Illinois Habitat Fund Grant

The Illinois Habitat Fund Grant supports not-for-profit organizations and governmental entities in preserving and maintaining high-quality habitat lands. This grant aims to manage, conserve, and protect Illinois' natural resources while enhancing public understanding and appreciation. Projects funded are competitive and evaluated based on merit, focusing on improving habitat quality and connectivity for wildlife. The initiative ensures that these vital ecosystems are safeguarded for future generations, addressing both ecological and educational goals.

NOTE: All grantees are required to register with the State of Illinois, complete a prequalification process, and be determined "qualified."
The Illinois Habitat Fund provides grants to appropriate not-for-profit organizations and to governmental entities for projects designated exclusively for the preservation and maintenance of high-quality habitat lands. This Fund is part of the Special Wildlife Funds Grant Program. Grants through the Illinois Habitat Fund are competitive and are evaluated for their merit.
Grant funding through this Fund supports activities and programs undertaken by land managers to preserve, protect, acquire, manage, and maintain high quality habitat for future generations. Goals include improving habitat quality and connectivity. Habitat can be characterized by such parameters as type, native diversity, size, structure, scarcity, and location. Connectivity is defined as linkage with neighboring habitat, whether existing or potential. Illinois’ habitat includes all wetlands, woodlands, grasslands, and agricultural lands, natural or altered, that support or have the potential to support populations of wild animals in any or all phases of their life cycles. See 520 ILCS 25/10 for full text of the Habitat Endowment Act.