– State Wildlife Grants (FY26)
Can you apply?
This grant is for conservation projects that protect fish, wildlife, and their habitats in Illinois. Eligible applicants typically include state agencies, nonprofits, universities, and other entities working on wildlife management. Projects may benefit hunted/fished species or species of greatest conservation concern. The program prioritizes projects addressing state wildlife priorities identified by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
Activities supported include research, habitat restoration, species surveys, management planning, and education. Equipment and personnel costs are generally allowable. Direct project costs range from $10,000 to $800,000 per award.
This grant is for conservation projects that protect fish, wildlife, and their habitats in Illinois. Eligible applicants typically include state agencies, nonprofits, universities, and other entities working on wildlife management. Projects may benefit hunted/fished species or species of greatest conservation concern. The program prioritizes projects addressing state wildlife priorities identified by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
Activities supported include research, habitat restoration, species surveys, management planning, and education. Equipment and personnel costs are generally allowable. Direct project costs range from $10,000 to $800,000 per award.
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 conservation projects that protect fish, wildlife, and their habitats in Illinois. Eligible applicants typically include state agencies, nonprofits, universities, and other entities working on wildlife management. Projects may benefit hunted/fished species or species of greatest conservation concern. The program prioritizes projects addressing state wildlife priorities identified by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
Activities supported include research, habitat restoration, species surveys, management planning, and education. Equipment and personnel costs are generally allowable. Direct project costs range from $10,000 to $800,000 per award.
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- Project narrative with clear objectives and conservation outcomes
- Budget and budget justification
- Organizational capacity documentation
- Letters of support from partners
- Project timeline
- Evaluation plan with measurable metrics
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
-
$6,306,212
-
$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, universities, and other qualified organizations working on wildlife conservation. Check the CSFA catalog for complete eligibility details.
Is there a deadline?
The program operates on a rolling basis. Check the Illinois CSFA or IDNR website for specific submission windows.
What types of projects are funded?
Research, habitat restoration, species monitoring, management plans, and education benefiting fish, wildlife, and habitats. Priority given to species of greatest conservation concern.
How competitive is this grant?
Highly competitive. Focus on clear conservation outcomes, species of state priority, and strong partnerships. Well-designed proposals have better success rates.
What is the funding range?
Awards typically range from $10,000 to $800,000. Larger awards are more competitive.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Align your project with Illinois' state wildlife action plan and species of greatest conservation concern. Reference specific IDNR conservation priorities.
- Include clear measurable outcomes tied to habitat conditions or species population improvements. Vague goals reduce competitiveness.
- Partner with IDNR staff early to understand state priorities. Their input strengthens applications significantly.
- Budget realistically with detailed justifications. Equipment and salary costs must be well-documented and necessary.
- Build in adaptive management and evaluation plans. Reviewers expect you to track progress and adjust strategies.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Proposals misaligned with state wildlife action plan or lacking clear species conservation focus. Weak evaluation plans without measurable metrics for success. Insufficient detail on how project addresses species of greatest conservation concern.
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