PR – Wildlife Restoration (FY27)
🏛 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. Public agencies, nonprofits, and private organizations working on fish and wildlife conservation may apply. Eligible activities include habitat restoration, species recovery, research, and wildlife management. Projects must align with state wildlife conservation priorities and benefit Illinois fish and wildlife resources.
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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
- Grant application form (Illinois GATA)
- Project narrative/proposal
- Budget and budget narrative
- Organization credentials/qualifications
- Letters of support or partnership agreements (if applicable)
- Environmental documentation or permits (if required)
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
-
$38,241,132
-
$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?
Public agencies, nonprofits, and private organizations involved in wildlife conservation typically qualify. Check the Illinois GATA catalog for specific eligibility requirements by applicant type.
What is the deadline?
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis with no fixed deadline. You can submit proposals year-round, though funding availability may vary.
What types of projects are eligible?
Wildlife restoration, habitat improvement, species management, and research projects focused on fish and wildlife benefits typically qualify.
How competitive is this grant?
Competition varies widely given the large award range ($10K-$10M). Smaller projects may have less competition than large requests.
What is the typical project duration?
Grant terms vary by project scope. Review recent awards and contact the Illinois DNR for typical project lengths and funding levels.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Contact Illinois DNR early to clarify eligibility for your organization type. Rolling deadlines require proactive outreach.
- Align your project with Illinois wildlife conservation priorities and state management plans for stronger alignment.
- Request the largest award realistic for your scope. Detailed budgets justify funding requests across the wide $10K-$10M range.
- Use recent similar projects as models. The Illinois GATA catalog may list past awards to guide your proposal narrative.
- Plan 2-3 months for application preparation. Rolling deadlines mean earlier submission often signals stronger readiness.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Proposals misaligned with state wildlife priorities. Vague outcomes and no clear metrics for restoration success. Budgets that underestimate costs or lack detailed justification across wide award range.
Similar grants
- ROLLING PR – Wildlife Restoration (FY26) — 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 (FY25) — Illinois Department of Natural Resources
- ROLLING SWG – State Wildlife Grants (FY24) — Illinois Department of Natural Resources