Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Grant Program
The LWCF Grant Program funds local governments in Illinois to acquire land for public outdoor recreation and conservation, supporting park expansion and natural resource preservation.
Funder: Illinois Department of Natural Resources
Due Dates (Anticipated): March 2027 (application open) | May 2027 (full application and Q&A deadline, 5:00 PM CDT)
Funding Amounts: Up to $750,000 per acquisition project (higher limits for large counties/municipalities); typically 50% match; total program funding varies annually.
Summary: Supports acquisition of land for public outdoor recreation and conservation by local governments in Illinois.
Key Information: Grant is only for land acquisition (not development); land must be maintained in perpetuity for public recreation.
Description
The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Grant Program, administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), provides matching grants to eligible local government units for the acquisition of land intended for public outdoor recreation and conservation purposes. Funded by federal revenues from offshore oil and gas leases, the program aims to expand parklands, preserve natural resources, and enhance opportunities for outdoor recreation across Illinois. All acquired land must be maintained in perpetuity for public outdoor use, and projects are evaluated based on alignment with statewide recreation priorities.
