– State Wildlife Grants (FY25)
Can you apply?
This grant is for Illinois-based organizations and agencies that develop and implement wildlife conservation projects. Eligible applicants typically include state agencies, nonprofits, municipalities, and educational institutions working on fish and wildlife habitat protection. Projects must benefit fish, wildlife, or their habitats—including non-hunted or non-fished species. Priority goes to projects addressing species of greatest conservation concern identified by USFWS.
Funding supports project development and implementation activities. The program covers habitat restoration, species protection, research, education, and management projects. Cost-sharing is not required. Applicants must work within Illinois and follow state GATA procurement procedures.
This grant is for Illinois-based organizations and agencies that develop and implement wildlife conservation projects. Eligible applicants typically include state agencies, nonprofits, municipalities, and educational institutions working on fish and wildlife habitat protection. Projects must benefit fish, wildlife, or their habitats—including non-hunted or non-fished species. Priority goes to projects addressing species of greatest conservation concern identified by USFWS.
Funding supports project development and implementation activities. The program covers habitat restoration, species protection, research, education, and management projects. Cost-sharing is not required. Applicants must work within Illinois and follow state GATA procurement procedures.
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
Details
This grant is for Illinois-based organizations and agencies that develop and implement wildlife conservation projects. Eligible applicants typically include state agencies, nonprofits, municipalities, and educational institutions working on fish and wildlife habitat protection. Projects must benefit fish, wildlife, or their habitats—including non-hunted or non-fished species. Priority goes to projects addressing species of greatest conservation concern identified by USFWS.
Funding supports project development and implementation activities. The program covers habitat restoration, species protection, research, education, and management projects. Cost-sharing is not required. Applicants must work within Illinois and follow state GATA procurement procedures.
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- Completed GATA application form (CSFA 422-20-0114)
- Project narrative/description
- Budget and budget narrative
- Project timeline and implementation plan
- Letters of support (if applicable)
- Organization documentation (501(c)(3) status, DUNS number)
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
-
$9,661,440
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$6,306,212
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$5,968,048
-
$5,458,943
-
$4,643,784
-
$3,962,264
-
$3,339,970
-
$3,190,856
-
$2,728,897
-
$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 this grant?
State agencies, nonprofits, municipalities, educational institutions, and tribal organizations can apply. Check with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources for specific eligibility confirmation.
Is cost-sharing required?
No cost-sharing is required for this grant. You can request the full project cost up to the maximum award amount.
What types of projects are funded?
Projects must benefit fish, wildlife, or their habitats. This includes species restoration, habitat protection, research, management, and conservation education activities.
What is the typical award range?
Awards range from $10,000 to $1,000,000 depending on project scope and available funding. The total annual pool is $1,000,000.
How often can I apply?
The grant operates on a rolling deadline basis. You can submit applications throughout the funding cycle as opportunities align with your project timeline.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Focus proposals on species of greatest conservation concern. Check USFWS priority lists for your region to strengthen competitiveness.
- Demonstrate clear conservation outcomes and measurable habitat or species benefits. Quantify expected impacts wherever possible.
- Build partnerships with agencies, universities, or nonprofits to expand project capacity. Collaborative projects often rank higher.
- Address how your project aligns with Illinois wildlife conservation priorities. Review state wildlife action plans before writing.
- Budget realistically and include detailed implementation timelines. Reviewers favor achievable, well-planned projects with clear deliverables.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Proposals failing to connect projects to USFWS conservation priorities or species of greatest concern lists. Projects with vague conservation outcomes or unmeasurable goals. Applications missing detailed budget justification or unrealistic implementation timelines.
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