Coastal Competitive Grants Program

The 2025 Illinois Coastal Management Program (CMP) Grants, administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), provide funding to protect and enhance the Illinois Lake Michigan coastal area. The grants focus on projects that conserve coastal habitats, improve public access and recreation, foster economic development, and support community resilience against environmental challenges. Applications for this competitive grant program are due by January 10, 2025, at 5:00 PM CST, with projects expected to begin around September 1, 2025, and lasting between 6 and 18 months. Eligible applicants include units of local government, park districts, school districts, forest preserves, universities, and nonprofit organizations. Private individuals and for-profit entities are not eligible. All applicants must be pre-qualified on the Illinois Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA) portal before submitting an application. Projects must align with CMP’s objectives and adhere to specific guidelines. This year, on-the-ground restoration and large-scale construction projects are not eligible for funding. The program categorizes funding into three focus areas. The Coastal Habitats and Species category supports planning and educational initiatives to protect and enhance habitats such as wetlands and ravines. The Coastal Public Access, Recreation, and Economic Development category aims to improve recreational opportunities, enhance access to coastal areas, and support economic activities like clean marina practices. The Coastal Community Resilience category focuses on mitigating hazards such as erosion and stormwater flooding through planning and educational efforts, with an emphasis on sustainable, nature-based solutions. Grants range from $75,000 to $250,000, requiring a 25% match of the total project cost. Applications must include a detailed project narrative, budget, performance plan, and risk assessment questionnaire, all submitted through the AmpliFund Grant Management System. Letters of commitment are required for projects on land not owned by the applicant. Applicants are encouraged to submit early to avoid disqualification due to technical issues or incomplete submissions. Proposals are scored based on need, anticipated impact, feasibility, alignment with DEAI principles, partnerships, cost-effectiveness, and applicant capacity. Successful applicants must comply with state and federal environmental review processes, submit quarterly progress reports, and participate in a mandatory grant management webinar. Additionally, the program prioritizes projects benefiting historically underserved communities and integrating inclusive practices into their design and execution. For further information, applicants can access detailed guidelines, scoring criteria, and application materials on the CMP grants website. Questions can be directed to the IDNR Coastal Management Program at 312-814-1405. This grant provides an excellent opportunity for organizations to advance conservation and resilience efforts while fostering equitable access to Illinois’s coastal resources.

Submit early to avoid technical issues; incomplete applications are automatically disqualified; letters of commitment strengthen applications; sign installation costs are best used as match.