Acquisition of Land or Conservation Easements Grant Program

The Prairie State Conservation Fund (PSCF) is a newly established grant-making initiative administered by the Prairie State Conservation Coalition (PSCC), following the award of a $47 million grant from the Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation (ICECF) in 2024. The fund aims to support the acquisition and long-term protection of natural areas and wildlife habitats across the state of Illinois. ICECF, a key player in funding renewable energy and conservation initiatives from 1999 to 2024, concluded its operations by awarding its final grant to PSCC, ensuring that its mission would continue through the work of PSCF. The PSCF program is specifically designed to fund projects that acquire land or permanent conservation easements. These acquisitions must result in the preservation or enhancement of Illinois’s natural habitats and wildlife areas. Projects must be located entirely within Illinois and must provide public access once it is deemed safe. Projects that fail to meet these criteria—particularly those not geared toward the protection of natural areas—will not be funded under this program. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and units of local government with statutory authority to acquire land for public open space purposes, such as forest preserve districts, conservation districts, township open space districts, and park districts. Each application must include an appraisal of the property, conducted within the past 12 months by a licensed appraiser in Illinois, and must adhere to Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP). The appraisal must also provide the contributory value of any buildings or improvements on the land. The PSCF program mandates a minimum 20% match of the purchase price, which can be satisfied through cash or in-kind contributions. Grant funds cannot be used for the purchase of buildings, although matching funds may be applied for such purposes. Furthermore, properties cannot be purchased for more than 10% above their appraised value. In cases where the grantee transfers property ownership after acquisition, proceeds must be reinvested in acquiring additional natural habitat lands, and the new property holder must also be a qualified nonprofit or government agency. The application process begins with a required Letter of Intent (LOI), which must be submitted by August 1, 2025. If the LOI is approved, applicants will receive a link to submit a full proposal by August 15, 2025. The full proposal must include a comprehensive project description, transaction details, stewardship plans, budget, financial documentation, maps, and relevant IRS or legal authorization letters depending on the applicant’s entity type. PSCC may also request additional documentation during the review process. The grant award process is competitive, and applicants may receive funding at levels below their requested amounts. Awards will be announced in fall 2025, following a full proposal review that may take up to three months or longer. For more information or to discuss eligibility and project fit, applicants are encouraged to contact Brad Hanzel, Senior Grant Program Officer, at pscc@prairiestateconservationcoalition.org.

The grantor may request additional information; ensure the property appraisal meets USPAP standards and plan for stewardship commitments