State ANS Comprehensive Management Plan (FY26))
Can you apply?
This grant is for organizations and entities working to restore and protect the Great Lakes ecosystem. Eligible applicants typically include nonprofits, government agencies, and conservation organizations operating in the Great Lakes Basin. The focus is on habitat and species protection, restoration, and management on both public and private lands. Activities must align with highest priority actions identified in the Great Lakes Restoration Program.
Applicants must demonstrate capacity to implement projects that enhance or restore ecosystems within the Great Lakes region. Projects protecting endangered species, managing invasive species, or restoring wetlands and shorelines are often prioritized. Cost sharing is not required for this grant.
This grant is for organizations and entities working to restore and protect the Great Lakes ecosystem. Eligible applicants typically include nonprofits, government agencies, and conservation organizations operating in the Great Lakes Basin. The focus is on habitat and species protection, restoration, and management on both public and private lands. Activities must align with highest priority actions identified in the Great Lakes Restoration Program.
Applicants must demonstrate capacity to implement projects that enhance or restore ecosystems within the Great Lakes region. Projects protecting endangered species, managing invasive species, or restoring wetlands and shorelines are often prioritized. Cost sharing is not required for this grant.
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 USFWS Great Lakes Restoration Program Funding 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
- 501(c)(3) Public Charity
- Conservation Organization
- Nonprofits
- Public Authority
- Public K-12 School
- Small Business (SBA-defined)
Details
This grant is for organizations and entities working to restore and protect the Great Lakes ecosystem. Eligible applicants typically include nonprofits, government agencies, and conservation organizations operating in the Great Lakes Basin. The focus is on habitat and species protection, restoration, and management on both public and private lands. Activities must align with highest priority actions identified in the Great Lakes Restoration Program.
Applicants must demonstrate capacity to implement projects that enhance or restore ecosystems within the Great Lakes region. Projects protecting endangered species, managing invasive species, or restoring wetlands and shorelines are often prioritized. Cost sharing is not required for this grant.
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- Project narrative describing conservation goals and activities
- Budget and budget narrative
- Organizational capacity and qualifications
- Letters of support from partners or land managers
- GATA registration documentation (Illinois state requirement)
Program contact
- 👤 Cooper, Melissa melissa.cooper@illinois.gov
- 📧 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
-
$17,348,237
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$15,031,566
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$14,174,757
-
$10,024,505
-
$9,074,913
-
$9,054,943
-
$8,937,294
-
$7,718,060
-
$7,405,665
-
$7,252,913
Top States by Funding
- IL 9 awards $42.2M
- MI 25 awards $14.9M
- DC 1 awards $14.2M
- OH 9 awards $11.1M
- WI 8 awards $6.6M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
FAQ
Who is eligible to apply?
Nonprofits, government agencies, and conservation organizations in the Great Lakes Basin can apply. Your organization should have experience with habitat or species protection and restoration.
Is cost sharing required?
No. This grant does not require matching funds or cost sharing from applicants.
What types of projects are funded?
Projects that protect, restore, enhance, or manage habitat or species in the Great Lakes Basin. Invasive species management and ecosystem restoration are common priorities.
What is the funding range?
Grants typically range from $5,000 to $150,000. The total program funding pool is $150,000, so fewer larger awards or more smaller awards are both possible.
When is the deadline?
This appears to be a rolling application program. Check with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources for current submission windows and deadlines.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Clearly connect your project to specific Great Lakes restoration priorities listed in the program guidance. Show which priority actions your work addresses.
- Focus on measurable conservation outcomes like acres restored, species protected, or invasive species removed. Quantify impacts where possible.
- Demonstrate your organization's technical capacity and past success with similar habitat or species projects. Include relevant experience.
- Build relationships with the Illinois DNRE program staff early. They can clarify priorities and strengthen your project design.
- Request the lowest reasonable funding amount for your scope. Smaller grants are more likely to be funded given the total pool size.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Submitting vague project descriptions without clear connection to Great Lakes Restoration Program priorities. Proposing projects outside the Great Lakes Basin or on unspecified land types. Underestimating staffing and management needs for habitat restoration work.
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