Land & Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Grant Program

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) administers the 2025 Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Grant Program to provide funding assistance to eligible local governments for the acquisition of land intended for public outdoor recreation. The LWCF program is federally financed through the U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service. Funding is derived from revenues generated by offshore mineral deposits, user fees at federal recreation areas, federal taxes on motorboat fuels, and proceeds from the sale of surplus federal property. The program was established under the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965 to address both current and future outdoor recreation needs in the United States. The 2025 LWCF program offers up to 50 percent reimbursement funding to local units of government with statutory authority to acquire and develop public outdoor recreation land. In Illinois, at least half of the state’s annual LWCF allocation is directed toward land acquisition projects by local governments. The program prioritizes projects that acquire land for outdoor recreation, including waterfront access, natural areas, community parks, greenways, and additions to existing public recreation spaces. The LWCF does not fund site development or the acquisition of land for non-recreational purposes. Eligible applicants include municipalities, townships, counties, park districts, conservation districts, and forest preserve districts. Other governmental entities may be eligible if they have statutory authority for public park and recreation land acquisition and development. Universities and schools are explicitly ineligible. The 2025 grant cycle is open from March 3, 2025, through May 9, 2025, with applications required to be submitted via the AmpliFund Grant Management System by 5:00 PM on May 9, 2025. Applicants must also comply with the Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA) requirements, including registration in the GATA system and submission of the Standard Application and Uniform Budget Template. Applications will be evaluated competitively, with review criteria including alignment with statewide outdoor recreation priorities, demonstrated local need, local planning, site characteristics, and project diversity. Additional points are awarded for projects involving land donations, first-time park access, or economic development impacts. The IDNR reviews all applications and forwards selected projects to the National Park Service for final approval. Successful applicants typically receive formal award notifications in the spring or summer following submission. Applicants must adhere to strict project implementation guidelines, including securing appraisals approved by the IDNR, following federal Uniform Relocation Assistance requirements, and providing regular project status updates. Land acquired with LWCF assistance must be used exclusively for public outdoor recreation in perpetuity. A covenant is required on the property deed to enforce this restriction. Additionally, all facilities must comply with ADA accessibility standards and be open to all individuals regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, sex, age, or disability. The program prohibits use of LWCF-assisted land for purposes such as indoor facilities, stormwater retention, agricultural preservation, and several other non-recreational activities. Applicants are required to submit a detailed project narrative, budget, site plans, environmental assessments, and evidence of public involvement. The IDNR provides specific forms and templates for all required documentation, and applicants must follow the detailed instructions outlined in the LWCF Program Manual. The maximum grant award is $750,000 per acquisition project, with higher limits for counties and municipalities exceeding 2 million residents. Matching funds are required, covering at least 50 percent of total project costs. For questions regarding the program, applicants may contact the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Office of Grant Management and Assistance, by phone at (217) 782-7481 or by email at dnr.grants@illinois.gov.

Applicants should carefully review the LWCF Manual and follow the application checklist. Engage with IDNR staff early if questions arise regarding site eligibility or project scope.