Habitat Funding
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources' Habitat Funding program supports science-based projects to restore, manage, and enhance wildlife habitats and biodiversity across Illinois.
Funder: Illinois Department of Natural Resources
Due Dates (Anticipated): August 2026: Full application deadline | August 2026: Grantee pre-qualification deadline | August 2026: Submission close date (projected Aug 4, 2026)
Funding Amounts: Typical awards range from $10,000 to $300,000; estimated total program funding ~$364,000–$667,000; project period up to 24 months.
Summary: Competitive grants for not-for-profits and government entities to enhance, protect, acquire, or manage wildlife habitats in Illinois.
Key Information: Pre-qualification in the Illinois GATA portal is required before applying.
Description
The Illinois Habitat Funding program provides competitive grants to not-for-profit organizations and governmental entities for projects that preserve, protect, acquire, or manage wildlife habitats across Illinois. The program is part of the Special Wildlife Funds Grant Program administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), aiming to support both game and non-game habitat enhancement projects statewide. Eligible projects may include native seed purchases, habitat management equipment, restoration activities, and land acquisition to benefit wildlife and biodiversity.
