Green Infrastructure Grant Opportunities (GIGO)

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (Illinois EPA) administers the Green Infrastructure Grant Opportunities (GIGO) program to support the construction of best management practices (BMPs) designed to prevent, eliminate, or reduce stormwater runoff, with the ultimate goal of reducing localized and riverine flooding in Illinois’ rivers, streams, and lakes. Green infrastructure refers to stormwater management techniques that preserve, restore, mimic, or enhance natural hydrology. This can include methods that use soil and vegetation to promote percolation, evapotranspiration, filtration, or the harvesting and reuse of precipitation. The Illinois EPA encourages projects that use multiple BMPs in series or within the same watershed, as these may offer greater effectiveness and efficiency. BMPs may be located on public or private land. Eligible GIGO projects include reconnection of streams to their floodplains, flow control of stormwater runoff upstream or downstream of impervious areas impacting waterways, and flow control of water generated from impervious surfaces in existing urban land use. Examples of potentially fundable BMPs are available on the program’s webpage, though listing does not guarantee eligibility. Projects are prioritized based on cost-effectiveness and potential for significant stormwater runoff reduction, with preference for BMPs proven effective in floodplain reconnection or stormwater impact reduction. The project length is generally two years unless otherwise approved. The program is funded through the State of Illinois’ Build Illinois Bond Fund, with an expected total of $5,000,000 available for awards in this cycle. The maximum grant award is $2,500,000 and the minimum is $75,000. No more than 50% of the total available funds will be awarded to a single applicant or project. GIGO operates as a reimbursement program, meaning recipients must cover project costs upfront and submit documentation for reimbursement. The Illinois EPA may partially fund projects to cover discrete portions or phases. Eligible expenses are limited to BMP implementation and certain design costs, with restrictions on indirect costs, equipment purchases, and administrative expenses. Projects require a minimum 25% match, which may include cash or in-kind contributions. Projects benefiting environmental justice areas may be eligible for up to 85% GIGO funding with a 15% match requirement. Applicants must be pre-qualified under the Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA) to receive funds. Eligible applicants include local watershed groups, land trusts, public and private organizations, units of government, educational institutions, park districts, conservation organizations, and more, provided they have legal status to accept state funds and meet GATA requirements. Pre-qualification includes registration with SAM.gov, having a valid Unique Entity Identification number, and being in good standing with relevant authorities. Certain entities are excluded if they appear on state or federal debarment or stop payment lists. Applications must be submitted via the online system and include a completed application form, location maps, detailed budgets with narratives, a GIGO Project Details Spreadsheet, and applicable supporting documentation such as designs, flood photos, and cost estimates. Additional required forms include those related to the Illinois Works Jobs Program Act and conflict of interest disclosure. Projects must include measurable outcomes such as specific quantities of BMPs to be installed and anticipated reductions in stormwater runoff. Interim milestones for BMP implementation, including design, permitting, and reporting, must be outlined with associated schedules. Applications for the FY 2026 cycle open August 5, 2025, at 12:00 PM CDT and close November 5, 2025, at 1:00 PM CST. Incomplete applications at the deadline will not be considered. Applicants may submit multiple proposals but will only receive funding for more than one project if funds remain after all other awards are made. The Illinois EPA retains the right to partially fund projects or deny funding at its discretion. Contact for programmatic questions is Jeffrey Edstrom, Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, Bureau of Water, WMS #15, P.O. Box 19276, Springfield, IL 62794-9276, email jeffrey.edstrom@illinois.gov, phone 217-782-3362. Fiscal and administrative questions should be directed to epa.gata@illinois.gov. Additional information is available on the program’s webpage.