Chi–Cal Rivers Fund

The Chi-Cal Rivers Fund is now accepting applications for its 2025 funding cycle, offering competitive grant opportunities to enhance the waterways and natural habitats of the Chicago and Calumet region. This fund is managed by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), in collaboration with partners including BNSF Railway, Cleveland-Cliffs, Crown Family Philanthropies, Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation, Joyce Foundation, Hunter Family Foundation, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Forest Service, and the Walder Foundation. The fund aims to strengthen the resilience of the region’s natural systems and communities against environmental stressors through targeted conservation efforts. The primary objectives of the Chi-Cal Rivers Fund are to reduce stormwater runoff using nature-based infrastructure, improve the quality and connectivity of fish and wildlife habitats, and foster community engagement through improved public access to restored natural areas. The program supports voluntary conservation projects that achieve these goals. Projects must take place near or directly benefit major waterways in the Chicago and Calumet system. The program prioritizes initiatives that align with NFWF’s Great Lakes Business Plan and demonstrate ecological, community, and strategic value. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, state and local government entities, tribal governments and organizations, and educational institutions. Federal agencies, individuals, and for-profit businesses are not eligible to apply. Projects typically span two to three years, with a preference for those demonstrating a clear plan for sustainability, community engagement, and measurable ecological outcomes. While matching funds are encouraged to show broad project support, they are not required. However, applicants may allocate up to 15 percent of their budget towards monitoring and maintenance activities to ensure long-term project benefits. Proposals will be evaluated based on alignment with program goals, technical merit, budget, project location, community impact, partnerships, and scalability. Priority will be given to projects that apply a substantial portion of funding to on-the-ground implementation, incorporate strong community and partnership frameworks, and demonstrate a robust plan for post-project monitoring and maintenance. Detailed project metrics are required for tracking progress, and applicants must report anticipated outcomes using standardized categories provided in the fund’s guidelines. Key dates for the 2025 cycle include an applicant webinar on June 25, 2025, a workshop for applicants on July 9, 2025, and the full proposal deadline of July 30, 2025. Final funding decisions will be announced in November 2025. Interested applicants are required to submit their proposals online through NFWF’s Easygrants system. Technical support is available through the Easygrants helpdesk, and applicants are encouraged to review the Easygrants instructional webinar prior to submission. For more information or assistance, applicants can contact Aislinn Gauchay at Aislinn.Gauchay@nfwf.org or 612-564-7284, and Traci Giefer at Traci.Giefer@nfwf.org or 612-564-7296.

Applicants are encouraged to attend the informational webinars, contact NFWF staff for guidance prior to application, and align projects with existing plans and community needs.