– State Wildlife Grants (FY24)
🏛 Illinois Department of Natural Resources
✓ Free, no account · Source: Illinois GATA Catalog (CSFA) · Last verified Jul 1, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for organizations that work on wildlife and habitat conservation in Illinois. Eligible applicants typically include state agencies, nonprofit conservation organizations, and academic institutions. Projects must benefit fish, wildlife, or their habitats, including non-game species. Priority is given to projects addressing species of greatest conservation concern.
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Program description
Development and implementation of projects for the benefit of fish and wildlife and their habitats, including species that are not hunted or fished. Priority is placed on projects that benefit species of greatest conservation concern USFWS State Wildlife Grant Funding Federal Assistance Listing: 15.634. Administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources via the Illinois GATA Catalog of State Financial Assistance (CSFA 422-20-0114).
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- Standard GATA application form (via Illinois GATA catalog)
- Project narrative and description
- Budget and budget narrative
- Organizational documentation (501c3 status or equivalent)
- Letters of support or partnership agreements
Program contact
- 👤 Kanter, Lois
- 📧 lois.kanter@illinois.gov
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 15.634 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
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$9,661,440
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$6,306,212
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$5,968,048
-
$5,458,943
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$4,643,784
-
$3,962,264
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$3,339,970
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$3,190,856
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$2,728,897
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$2,675,500
Top States by Funding
- NY 4 awards $19.2M
- FL 8 awards $13.7M
- AK 4 awards $9.4M
- PA 7 awards $6.3M
- OH 4 awards $6.3M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
FAQ
Who can apply for the State Wildlife Grants?
Typically state agencies, nonprofits, universities, and conservation organizations. Check the Illinois GATA catalog for your organization type eligibility.
Is cost sharing required?
No, cost sharing is not required for this grant.
What types of projects are eligible?
Projects that develop or implement conservation for fish, wildlife, or habitats. Non-game species and species of greatest conservation concern are priorities.
What is the typical funding range?
Awards range from $10,000 to $1,000,000. Actual amounts depend on project scope and available funding.
When do applications close?
This is a rolling deadline program. Check the Illinois GATA catalog or IDNR website for current intake periods.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Clearly identify which species of greatest conservation concern your project addresses. This is a priority area for scoring.
- Provide a strong ecological rationale showing how your project benefits wildlife and habitat.
- Detail the implementation timeline and deliverables for your project.
- Connect your work to Illinois wildlife conservation goals and IDNR priorities.
- Build relationships with IDNR staff early to understand current funding priorities.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Vague species benefit statements without data. Unclear implementation plans or unrealistic timelines. Failing to align with IDNR conservation priorities.
Similar grants
- ROLLING SWG – State Wildlife Grants (FY25) — Illinois Department of Natural Resources
- ROLLING SWG – State Wildlife Grants (FY26) — Illinois Department of Natural Resources
- ROLLING C-SWG – Competitive State Wildlife Grants (FY25) — Illinois Department of Natural Resources
- ROLLING C-SWG – Competitive State Wildlife Grants (FY26) — Illinois Department of Natural Resources
- ROLLING PR – Wildlife Restoration (FY24) — Illinois Department of Natural Resources