Youth and Young Adult Conservation Education Program (FY25)
🏛 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 youth and young adult education and employment in conservation. Eligible applicants likely include nonprofits, schools, and government agencies operating in Illinois. The program supports projects that develop workforce skills and natural resource stewardship. Activities include education programs, employment training, and conservation work.
Geographic scope is Illinois only. Applicants must demonstrate commitment to youth engagement and resource management. Cost sharing is required, so applicants must secure matching funds.
⚖️ Cost sharing / matching required — applicants must contribute their own funds.
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Program description
Funding to establish the Youth and Young Adult Conservation and Education Pilot Program to provide education and employment opportunities for the youth and young adults of this State to further the development and maintenance of the natural resources by Illinois’ youth and, in so doing, to prepare them for the responsibility of maintaining and managing these resources. Administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources via the Illinois GATA Catalog of State Financial Assistance (CSFA 422-10-3445).
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
Demographic focus
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- GATA Application Form
- Project Narrative/Proposal
- Budget and Budget Narrative
- Cost-share documentation
- Organizational capacity materials
- Letters of support/partnership agreements
- Youth outcomes/evaluation plan
Program contact
- 👤 DNR Grants
- 📧 dnr.grants@illinois.gov
FAQ
Who can apply for this grant?
Nonprofits, schools, government agencies, and conservation organizations based in Illinois can typically apply. Verify eligibility with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources GATA Catalog.
What is the cost-sharing requirement?
Cost sharing is required, but the specific percentage is not specified in available documentation. Contact IDNR for exact match requirements.
What activities does this grant fund?
The program funds youth education, job training, and employment opportunities in conservation. Supported activities develop skills for natural resource management and stewardship.
What is the funding timeline?
The grant operates on a rolling deadline with no specific cutoff date announced. Check the Illinois GATA Catalog for current submission windows and dates.
How competitive is this grant?
With $2.5M total funding and youth focus, competition is typically moderate to strong. Strong applications emphasize youth outcomes and measurable conservation impact.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Emphasize youth employment outcomes and long-term career pathways in conservation. Show how participants gain marketable skills.
- Demonstrate strong partnerships with schools, employers, and community organizations. Collaboration strengthens competitiveness.
- Clearly budget and identify your cost-share contribution. Be specific about matching funds sources.
- Align your project with Illinois' natural resource priorities and workforce development goals.
- Include evaluation metrics tied to youth participation, skill development, and job placement rates.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Underestimating cost-share requirements or securing insufficient matching funds. Vague youth outcomes and unclear career pathway connections. Weak organizational capacity demonstration or lack of conservation partnerships.
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