PR – Wildlife Restoration (FY26)
🏛 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 wildlife restoration projects in Illinois. Nonprofits, state agencies, local governments, and wildlife organizations may apply. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources administers the program statewide. Eligible activities include habitat restoration, species protection, and conservation research that benefit Illinois wildlife.
Public agencies, charitable organizations, and educational institutions focused on wildlife and natural resource management are encouraged to apply. Projects must advance wildlife conservation goals. Cost sharing is not required.
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Program description
PR is a grant opportunity administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Individual awards range from $10,000 to $10,000,000. Illinois Catalog of State Financial Assistance (CSFA) number: 422-20-0109. 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
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- GATA grant application form
- Project narrative with conservation objectives
- Detailed budget and justification
- Organization tax status documentation
- Environmental/ecological impact assessment
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
-
$38,702,743
-
$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?
Nonprofits, government agencies, educational institutions, and wildlife organizations in Illinois are eligible. The program favors organizations with wildlife conservation expertise.
When is the deadline?
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis year-round. There is no fixed submission deadline.
What activities does the grant fund?
Wildlife habitat restoration, species protection, conservation research, and ecosystem management projects are eligible. Work must directly benefit Illinois wildlife.
What is the funding range?
Individual awards range from $10,000 to $10,000,000. Award amounts vary based on project scope and need.
Is cost sharing required?
No cost sharing or matching funds are required for this grant.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Start with a clear wildlife conservation goal tied to Illinois ecological priorities. Funders favor projects with measurable environmental outcomes.
- Document your organization's track record in habitat restoration or wildlife management. Prior conservation experience strengthens competitiveness.
- Build a realistic budget aligned to your project scope. Even small projects ($10,000) require clear justification.
- Since this is rolling deadline, submit when your project plan is solid. Don't rush an incomplete application.
- Partner with local governments or universities if possible. Collaborative projects often score better with state funders.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Vague conservation goals without specific habitat or species targets. Weak budget justification that doesn't clearly link costs to wildlife outcomes. Failing to demonstrate organizational capacity for multi-year projects.
Similar grants
- ROLLING PR – Wildlife Restoration (FY27) — Illinois Department of Natural Resources
- ROLLING PR – Wildlife Restoration (FY24) — Illinois Department of Natural Resources
- ROLLING PR – Wildlife Restoration (FY25) — Illinois Department of Natural Resources
- ROLLING SWG – State Wildlife Grants (FY26) — Illinois Department of Natural Resources
- ROLLING SWG – State Wildlife Grants (FY25) — Illinois Department of Natural Resources