to wildlife resources, hunter education, and shooting range development. Eligible applicants typically include state wildlife agencies, nonprofits, and government entities working on federally-recognized wildlife restoration goals. Projects must align with state wildlife management priorities and benefit wild birds, mammals, and their habitats.
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Program description
Projects to restore, conserve, manage, and enhance wild birds and mammals and their habitat. Projects also include providing public use and access to wildlife resources; hunter education and safety; and the development and management of shooting ranges. USFWS Wildlife Restoration Funding Federal Assistance Listing: 15.611. Administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources via the Illinois GATA Catalog of State Financial Assistance (CSFA 422-20-0109).
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- Project Narrative describing restoration goals and methods
- Budget and budget narrative with detailed cost justification
- Letters of support from state wildlife agency and partners
- Environmental assessment or compliance documentation
- Detailed timeline and measurable outcomes
- Applicant organizational capacity statement
Program contact
- 👤 Lois Kanter
- 📧 lois.kanter@illinois.gov
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 15.611 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
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$41,174,207
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$40,593,378
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$40,440,828
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$39,006,377
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$38,702,743
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$38,241,132
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$37,415,361
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$34,253,344
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$34,187,455
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$34,178,720
Top States by Funding
- NY 7 awards $179.9M
- TN 5 awards $164.7M
- AZ 4 awards $146.1M
- AK 6 awards $124.8M
- WI 4 awards $103.9M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
FAQ
Who can apply for this grant?
State wildlife agencies and their authorized partners typically qualify. Nonprofits and municipalities may apply if working in partnership with the state agency.
What types of projects are eligible?
Wildlife restoration, habitat management, hunter education programs, and shooting range development are supported. Projects must benefit wild birds and mammals.
Is there a cost-sharing requirement?
No cost-sharing is required for this grant.
What is the typical funding range?
Awards range from $10,000 to $10,000,000 depending on project scope and funding availability.
When is the deadline?
This grant operates on a rolling basis. Check the Illinois Department of Natural Resources website for current application windows.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Align your project with state wildlife management plans and federal restoration priorities. Strong partnerships with state agencies increase competitiveness.
- Include detailed habitat assessments and measurable conservation outcomes in your proposal. Demonstrate long-term ecological impact.
- Emphasize public benefits like increased access, hunter safety, or species recovery. Document how the project serves the community.
- Budget realistically for multi-year work. Wildlife restoration often requires sustained effort beyond initial project phases.
- Submit strong letters of support from state wildlife staff and relevant partner organizations. Agency endorsement is critical for success.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applications fail when projects don't clearly tie to federal wildlife restoration goals or state priorities. Weak partnerships with state wildlife agencies significantly reduce competitiveness. Poorly justified budgets or vague measurable outcomes lead to rejection.
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