Special Wildlife Funds Illinois Habitat Fund Grant Program
Forecasted
Special Wildlife Funds Illinois Habitat Fund Grant Program supports land managers with habitat development, management, acquisition, and equipment to protect Illinois wildlife habitat and improve connectivity.
This grant was recently updated
The funder removed the FY27 application window of July 1–August 1, 2026, and the “Apply Now” label; no replacement dates were posted. It also added Office of Grant Management and Assistance contact details, including (217) 782-7481.
Funder: Illinois Department of Natural Resources
Due Dates (Anticipated): August 2027 (Application deadline)
Funding Amounts: FY27 reference: $10,000–$300,000 per award; $500,000 total funding; approximately two-year grant period
Summary: Supports land managers preserving, protecting, acquiring, and managing Illinois habitat for game and non-game wildlife.
Key Information: Applicants must manage land and be pre-qualified through the State of Illinois Grantee Portal.
Description
The Illinois Habitat Fund is part of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources’ Special Wildlife Funds Grant Program. Administered by the Office of Resource Conservation’s Division of Wildlife Resources, it provides competitive, merit-based support for preserving and maintaining high-quality wildlife habitat. Funding comes from purchases of Illinois Habitat Stamps.
The program seeks to improve habitat quality and connectivity across Illinois wetlands, woodlands, grasslands, and agricultural lands, whether natural or altered. It supports habitat development, management, acquisition, and related equipment purchases. Projects addressing the Forest and Woodland, Farmland and Prairie, or Wetland Campaign goals in the Illinois Wildlife Action Plan Implementation Guide tend to score higher, particularly when they offer feasible methods, reasonable costs, and public access. Species referenced in applications should also appear in the Illinois Wildlife Action Plan.
