Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Grant Program (IL)

The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Grant Program in Illinois provides essential funding for outdoor recreation projects. It offers grants covering up to 50% of eligible expenses, with awards reaching up to $1,725,000. Established by the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965, the program aims to support state and federal agencies in meeting outdoor recreation needs, ensuring public access to natural spaces and promoting conservation efforts.

The federal Land & Water Conservation Fund program (known as both LWCF and LAWCON) is a similar program to Open Space Lands Aquisition and Development (OSLAD) with similar objectives. Both are managed in Illinois by the Department of Natural Resources. This Federal program is financed nationally by revenue from offshore oil and gas leases.
Purpose
The LWCF program was enacted by Congress in the form of Public Law 88-578, the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965 (78 Stat. 897). The purpose of the Act was to establish a specific federal funding source to assist federal and state agencies in meeting present and future outdoor recreation needs of the country. To this end, the Act provides funds for federal acquisition and development of public outdoor recreation lands and authorizes a 50% reimbursement grant-in-aid program for state outdoor recreation planning, acquisition, and development initiatives.
Funding
Funding assistance is up to 50% of eligible expenses. Grant awards of up to $1,725,000.00 are available for acquisition projects