Grants for Green Infrastructure for Healthy Waters and Wildlife in Illinois (USA)
GrantID: 74143
Grant Funding Amount Low: $150,000
Deadline: Ongoing
Grant Amount High: $400,000
Summary
Conservation grant program currently accepting proposals for funding up to approximately $400,000 per project. Interested applicants include nonprofit organizations, local or tribal governments, and public education or research institutions. These awards are intended for projects located primarily within and around major rivers and their tributaries—and must demonstrate tangible local or regional ecological and community benefits.
Funding is organized into three broad topic areas. The first supports the enhancement of fish and wildlife habitat—efforts like riparian buffer creation, in-stream habitat restoration, invasive species control, or wetland enhancement earn priority when they promote biodiversity, water quality, and species of concern. The second area focuses on nature-based stormwater management, such as rain gardens, stormwater wetlands, urban forests, bioswales, or pervious surfaces—projects are valued for their ability to reduce runoff by substantial volumes (tens or hundreds of thousands of gallons annually) while benefitting natural systems. The third category supports activation of restored natural areas, including trail building, access points, educational programming, stewardship capacity, and inclusive engagement to bring people into nature.
Projects are expected to be multi-year (typically two to three seasons or years) and must include concrete goals and metrics—such as gallons of stormwater captured, acres of habitat improved, miles of trails added, or projected community engagement reach. While matching funds are encouraged, they aren’t required, and applicants are not individuals or commercial entities. Priority is given to collaborative projects that combine ecological restoration with community access, public engagement, long-term stewardship, and scalable impact.
Funding round includes an applicant webinar in June, a proposal deadline in late July, and award announcements later in the year. This opportunity is well-suited for mission-driven nonprofits, municipalities, tribal groups, and educational institutions seeking significant support—typically within the mid‑to‑high‑hundreds of thousands of dollars—for collaborative, nature-based projects that restore habitat, manage stormwater naturally, and enhance public use of restored river corridors.
Organizations and individuals based in Illinois who are engaged in Non-Profit Support Services may be eligible to apply for this funding opportunity. To discover more grants that align with your mission and objectives, visit The Grant Portal and explore listings using the Search Grant tool.
Eligible Regions
Interests
Eligible Requirements
