State Pheasant Fund
The State Pheasant Fund by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources supports science-based projects to conserve, research, and enhance wild pheasant habitats and populations across Illinois.
Funder: Illinois Department of Natural Resources
Due Dates: August 1, 2026: Full application submission deadline (Submission Close Date for FY27 State Pheasant Fund; applications due by 5:00 PM CDT)
Funding Amounts: Total program funding: $200,000; individual awards range from $10,000–$100,000; project period up to 24 months.
Summary: Supports competitive projects by nonprofits and agencies to enhance, protect, and manage wild pheasant habitats in Illinois.
Key Information: Applicants must complete State of Illinois pre-qualification steps before submission; cost sharing is not required but may improve competitiveness.
Description
The State Pheasant Fund, administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), provides competitive grants to not-for-profit organizations and governmental entities for projects focused on wild pheasant conservation across Illinois. The program aims to preserve, protect, acquire, manage, and maintain high-quality habitats for wild pheasants. Eligible activities include habitat improvement, land acquisition, research, and public education related to pheasants and pheasant hunting. Projects are evaluated for their merit, feasibility, alignment with Illinois Wildlife Action Plan goals, and potential for public access and long-term conservation impact.
